Sandra Sutter Premieres Her Sparkling Single “Sunshine Child”

As a result of her influences and her upbringing, Sandra Sutter has an interesting and unique perspective on life. It shines through on her brand-new single “Sunshine Child.” The song is from the Cree-Métis singer-songwriter’s latest album Shadow Stories, due for release on June 13th.

With obvious jazz influences, “Sunshine Child” is a warm, heartfelt song that has a certain calming effect to it. It’s specifically directed towards the children in our lives and the special presence they have. The song is meant to serve as a reminder that no matter where a child’s journey takes them, they are never alone. As they walk their own path, they are supported and loved, and their presence is a gift. But within that supportive structure, a child must be afforded the freedom to find their own way.

As an Indigenous person, Sutter is well aware of the challenges that young Indigenous people are forced to confront. From those who came before them, subjected to the abuses of residential schools, to those in the present who have died by suicide or battle substance abuse issues, Indigenous youth have many unique challenges. In Sutter’s view, it’s up to adult communities to honour these children and lift them up in ways that we can.

Discussing “Sunshine Child,” Sutter tells us:

“The bond between a parent, or a parent figure, and a child is one of the strongest forces. Like a dancer expressing emotion through movement, love flows between them – vibrant, spinning, and powerful. Yet, at times, they may not fully see each other, which can be painful. My wish is that every child feels the pure, selfless love they deserve, knowing they are a beautiful gift.

“This song reflects the strength it takes to step back, allowing children to grow. It’s a reminder to parents not to overprotect and to young people to care for themselves as they find their way. Like the dancers of my imagination, I just want to symbolically spin around them and protect them with good energy, as they wander out into the world.”

Based in Calgary, Sandra Sutter has become known for her musical diversity. With Shadow Stories, she felt compelled to lean heavily into a jazz-inspired sound. It’s not a jazz record in the traditional sense. But it has a lot of jazzy elements, a genre she has long been fond of. She hopes that this album helps introduce young Indigenous people to jazz while also empowering them to share their own stories. With jazz a large part of her early songwriting, Sutter looked back to some of her early work in writing this record. So she reimagined some of her earlier songs and infused them with jazzy qualities.

Sutter is a songwriter who aims for the sky, and her ambition has led her down a road of creativity to some of the most interesting work she has ever done.

Shadow Stories Track Listing:

1. Sunshine Child
2. Should I
3. Just Like the Moon
4. Change Your Mind
5. Rebound
6. Trapeze Girl
7. Midnight Serenade
8. Change Your Mind (prod. Alexander Alexanderov) (bonus track)

Sandra Sutter “Sunshine Child” single artwork