First step to fulfilling dream

Page 7

Who: Dean Boucher, 27-year-old Metis from Lac La Biche

What: Launch of his new CD, Sweet Memories.

Boucher: "I started singing at the age of seven years old and was inspired by my father and his music, fiddling and playing guitar with his friends. I decided to take it upon myself to learn how to play music. . . ."

Interviewer: "So you've performed a lot in the Lac La Biche area?"

Boucher: "Yes, talent shows throughout St. Paul, Bonneyville, Lac La Biche. Wherever there was a talent show I was there. I was encouraged by people that wrote really nice music, did wonderful things with music. It brought out feelings of happiness and joy, at dances, talent shows. It was basically a gathering for people to enjoy themselves and hear all different types of music and talents. I was inspired by the late Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, a bit of Keith Whitley."

Interviewer: Two songs on the five-song CD are originals. Another is a one that he wrote the music for, with a good friend writing the lyrics. He talks about the song, "Holding On To The Bottle."

Boucher: "It reminds me of a lifestyle of alcoholism that people can't seem to get their life out of. It's an inspiring song to help people realize that it doesn't bring another beautiful day if you're still drowning in the bottle."

Interviewer: "She Will Always Be" and title track "Sweet Memory" are love songs written by Dean. Also on the CD are two versions of a Hank Williams classic "Your Cheatin' Heart," the first version with a traditional country song, the way Williams recorded it and the second, a dance remix. Dean explains.

Boucher: "I recorded this version of the song with a dance beat because I wanted some spirit to the song. And I wanted to give it an upbeat tempo, because of how modern country music has gotten. . . ."

Interviewer: Here's Dean with some final words of encouragement.

Boucher: "Whatever you may dream in life, whatever goals and aspirations and desires you do have, never give up. Always have faith and always have heart, because there is that time in life that you will have a chance to conquer your dreams and then through that you may be able to help others in conquering theirs also."