Indigenous singers 'sound like Hän stars' in 1st studio-recorded album

An Indigenous singing group in Dawson City, Yukon finished recording their first studio album last weekend. 

The Hän Singers have been performing at local events in the community in Hän, the traditional language of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, since forming in the early 90s. 

Allison Anderson, a lead member, said the process of recording an album started last fall when the group was approached by the executive director of the Dawson City Music Festival Association (DCMF). 

"Corbin [Murdoch] reached out to us and asked if we wanted to be a part of this amazing opportunity to record an album," said Anderson, adding that it was a dream come true for the group. 

'We sound like Hän stars'

The Hän Singers recorded 10 songs at DCMF's recording studio at 802 Third Avenue last weekend, and also worked on voice-overs and spoken word introductions for the songs. 

Anderson said once it's done, the album will contain songs the public has heard before and some new songs as well, including a track that features a recording of Charlie Isaac. Isaac is the son of Chief Issac, who led his people during the Gold Rush.

Anderson said the first time the group heard the recordings played back, they felt a sense of relief.

"We felt amazed. We were just bobbing our heads and rocking out to our own songs. It's like 'oh man we sound like Hän stars.'"

Anderson said to make the experience even better, her son Bear was in the studio with the group.

"It makes me feel very blessed in many ways that we're able to bring our young ones up with singing and dancing," she said. "Especially when … the generation before us, they grew up not singing these songs."

Dillan Taylor, another group member, said he felt intimidated by the experience at the start — but once the singing started, that feeling quickly turned into pride.

"It hit something deep inside," he said. "It really satisfies something in my very soul. I get goosebumps when we're all singing and there's lots of us. It's an [indescribable] feeling, really." 

Taylor also acknowledged the process was "a bit tiring."

A 'beautiful moment' for new studio

Murdoch, the executive director of the Dawson City Music Festival Association, said it was an honour to work on the project with the Hän Singers. He also said it was a "no-brainer" that working with them should be the recording studio's first official project. 

"This brand new facility was opened up just last year," he said. "We're working hard to bring it to life.

"Seeing Allison banging on the drum and singing and leading the group, and little Bear sort of fast asleep in the stroller right in the middle sort of soaking it up, it was really a beautiful moment."

Jesse Gander, a recording engineer from Vancouver, has been working with Murdoch for the past 25 years. He, too, feels privileged to work on this album for the Hän Singers.

"I'm really hoping that I can give them a CD and a recording that they can be proud of, and can show all of the future generations," he said. 

Gander says he'll be returning to Vancouver to mix and master the tracks. The work will take about a week, he said, and then he'll reconnect with Murdoch and the group to share the final product.

Gander, who had never been to the Yukon before, said he's leaving Dawson City with more than he came with. 

"I'm leaving here with a greater understanding of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin people," he said. "The Hän language, and just the North as a whole."

The album is expected to be released during this year's Moosehide Gathering in Dawson City. It's scheduled to take place from July 25 to 28.