With a flat brimmed hat, golden waist length locks and radiant smile –
Heather Gemmell brandishes her own distinct style as a mountain artist. She
is the winner of the CBC Searchlight 2022 Fan Choice Award for her song
NorthStar Burning. A song that captured the hearts of thousands of people
across western Canada depicting the heinous arson that crippled her
small-town ski hill and local economy.
Her songwriting is gripping at both ends of the emotional spectrum. She
couples her songwriting and arrangements with a seemly endless bag of tricks
including her diverse instrumentalist ability; what she has become renowned
for. Her performance style, stage energy and sheer talent set her apart from
many other performing artists.
She has put new meaning to the term one woman band. Her traditional
instruments are blended with a contemporary and elaborate stage plot that
can make any musicians head turn at the site of it. She has three full
length albums under her belt with songs that tell a diverse plethora of
stories that captivate her listeners attention behind every phrase.
“I feel once a player has reached a certain level of musicianship, it then
becomes a quest for tone and stage sound. My journey in music will never end
as there is so much to learn and hone with each instrument I play and how I
want to showcase them on stage.
I’ve never come across anyone who has anything close to my set up. Every
full-length performance I bring: an acoustic guitar, clawhammer banjo,
electric lap steel & stand, a new custom green bullet harmonica mic mounted
neck rack, a custom double chambered cajon that my dad and I designed/built.
I drum with my feet, play one of the three stringed instruments (sometimes
two mid songs with the looper) and harmonica while triggering loops and
different effects from my board.
I run everything through a two-tiered pedal board and boss RC 500 looper to
bring the songs to life in a way only a three-piece band could replicate.
Every part of my body is engaged in an instrument, from my head to my toes.
It’s truly unique and has now become a part of my brand”
The girl who keeps evolving. Heathers powerhouse vocals and multi-talented
musicianship is widely known and respected throughout the East-and West
Kootenay musical landscape. Performing for over fifteen years, she has
captured numerous accolades and is consistently sought after as performing
artist. Her dedication and passion for music is evident every time she gets
on stage. Her performances are packed what she describes as “Roots &
Blues-grass” Canadian/Americana fusion. You will often find her stepping off
her kick drums and mingling with the crowd passing out her hand made
percussion instruments and getting up close and personal for her requests.
As a new wireless instrument system makes her interactions with her audience
even more engaging, eye catching and fun for all ages.