Brandi Vezina is a Winnipeg singer/songwriter whose authentic country roots are intertwined with rock and the blues. She is a natural born performer who comes from a musical Metis family. Her biggest inspirations include Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones and Miranda Lambert.
“Do It Right” is a catchy summer song from Brandi Vezina that’s full of energy; the perfect anthem for road trips! “I wanted to write something sassy about my former wild self who knew how to let loose and have a good time,” says Vezina, who collaborated with songwriters Liz Christensen and Sarah Elliot on this track. Vezina released her debut country-pop EP, #dontsettle. “It’s been a hard couple of years (and) I want my listeners to turn “Do It Right” up and sing along with their friends. My music is an authentic piece of me, I hope my fans can feel that,” she says.
Following this single release, the 2021 Jim Beam National Virtual Search (Manitoba) winner will continue releasing music as well as getting ready for a series of summer shows, including this July’s Dauphin’s Countryfest!
#dontsettle is the debut album of singer/songwriter Brandi Vezina. Vezina says, “These are pages from my journal, it’s personal and parts of my story; I hope they feel my sincerity and vulnerability,” Vezina says.
“Almost ” is about her dating experience, she says “it’s about being in the wrong relationship and knowing it.” “Charming Narcissist” is a co-write with producers Murray Pulver and Terence Lam. Brandi says, “It was important to write about the addictive nature of being in a relationship with a narcissistic person and how challenging it can be.” She hopes “Walk Away” encourages people to leave relationships, workplaces and situations that are toxic.
Previous singles include “Almost” (2021) “Danger” (2021) “John Dillinger Type” (May 2020) and “Walk Away” (2019) as heard on SiriusXM Canada’s Indigiverse, CBC Country and North Americana channel. #dontsettle is an introduction to Vezina’s feistiness and strength.
Vezina was recognized as the Manitoba winner in the 2021 Jim Beam’s National Virtual Search. She has been added to Apple Music playlists, Boots & Mocs and Indigenous Now. Vezina was nominated for a Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award in the Metis Artist of the Year Category and Manitoba Country Music Association NCI FM Indigenous Country Music Award in 2021.
“Alberta Rose” is about a young woman coming home pregnant. “It was cathartic to write about my Mother’s experiences as a single parent,” says Vezina. “We all cried during the co-write and I know other women will be able to relate to this story.” Vezina teamed up with Albertans Liz Christensen and Sarah Elliot to write “Alberta Rose” and producer Murray Pulver to bring the song to life.
“Danger” has a powerful message combined with pop and country elements as Vezina was inspired to write about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S) throughout Turtle Island (North America). “It’s the first song I wrote for my forthcoming EP, #dontsettle (2021) after the lyrics ‘Danger, avoid this my girl, it’ll destroy your world’, came to me in a dream,” recalls Vezina. “I’m proud of it because it’s a warning for my own women and I included a traditional drum at the end of the song to honour MMIW2S.”
Vezina embarked on the Indigenous Celebration Tour with the Manitoba Arts Network throughout Indigenous communities in the province following her #dontsettle release party.