Sandra Sutter is a Calgary-based, award-winning Métis singer-songwriter, poet, and filmmaker whose journey of self-discovery has deeply shaped her art. Raised in a non-Indigenous family, Sutter later reconnected with her Métis roots, embarking on a powerful path of cultural reclamation—an experience shared by many Indigenous people whose heritage was disrupted by time and circumstance. Today, she is a passionate advocate for Indigenous culture and rights. Renowned for blending genres like Native Americana, folk, country, pop, jazz, blues, and rock, Sutter places her love of jazz front and centre on her third album, Shadow Stories, set for release on June 13, 2025.
Name:
Sandra Sutter
Genre:
Indigi-jazz-folk fusion
Founded:
2017
# of Albums:
3
Latest Album:
Shadow Stories
Latest Single:
“Just Like the Moon”
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Peter Frampton and Cher, not necessarily together …
Favourite musician now:
Alison Krause and Robert Plant, definitely together – their collabs are incredible!
Guilty pleasure song:
I am so in love with Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” even though it’s been around a few decades now – the guitar riffs, the vocal riffs, the melody, the storyline that stretches throughout. I stop dead in my tracks when I hear that tune. It’s not easy to hit some of those notes, but what’s life without a little bit of a challenge?
Live show ritual:
I need a bit of quiet time before I go on, and that’s not always easy to accomplish. I like to get into a space in my head where I’m not only going to be at my best for the audience, but where I’m open, accessible, and alert to them … ready to really connect. And I also need to be very much in sync with my fellow musicians. We’ve got to be well-rehearsed and ready for anything. I’ll run through the set list in my head and remember what the songs mean to me, the stories that belong to them. Once we’re on, if I’m not in the zone yet, I close my eyes and breathe, remember why I’m there, and we’re off!
Favourite local musician:
Wakefield Brewster is doing a combination of spoken word and poetry, I love his passion, and also Denver Venoit (a.k.a. Ole Man Kidd). So many though! Have you heard Sinzere!? She’s killer.
EP or LP?
LP, I love releasing music around a theme, especially now that vinyl is back.
Early bird or night owl?
Natural night owl, primarily, and reluctant early bird, necessarily.
Road or studio?
Impossible to choose!! I love spending time in the studio, and also love live shows, but am inclined towards single shows versus stacked tours.
Any shows or albums coming up?
The new album, Shadow Stories, launches on June 13, with an album launch at Arts Commons Engineered Air Theatre on June 14. We’re also at Cornerstone Music Cafe on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Window on the West Stage at the Calgary Stampede on July 8 at 2 p.m. We’re really excited about the new music! It’s been an arduous, intense and emotional journey bringing this music into the light. Sharing it through the early singles has been incredibly impactful for me thus far. I can’t wait for the whole body of work to be released.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
The Blackfoot Diner, an iconic spot.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Riverdale Avenue for the magical canopy of trees, the dogs walking their families, and Sandy Beach at the end of the road.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Fish Creek, so much to explore – a great restaurant, ice cream store and bistro, art walk, and miles and miles of nature.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Mikey’s Juke Joint, at its new location in Bowness, good food, a lot of regulars, and great music. I love that they are incredibly and consistently supportive of local musicians.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & McQuade all the way.
