Local musician Sandrine Masse releases first EP

Sophie Demers

 

Sandrine Masse released her first EP which is a collection of five tracks that tells the story of her quest for identity. Masse recounts her life stories in sometimes personal, sometimes universal terms throughout her music. The “L’ours noir” EP is a mix of folk and flow rap chords, released on May 20, she is both Wendat and Quebecer from the Outaouais,
The songs were designed while Masse was living in Wendake, an Indigenous reserve near Quebec City as well as her stay in Nunavik. The EP was written, composed and produced with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. The songs can be found on all streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple music.
Masse was born in Montreal and grew up in Gatineau. The singer-songwriter is a graduate of the Music program at the Université de Montréal. Along with being a musician, Masse is also a music teacher. She plans to move back to Wendake, after she completes her time at the École nationale de la chanson in Granby.
The first song on the EP “Wendat Rap” was her first single which was presented on the radio in March. The track explores flow rap and was requested by the high school students that Masse teaches. The second song “L’ours noir” tells the tale of an encounter in Gatineau Park with a man and bear that would end up being the reincarnation of his grandmother. The song explores nature and being close to one's ancestors. “Into the Earth” is a metaphor for the evangelization of Indigenous peoples. “Dear Moon, Don’t Be So Bright” discusses the conflict that comes with wanting to live in the city and the need to be in nature. Finally, “I love you the same” is about a woman that is trying to help a friend that suffers with addiction.
The artist sings about the history of the Wendat Nation in songs that can be reclaimed by her people and allows listeners to understand the forgotten Wendat past.
Photo 1: Sandrine Masse releases first album May 10. Photo: Courtesy