Article by Melanie Macpherson
Award graphic by Brian Snell
Some albums stop you in your tracks. For us at NSMZ, Redlines by Sëdézë was one of those rare works—an unexpected treasure that not only captivated our ears but also left a lasting mark on our hearts. Seamlessly blending indie rock, soul, and a powerful connection to their Indigenous roots, Redlines is as polished and professional as it is deeply personal. It’s the kind of debut that announces a band as a force to be reckoned with, and it’s no surprise it has been named NSMZ’s 2024 Album of the Year.
Lead vocalist and drummer Karlen Janvier and guitarist and vocalist Jade Houle formed the nucleus of Sëdézë after years of playing music together. Joined by Lovina Tootoosis during their early days busking across Western Canada, the group expanded in 2024 with the additions of JP Simard and Taylor Marten. Following Tootoosis’s departure later that year, the lineup was completed with the arrival of bassist vbnd (aka Devon Gunn). Though she left the band shortly after the album’s release, Tootoosis’s contributions to Redlines remain significant, helping shape the band’s early sound and direction.
Janvier and Houle graciously shared their thoughts on the making of Redlines and the journey the band has taken since its release. Janvier shared that while recording the album, he didn’t know exactly what to expect. “All I knew was that we were in good hands with a very talented group of people. Moments that made it feel like we were making something great were honestly hearing the playback when we were done recording all the tracks. It sounded so good raw, I knew it was only going to sound even better mixed and mastered.”
Houle echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the excitement of watching the songs come to life. “It’s always a really cool moment for me hearing it all come together from small ideas and getting a sense of the sound that’s being created and the feeling it conveys. I like to think when all the heads in the room are boppin’, you’re usually on the right track.”
The organic nature of Sëdézë’s creative process is one of the album’s defining features. “The sound of the album wasn’t necessarily intentional,” Janvier explained. “We didn’t set out to have a specific sound. The sound for Redlines is just all of our styles blending together.” Houle added, “A big part of how we create music is just coming together and jamming each other’s ideas so everybody can bring their own influence to the sound.”
This collaborative spirit shines through in every track, but Earthside holds special meaning for the band. “Our band name Sëdézë means ‘little sister’ in Dënë and is a tribute to my little sister Destiny-Rain who took her own life in 2023,” Janvier shared. “Earthside is a song about suicide awareness and mental health and has an important message for people struggling.” Houle described Earthside as one of his favorite tracks to play live, noting how seamlessly it came together during the creative process.
Since the release of Redlines, Sëdézë has undergone lineup changes that have brought new energy to the band. vbnd has joined as bassist, allowing Marten to transition to guitar while Janvier takes on lead vocals. “Bringing Devon in has brought lots of good energy, and we’ve been writing lots of new music,” Janvier said. He shared that the lineup switch will influence their sound, as each member contributes their own style. “You can look forward to the same deadly sound you’ve come to expect from us.” Houle reflected on the band’s growth, adding, “The experiences we’ve all shared have helped us grow as musicians, and we’re glad to be able to continue doing what we love to do.”
Looking ahead, Sëdézë fans have plenty to be excited about. The band plans to record a new single by the end of January and is aiming to release a new EP in the coming months. “It’s been an awesome year, and it’s been amazing to see the response, which we are forever grateful for,” Houle shared. “We currently have some more material in the works that we’re excited to get out there soon!”
With Redlines, Sëdézë has created something truly special, setting a high bar for indie music in Saskatchewan. Their seamless blend of soulful vocals, upbeat melodies, and emotional depth combined with a deep connection to their roots, makes their music uniquely impactful. Follow them on Instagram (@sedeze.official) and Facebook (@sedeze) to stay tuned for their next chapter—you won’t want to miss it.
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