With this time of year comes the inevitable flow of introspective reflections. Accomplishments, setbacks, and moments in between shape our stories all the same, informing who we are and granting the strength needed for what’s ahead. Determined to encapsulate this process of forward motion, Montreal-based “Inuindie” artist Beatrice Deer has released her sixth studio album SHIFTING, out now.

Deer has garnered acclaim for her innovative approach to indie rock. Her award-winning catalogue has been recognized for its fusion of traditional Inuit tales and throat singing with contemporary folk and pensive originality. SHIFTING continues in that vein, documenting the singer-songwriter’s road towards self-actualization. “Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, the transition towards our authentic selves continues,” says Deer of her latest project. “As I shift into the position where I’m meant to be, I want to keep using what I’ve learned to help others.”

Across the album, Deer orients her unique experience in the universally-binding challenge that is seeking light through the darkness. As she expresses her captivating story across three languages (Inuktitut, English and French) and numerous sub-genres, her latest release maintains a steady focus on illustrating the path towards continual transformation.

Certain tracks off of SHIFTING explicitly allude to the woman-in-progress. On recent single “THE STORM,” Deer wields post-punk sensibilities to heighten the metaphor of a northern snowstorm representing the flurries of life itself. “SUNAUVVA” grounds Deer in a shoegaze-y smog, with her euphoric voice eventually breaking from the percussive and throat-sung fury, determined to heal. “MOTHER” coddles the listener in its sonic warmth, as Deer pays a touching tribute to the woman whose journey has inspired her own.

Elsewhere in the album, Deer turns that meditative gaze outwards. With “UQAUTINNGA,” Deer passionately implores the children of tomorrow to believe in their own futures. “HISTORY” sees Deer’s airy vocals cut deep with poignant lyricism; she shakes the listener by the shoulders over a determined indie beat. “Get out of your history and into your destiny,” she cries – these adamant reflections aim to stoke change in others and, at once, serve as reminders for the self.

Altogether, the sonic and lyrical elements to SHIFTING traverse the same meandering and enlightening road. Its dips and forks tell stories of versatility and resilience, grounded in Beatrice Deer’s distinctive blend of tradition and experimentation.

SHIFTING

Released December 10th, 2021

1. FREE

2. UQAUTINNGA

3. AANNGIQ

4. ILINNUT - a prayer

5. THE STORM

6. SUNAUVVA

7. CANNIBAL

8. HISTORY

9. MOTHER (version francaise)

10. CHRISTMAS

Vocals, Inuit throat singing, and ukele by Beatrice Deer

Acoustic/electric guitars, keyboards, and bass by Chris McCarron

Drums and keyboards by Mark Wheaton

Drone synthesizer and bass by Michael Felber

Lap steel and acoustic/electric guitars by Jordey Tucker

French horn, piano, and keyboards by Pietro Amato

Harp by Sarah Pagé

Flute and saxophones by Erik Hove

Accordion by Eva Deer

Backing vocals by Elliott Wheaton


All lyrics written by Beatrice Deer except for AANGIQ (traditional)

All songs written by Beatrice Deer and arranged by Mark Wheaton & Chris McCarron

Recorded, engineered and produced by Mark Wheaton & Chris McCarron at BSE Studios and Skybarn in Montreal

Lyrics for MOTHER (version française) adapted by Kathia Rock

Mixed by Jace Lasek {tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11}

Mixed by Pietro Amato {tracks 3, 4, 9}

Mastered by Philip Gosselin

Album cover art by Niap, design & layout by Heath Cairns

Beatrice Deer

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YouTube | Apple Music | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Rebecca Judd is the features editor of Also Cool Mag.

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