Île-à-la-Crosse gospel singer nominated for Indigenous music award
- EFN Staff | March 07, 2019
A northern gospel singer has been nominated for this year’s Indigenous Music Awards. Erin Aubichon from Île-à-la-Crosse felt in shock at first after she found out that she was nominated for 2019 best gospel album award.
“I had many reactions but they came in stages,” she said. “My first reaction was ‘I was nominated?’ After that, came the excitement that this is really happening. Then came the feeling of having an opportunity and being grateful for that opportunity.”
Aubichon, 28, always had a growing interest in the art of music ever since she was a child. At the age of nine, she got her first karaoke and started singing constantly by the age of 15. Aubichon joined a few talent shows and showcases in Saskatchewan as well as Edmonton to experience the presence of being on stage. At the age of 17, she had joined a band which were her father, brother and cousins. They went around the province playing gigs up to Hay River as well as North Dakota for a Metis Fest.
“Other events I was privileged to be a part of was to sing at an Aboriginal award show at the Enok Casino,” she said. “I had the honour to be part of an event to contribute my talent for a Telemiracle back in 2008, 2015 as well as 2016.”
Aubichon has her own studio at home and its where she creates her music. Her hobbies include drawing, singing and painting.
“Basically, I love anything artistic. I always had a passion for creating,” she added.
One of her biggest inspirations is her father, Barry Gardner who used to sing back in the day. But nowadays, he traded his passion for singing to play various instruments and creating music.
“My father did music when I was growing up. From there, I started working on my voice. Soon after, I started having other inspirations such as George Jones, Whitney Houston, Ronny Milsap, Shania Twain and the list goes on.”
Aubichon said it doesn’t matter if she wins the 2019 Best Gospel Album award or not. The main thing is being recognized as a singer. She said this nomination is the door that opens possibilities for her.
“I never know what’s next. I just go with opportunities that come my way,” she said.
The Indigenous Music Awards are on May 17, 2019 in Winnipeg held at the Club Regent Event Centre.