After releasing three EPs and a single in multiple musical genres in 2020, The Hiking Songwriter celebrates the promise of 2023 with a full-length album entitled “Yours to Define”. The Hiking Songwriter is the alter ego of Memramcook Acadian artist André Saulnier.
The launch will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., at the Monument Lefebvre Theatre in Memramcook. The artist will be accompanied by six musicians for a great show where the public will be able to discover the complete universe of the artist and his new album. Tickets are already on sale on the Monument website.
A first single entitled “Don’t Quit on Me” is available now on all digital platforms.
A virtuoso artist with an eclectic discography
André Saulnier (@thehikingsongwriter on social media) lives and works in southern New Brunswick, more precisely in the village of Memramcook. As the artist is prolific and works in different musical styles, he wished to choose an artist name for this new album and thus distinguish this project from others. Passionate about hiking and the outdoors, he chose the nickname The Hiking Songwriter as his alias for his new album.
Since the early 2000’s, after studying music at the Université de Moncton, he has proven himself on the local scene as a musician and performer, gaining popularity in the community. Playing his own French and English compositions, but also flamenco style instrumental pieces and covers, the artist has over 500 titles in his repertoire ranging from rock to folk, country to jazz and even punk to metal!!! André Saulnier is known for his fusion of catchy melodies, his guitar dexterity on flamenco inspired tunes, and for his stunning vocal performances. Using his diverse musical inspirations and life experiences, he aims to create authentic and captivating musical paintings. He sings from the heart, for the heart, and above all enjoys a collective experience with his audience.
Prior to “Yours to Define”, The Hiking Songwriter released the single “By My Side” (2020) and four other EPs under his own name: the instrumental journey of “The Alchemist: Part I” (2020), the Franco-Acadian anthems of “Lumière dans le sombre” (2020), and in a folksy style, the albums “Perfectly Flawed” (2017) and “The Man on the Wall” (2014).
In 2020, he released a 20-minute piece called “The Edge of the World” with the progressive rock band Frozen Pendulum. The composer also wrote music and played guitar and bass for the metal band Monogost on their debut EP, “Fool’s Gold” (2018).
“Yours to Define”, a radiant album of hope and joie de vivre
The 12-track album comes just in time for the beautiful days that herald renewal and newfound joie de vivre. With this album, the singer-songwriter wants to warm the hearts and transport the public into moments of introspection, but also on cheerful and unifying tunes. It features fiery guitar playing, moving lyrics and complex compositions. The dynamic and motivating lyrics of “Don’t Quit on Me”, the defiant and self-care anthem of “I Could Have Waited”, the percussive rhythms of “I Will Never Be the One” are breaths of fresh air that renew the ambient air with positivism. In his lyrics, André Saulnier encourages listeners to overcome all obstacles, to never give up and to celebrate life. As he wisely explains: “Don’t let others control your life and try to define you, because that’s up to you. Climb the many mountains of life by conquering them one confident step at a time,” he says.
“Yours to Define” was recorded, mixed and mastered by Denis Landry. The album features André Saulnier on vocals, bass and guitar, as well as violinist Matt Hayes, drummer Jason MacArthur, percussionist Chris Mersereau and backup singer Mélanie Beaulieu. The album cover was designed by Melissa Sivret and the booklet by Kina Design. The album will be available in CD and digital versions on May 19, 2023. Vinyl will also be available for pre-order.
First single “Don’t Quit on Me”
Video : https://youtu.be/J4ljunYahI0
On all platforms via Linktree : https://linktr.ee/AndreSaulnier
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thehikingsongwriter
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thehikingsongwriter
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/saulnierandre
