We recently connected with BlkBird and have shared our conversation below.

BlkBird, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my debut EP “– to ash”. I have recorded and released music before as part of a band but this was my first solo work and I had complete creative freedom and got to express myself fully and completely for the first time. I got to work with 3-time Grammy award winning producer, David Bottrill (Rush, Peter Gabriel, The Smashing Pumpkins, Tool) and learned so much from him. He completely understood my vision — I think he understood it even more than me sometimes — and brought my songs to life. I worked with amazing musicians who added so much depth and atmosphere to my music and I am so grateful. Everyone on the EP was so kind and so easy to work with. It really felt like everything was just falling into place. I was so happy to put music out in the world that I fully believed in. Hearing these songs come to life was so fulfilling and surreal.

BlkBird, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Chanel Martins — known artistically as BlkBird — and I am an alternative singer/songwriter based out of Ontario. I decided to pursue a career in music as music has been my lifeline for as long as I can remember. Whether it was singing, songwriting or listening to music, music has always been a saviour for me. My mission is to create authentic music that helps others the way that my favourite artists/bands helped me. There are countless songs that have made me feel so deeply in so many different ways. Whether the song punches you in the gut or makes life feel less heavy or makes you dance, I want to contribute to that. I want to be a part of the consuming and magical world of music.

I performed for the first time when I was 10 at a talent show and that further ignited my passion for music. I started vocal lessons right away and performed any time I got the chance. I started a band when I was 15 and we started releasing original music and gigging almost every weekend. I’m extremely grateful that during that time we got the opportunity to open up for Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) and Puddle of Mudd. I was underage for these shows and the Scott Weiland concert was 19+ so I unfortunately did not get to see Scott Weiland perform. Sadly this was his last ever show but I am beyond honored that I got to be a part of it. I was also honored to get the opportunity to play with Ian D’Sa (Billy Talent) and Cone McCaslin (Sum 41) last year for Make Music Matter’s Unplugged Together fundraiser. They were so kind and it’s a day I’ll always remember. You can find our performances from the fundraiser and learn more about Make Music Matter (a nonprofit that is truly changing the world) on my YouTube channel linked below.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Making someone feel something and making people feel understood through your music. Someone telling you that they relate to your music and feel less alone because of it is the most important thing to me. Also seeing your own growth through your music is rewarding. When you write something at a low point and then get to see the song through to a live show or a studio recording, you come full circle at a high point and it’s very healing and rewarding.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Not everyone has the time or finances to go to a show and/or buy merch which do really help but there are so many things you can do for free and/or quickly to significantly help an indie artist! You can give an indie artist a chance by streaming their songs fully and if you like their music, you can share their socials and/or music online or show your friends/family! Engage on their posts by liking, commenting or saving. These are all small acts that you can take to really support an artist!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blkbirdofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkbird.official/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialblkbird
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIv5HKTrcnVu4IjflvTjMg
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blkbirdofficial Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/blkbird/1631886243 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77wt91Ke2gfJjZFkFnfiMe

Image Credits
Live Photos: Eden Graham Other Photos: Greg Paupst