CARLYLE — What started out as an audition and hoping for the best has turned into a life-changing experience for Carlyle musician Morgan Robertson.
Robertson’s interest in music began when her sister started playing fiddle when Robertson was five years old.
“I loved listening to her practice,” said Robertson. “I begged my mum to start fiddle lessons, so I started when I was six.”
Robertson then did lessons for about 10 years before picking up the guitar. She started writing music around 12.
“It grew from there,” said Robertson. “I kept pursuing it and seeing where it takes me.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Robertson is still pursuing music.
Amazon Music recently launched Northern Echoes, which is a program showcasing emerging Canadian musicians. The series debuts with four performances, with Robertson as one of them.
Robertson heard about Northern Echoes through a SaskMusic Facebook post and decided to audition.
Robertson’s audition song had to be an original.
“It had to represent where the artist is coming from,” said Robertson.
“I thought it was a good program and opportunity because we don't have a lot of opportunity locally for music,” said Robertson. “It has brought a lot more eyes to me and my music. It feels like a big break.”
Robertson was surprised when she got the call saying she was picked for Northern Echoes.
"I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it,” said Robertson. “I thought it was a scam at first. I was blown away that I got picked because I knew it was a callout for all around Canada.”
The perfect song
The song Robertson wrote for this is called Crude.
“It’s a song I wrote about growing up in oil country and then going into the trades,” said Robertson. “It’s about the strength it takes to work in the field and the dedication, the things you have to give up to help put food on the table.”
“I thought it represented where I am from and people that are not represented in the music industry,” continued Robertson. “I don't think there’s much out there about the oil field or the working class. There isn't a lot out there for them to feel seen. Crude is the perfect Saskatchewan song.”
Northern Echoes takes viewers on a journey through each musician’s story and explores how their communities have shaped their musical identity.
Each performance was captured at iconic locations across Canada, with Robertson’s music video filmed at Grasslands National Park.
“We decided to do it at Grasslands because we wanted to do it at an iconic location, and the top of the bus gave a great view of the landscape. It’s what best represented me,” said Robertson.
“It was so fun and such a great experience,” continued Robertson. “There were so many people involved between video, sound, interviewing, and getting the bus out to Grasslands. Everyone was so good at their jobs and was excited about the project. It was cool to see everyone work their magic in their field.”
The music video for each song is available on YouTube and Instagram, with exclusive listening on Amazon Music.
