Fans of independent Canadian music will likely recognize the name Shane Ghostkeeper from his namesake project GHOSTKEEPER, a band that has been responsible for some of the more thrilling music to emerge from Alberta during the last 15 years. But while his parent band trades in a highly unique, left-of-centre approach to indie rock, this new project is a deeply reverential tribute to the music he absorbed while growing up in the Northern Alberta Métis communities of Paddle Prairie, High Level, and Rocky Lane.

The vocal melodies on “V Chill” were inspired by the need to soothe and entertain Shane’s teething baby boy. After hours of bouncing him around the house, lyrics started to form as fatherly advice and blessings.

“‘V Chill’ was coined by my producer and big brother, Lorrie Matheson,” says Shane. “An appropriate play on my son’s name, Vittal Chillawee Ghostkeeper.”