Canadian Music Week sees hundreds of bands descending on Toronto, aspiring to fulfil their dreams. But for Attawapiskat-based group Midnight Shine, it’s a chance to give hope to a community in severe distress.

The quartet — singer Adrian Sutherland, guitarist Zach Tomatuk, bassist Stan Louttit and drummer George Gillies — have performed around northern Ontario since 2011. Louttit says the band uses their music — classic rock, roots and progressive pop — to inspire others, particularly youth in a remote region with a tragically high suicide rate.

“Adrian is from Attawapiskat,” Louttit says. “He’s into very traditional activities like drumming and traditional singing. He would see his role as trying to provide a positive picture of himself — plus the music he sings about and some of the issues that may touch on his community and identity issues.”
Louttit also says Midnight Shine receives ample support from Attawapiskat youth. That pride stems from Sutherland’s lyrics.

“The things Adrian is singing about — as I say, identity, the elders, the kind of healing work — Adrian has definitely lived that,” Louttit says. “He wants to show that it is possible to pursue something like music. It is possible if you come from a community where there’s a lot of difficulties or challenges, and, if you have enough will and focus, you can put something positive out there.”

It’s a message the group is trying to share with a bigger audience. Louttit says CMW could be a launching pad for the band regarding landing slots at various Canadian festivals.

Perhaps the biggest CMW-related perk for Midnight Shine is performing a private showcase gig at the Horseshoe Tavern, an iconic venue Louttit gets anxious just thinking about.

“We know the history behind the Horseshoe,” he says. “I think if a small-town group like us can play there … that’s something I’m already a little nervous about. I’ve been in there a few times listening to other bands, so I know it’s a cool place.”

Canadian Music Week runs May 2 to 8.