Hey, Folks.
So here’s the thing: One day last spring the Green Party asked me to run in the federal election. I know, I know. I should have told you sooner. My son Patrick and I were playing a lot of summer shows and I was quietly getting used to the idea. In September I am usually digging my blue potatoes, making pickles and recovering from the summer. Not so this fall. My life has been taken over by an alien force.
Why politics, why now? It’s a little known fact that I have a degree in Political Science and was destined for law school and politics when I got pulled into the vortex of the music business, and what a lovely ride it’s been. The Green Party had approached me before, and this time I just couldn’t say no. Everything we love is being torn apart: the CBC, the Post Office, democracy, free speech, science, peace keeping… the list goes on.
What Can I Do?
Well, I threw my hat in the political ring and wrote seven songs for a new recording called I Remember Canada. I am really proud of this collection. It was a frantic task to get these songs written over the summer and then recorded in the last three weeks. Hats off to producer Andrew MacIsaac for his large talent and midnight oil. My goal is to get these songs into the hands and ears of as many folks as possible, especially people who might vote for the Cons. Personally I only know three (you know who you are), but polls tell us there are still a frightening number of them.
What Can You Do?
Well, it’s a little late to run, and let me tell you running is tough. I am taking two months of my life and my meagre funds to give this my all. I’ve gone into debt with this recording and I need you on my team more than ever. I am asking my friends to pitch in here. Until Oct 19 my fans can buy this recording for $12 (postage in) or $10 each if you buy more than one (see note below about ordering). I have one friend that pledged $500 and another $400. Those copies will go to Conservative strongholds on the Prairies. A conservative sign on your lawn just might get you a free CD in your mailbox! Or you could send old uncle Bob who votes for the Cons every time an early Christmas present. I have a small team of dear friends across the country working with me to get this album out as quickly as possible. Please help us to share, share, share on Facebook, YouTube, etc. Or send it to your favourite radio host.
My Mi’kmaq sister, Eliza Starchild Knockwood, made a video of the title track, “I Remember Canada”. It’s been viewed thousands of times on Facebook in the two days since it was posted! If you don’t cry I’ll send you a bottle of pickles. Eliza was on a seven week cross country train trip in the spring, Train of Thought, and much of the footage is from her journey. Kat McKernan is busy working on a video for “Leave it in the Ground”. We’ll do more videos if we get the funds.
Thank you for your continued support on my musical journey. In November I am back on tour with the lovely October Browne with concerts and workshops in Haliburton, Sudbury, Manitoulin Island, Perth, etc. I’ll get back to you with a full schedule.
Take care and happy harvest!
—Teresa
P.S. You can hear/download/order the songs now. For multiple orders email me directly at teresa@teresadoyle.com (I have friends in swing ridings that can give away extra copies for you if that appeals).
I am making my songs freely available to Greens and NDP candidates across the country as campaign songs. Why not share them with candidates in your riding?
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