Sign up for AIM news
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien.
Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario.
Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all the while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots.
The ethereal quality of her music whisks you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music rather than just hear it.
Her stage performances are honest and dynamic as she tours with her partner Ryan Schurman on drums, making it an intimate yet uplifting experience for the audience. Mimi is also available as a trio on stage.
Mimi released her newest English album Willow on March 3rd, 2023 (independent) featuring her four singles, Here’s to the Women, I am Alive, I Wish I Was a Farmer and The River.
“Mimi and her team adhered to the planned schedule flawlessly, delivering an outstanding performance that left our clients thoroughly impressed. The entire band displayed great camaraderie, and their energy was nothing short of exceptional.”
Like her previous release, and first instrumental album Fiddleheads & Ferns (2022), this upcoming album was produced and recorded in Mimi and Ryan’s log home studio. “Just like the bark of the willow tree, the making of this album has brought me so much healing. I have never felt more alive.”
For many years, Mimi struggled to find her ‘sound’, her ‘voice’. “This album sounds like the music I have always heard in my heart.” Mimi adds; “It is honest, it is real and it is full of life. I feel like all of my previous albums have led me to where I am now, learning and growing at every chapter.”
It is important to note that no software instruments were used in the making of this album. All of the instruments are real and recorded live. Mimi and Ryan draw on a wide range of percussive and acoustic instruments in their home, weaving them with sounds from the land and vocal play. “I like to paint with instruments and leave space for intention and breath.”
Mimi’s album, Elle danse (2020), a self-produced French EP, was nominated for Best New Artist & Best EP at the Trille Or Awards (2020) which recognizes francophone artists outside of Quebec. Additionally, the album was among ELMNT FM’s top 10 Best Albums of 2020. Since Elle danse, Mimi has performed for both English and French audiences. On Télé Québec’s program ‘Belle & Bum’, Mimi performed her song “Elle danse” and was subsequently featured in two Radio-Canada documentaries.
In 2019, Mimi was awarded Best Pop Album at the Indigenous Music Awards with her album Connected.
The launch of Mimi’s instrumental album Fiddleheads & Ferns has led her and Ryan to pursue composing instrumental music such as the theme song for Radio-Canada’s «Le matin du nord» and an important segment of music for the Parliament Hill light show in Ottawa 2022. Further, Mimi’s music has been featured on CBC’s Trickster series (Trailer), Ontario Highlands Documentary (2021), Precious Leader Woman Docu-film, APTN’s Mohawk Girls, Showtime’s Ray Donovan (E1S5) and more. She also composed the lyrics for Music Monday’s National Anthem for 2022.
When not creating or recording music, Mimi shares her passion for songwriting and art through workshops with youth in schools across Canada. “Music is a powerful healer,” says Mimi. “Songs and art are great tools to empower our youth and to provide an outlet. No matter the intention, I believe that everyone can and should write a song.”