In a captivating musical journey, iskwē (pronounced iss-kway) – in Cree syllabics: ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ, formerly transliterated IsKwé, which is short for waseskwan iskwew, meaning “blue sky woman” – takes us deep into the heart of her emotions with her latest release, “End Of It All”. This powerful track hits the listener hard from the get-go and she’s determined to make an emotional impact. The release of this single acts as the follow-up to her previous single, “Sure To Come”.
“End Of It All” is more than just a song; it’s a window into the complexities of love, heartbreak, and renewal. Written in the bustling city of Los Angeles a few years ago, iskwē joined forces with Joey Verskotzi during a period of heartache and the early stages of her marriage unravelling. The result is a sonic journey that beautifully blends the turbulence and serenity that coexisted in her heart at that time.
Stream “End Of It All” by iskwē on Spotify here:
Intricate in its nature, “End Of It All” is rhythmically catchy as the elaborate backing track enthuses life bringing an energetic beat around a complex melody that only accentuates iskwē’s beautiful vocals. Impressing throughout, this singer-songwriter brings her passion and her heart as she delivers the lyrics with meaning behind every single word. Her gorgeous voice is magnified by the unforgettable catchy beat as she astonishes us by hitting a variety of notes effortlessly and seamlessly weaving them around the production, giving a thoroughly captivating track that holds so much nuance and spirit.
At its core, the track encapsulates the paradoxical emotions one experiences when preparing for the end of something significant while secretly yearning for a fresh start with the same person. It’s a poignant reflection on the evolution of love and friendship, a theme that many can relate to.
The song’s evolution continued in the vibrant atmosphere of Mexico City, where she collaborated with the acclaimed producer Damian Taylor (known for his work with artists like Björk, Arcade Fire, and The Killers). Together, they brought an added layer of richness to this new track. Joining the creative mix were Chilean musician Rulo, who lent his talents on saxophone, and Tbird Luv, who added the enchanting sound of the flute. The result was a musical conversation that ebbed and flowed, punctuated by a nostalgic ’90s-inspired key change that adds a unique twist to the track.
“I found the two instruments really complemented each other, like a conversational back and forth, which was only heightened by an ‘ode to the ’90s key change midway through the song!” iskwē enthuses.
Her recent releases, including this latest release, offer a rare glimpse into iskwē’s inner world. She opens up in a way that she hadn’t before, embracing vulnerability and crafting love songs that resonate with authenticity.
Her musical journey has been marked by both highs and lows, and, her latest project, “Nīna”, stands as a testament to her resilience. The album, whose title translates to “me” in Cree, delves into deeply autobiographical elements of her life. It’s a tapestry of emotions, featuring themes of love, passion, anger, betrayal, and loss.
The forthcoming project invites listeners to immerse themselves in iskwē’s Canadian Cree Metis culture and feel the essence of tropical sea breezes and the electric energy of Mexico City.
The album takes us on a journey from loneliness and the complexity of extramarital affairs to the intoxicating thrill of new love. It explores the depths of despair and the triumphant resurgence of strength, resilience, and self-discovery. “Nīna” offers a rich auditory experience that leaves a lasting impression, with tracks providing a nostalgic touch with Indigenous percussion.
This singer-songwriter’s sound is truly one of a kind, and her latest release continues to captivate and inspire. “Nīna” is an ode to the human journey, an exploration of the imagination, and a testament to the beauty found in lived experiences, and we can’t wait to hear it in full.
“End Of It All”, by iskwē, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. Look out for her forthcoming full-length project, titled “Nīna”, set to be released soon.