2017 and 2022 Western Canadian Music Award
Genre: World/Latin, South American Mountain Folk Rock.
“Social processes can be arrested by neither crime nor force. History is ours, and people make history.” – Salvador Allende
Andino Suns, the Regina-based musical ensemble that has skillfully employed music to bridge the geographical and cultural gaps between the radiant Andean sun and the vast Canadian prairies. Their distinctive fusion of cultural elements stands as a testament to their treasured Chilean heritage, seamlessly blending Andean instrumentation with contemporary Latin and western rhythms to craft an innovative and genre-defying musical identity.
The odyssey of Andino Suns commenced with the launch of their self-titled debut album in 2013. This collection of spirited acoustic compositions, entirely performed in Spanish, marked the inception of the band's journey into the spotlight. Their music immediately captivated audiences at local clubs and music festivals across the Canadian Prairies, resonating deeply with those who share their passion for social justice, love, and a good dance party.
In 2014, Andino Suns earned recognition with a Western Canadian Music Award nomination for World Recording of the Year for their sophomore album, "It's Time to Rise." This album ventured into uncharted musical territory, incorporating English lyrics and amalgamating a diverse range of genres, including rock, reggae, and Eastern European influences.
However, the pinnacle of Andino Suns' artistic journey arrived in 2017 with the release of "Madera," their most ambitious and celebrated album to date. This magnum opus celebrated the band's cultural synthesis, intertwining traditional Andean melodies with the boundless expanse of the Canadian prairies. Collaborations with local talents such as Megan Nash, The Dead South, Keiffer McLean and members of the Regina Symphony Orchestra enriched their musical tapestry. "Madera" propelled Andino Suns to new heights, earning them the prestigious title of World Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards in 2017.
In the autumn of 2017, Andino Suns unveiled "Tiburón," a single that showcased their versatility by seamlessly blending French and Spanish within a composition infused with gypsy jazz sensibilities. This release underscored the band's commitment to pushing the boundaries of their musical exploration and embarking on new creative horizons.
Nonetheless, the band's most significant accomplishment to date is their album "9/11," released on September 11, 2021. This 13-song conceptual masterpiece delves into the personal experiences of the band members and their families, narrating the tumultuous events surrounding the coup in Chile on September 11, 1973. "9/11" stands as a poignant testament to the resilience of the Chilean diaspora, shedding light on their quest for peace and their profound impact on Canadian culture, earning the band its second Western Canadian Music Award.
Andino Suns' music serves as a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage and the universal language of music. Their remarkable ability to bridge the divide between two worlds, two cultures, and two histories through their art is an extraordinary achievement. As they continue to evolve and create, Andino Suns remain a beacon of hope, love, and the belief that music possesses the transcendent capacity to unite people across boundaries and touch the hearts of individuals worldwide.