On this episode of The Tewanee Joseph Show, host Tewanee Joseph and co-host Koru Joseph trace Tewanee’s complete musical journey, from his early 30s jamming in a North Shore garage to performing on global stages. Tewanee recounts getting noise complaints from the police that evolved into neighbors inviting the band to play, eventually prompting six weeks of intense rehearsals to learn 22 covers for his auntie’s 75th birthday party. That initial performance launched a decades-long career, including a long-standing presence at Vancouver’s historic blues venue, The Yale, releasing an original album with Bitterly Divine in 2009, and incorporating Indigenous teachings and storytelling into their music.
The conversation highlights how music has taken Tewanee across the globe, from navigating language barriers during a last-minute gig in Beijing ahead of the 2008 Olympics to performing at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the 2015 Pan American Games, and the 2018 Skookum Festival. Tewanee compares the distinct energy required for playing intimate bars, corporate conferences, and high-stakes international festivals. Looking ahead to the future with his current project, Tewanee and the Dreamwalkers, he encourages aspiring artists to embrace their purpose and chase their dreams, emphasizing that music is ultimately about connection, storytelling, and shared experiences.
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