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Shawnee Kish’s Top 10


Shawnee Kish

Our DECA series invites artists to curate a list of their top-10 influences

Photography by Keri Lynne 

ISSUE 14 | HOMEGROWN

With a powerful and soulful voice, Mohawk singer-songwriter Shawnee Kish has drawn from personal experiences to create heartfelt ballads of identity, resilience, and connection. Her work draws from the deep ties to her Indigenous culture and personal experiences. Growing up in Welland, Ontario, Shawnee found love for music at an early age. Shawnee’s work has been recognised by a multitude of Canadian arts organisations, the breakthroughs she’s made in the Canadian arts scene are wide and unmistakable. Her soulful sound honours tradition while defying genre limitations. She pairs her expressive voice with unreserved advocacy for Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ communities. Shawnee Kish joined us to discuss the influences that have inspired her stylistically, as well as those who illustrate the commitment she carries while fostering open dialogue and advocacy in every corner. 


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Shawnee Kish
Shawnee Kish

1) Max Richter

Max Richter’s remake of Dinah Washington’s timeless "This Bitter Earth" speaks to the soul. Washington's rich and velvety voice exudes an authenticity I aspire to capture in my work. The integration of "On the Nature of Daylight" with lush orchestral arrangements seasons the emotional weight of the original with longing. Richter’s genre-defying approach blends orchestral arrangements and vocal storytelling, motivating me to forge a uniquely authentic path of my own.

Read: "The Mundane Minimalism of Max Richter’s In A Landscape"


2) Celine Dion

Celine’s discography showcases music’s power to connect and inspire. Her artistry resonates with me now more than ever, reflecting strength and resilience. She stands as a powerhouse female artist whose music has left an indelible mark on countless lives through universal themes of love, loss, and triumph. Celine's journey is a reminder of harnessing one's gifts to uplift others, and inspires my own path with passion and dedication.


3) Ludovico Einaudi

Over the past year, I’ve discovered the works of Ludovico Einaudi, whose compositions carry profound emotional weight. His minimalist interplay of piano and strings creates intricate soundscapes, showcasing the timeless impact of classical music. Inspired by his artistry, I aim to incorporate classical instrumentation into my creations in a fusion that honours tradition and transcends genres. The comfort I’ve found in Einaudi’s work inspired me to captivate listeners.


4) Whitney Houston 

Whitney’s extraordinary vocal delivery and ability to convey emotion inspires aspiration in my work. With powerful range and dynamic control she connects with listeners like myself on a deeply personal level, transforming songs into rich narratives of love, heartbreak, and resilience. I find myself drawing inspiration from her legacy and influence—challenging myself to reach new heights within my craft and carve out a unique sound in an evolving industry. 



5) Etta James 

Etta James was more than just a singer; she was a force of nature whose presence could transform a room. Seeing her live as a teenager at a local casino remains an unforgettable experience that left me mesmerised. As she poured her soul into each note, each sound was a raw expression of the human experience. That performance ignited the exploration of my own musical creativity. Watching her documentary and witnessing her live recording process inspires me to embrace spontaneity and authenticity in my craft. I strive to create music that evokes the joy, heartache, and inspiration that Etta created. 


6) Sleeping at Last 

Discovering Sleeping At Last has been transformative. The ethereal quality of their sound weaves together delicate melodies with profound lyrics to create a warm and introspective atmosphere. Their music often draws on themes of hope, love, and self-discovery that inspire listeners to embrace the full scope of the human experience. I’m inspired by their storytelling and the beauty they bring to their craft. 


7) Hozier 

Hozier’s unapologetic music, especially the anthem “Take Me to Church”, fearlessly approaches complex themes and offers solace to those who have felt marginalized or misunderstood. His work inspires me to transform the seemingly insurmountable obstacles I’ve encountered into art — a cathartic expression of vulnerability that can be overwhelming at times. Hearing his raw, creative expression is a comfort as I work through my own struggles with societal norms. His music is a reminder of the power in this process. 



8) Melissa Etheridge 

Melissa Etheridge has been an inspiration of mine since childhood. Her fearless journey of challenging the status quo through music is deeply admirable. Etheridge’s unapologetic creativity reminds me that art is more than an act of self expression, but is a tool for awareness and compassion. Her courage inspires the navigation of my own authenticity as I strive to make a meaningful impact through my work.


9) Nancy Sinatra

A profound reminder of the power of minimalist arrangements, “Bang Bang” is a haunting melody in a world of elaborate arrangements. Sinatra’s evocative vocals showcase the beauty of simplicity and reinforces the importance of authenticity and connection where musical trends prioritize flashiness. This track is my reminder to create music that spreads directly to the heart and stays true to my creative vision.



10) Adele 

Adele’s ability to turn listeners into champions of her artistry is only part of why she inspires. She’s broken molds with power ballads worldwide without conforming. Navigating identity artistry is challenging, but Adele’s songs provide comfort and strength along with talent and charm, reminding me to embrace my journey with authenticity.



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