The idea for Adrian Sutherland’s new music video Walk With Me came right out of the blue. And quite literally so. It was last December when a teacher reached out to say his students had taken part in the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They wanted to do something to make a difference, and had an idea.
"I teach at an elementary school in Beachburg, Ontario. My grades 6/7 and 7/8 classes are looking for ways to continue with ideas from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We heard the song Walk With Me by Adrian Sutherland and decided to reach out," wrote Steve Pritchard.
"Students are genuinely interested in finding ways to be part of the healing moving forward, and are trying to find practical ways to do this in their lives now. Our intentions are to understand the steps needed to heal our community and nation from past wrongdoings. Our hopes are to create a video around the song Walk With Me, involving both younger and older grades, that represents our new learning about truth and reconciliation. This project will involve tracing of hands and feet to be used to create a mural of a heart, and posters with statements reflecting the 94 calls to action..."
And so began a beautiful idea which grew into something even more. Now, one year after first learning about reconciliation, and becoming inspired to make a difference in their own way… Beachburg Public School will gather together in their gymnasium to watch Walk With Me for the very first time.
ABOUT THE VIDEO
Says Steve Pritchard: “This past year has been an incredible journey. It’s amazing to see this video come together the way it has. More importantly, it is wonderful to see that it has raised awareness around injustices of the past. It has touched so many students' lives, and provides hope and next steps for the future. Thank you so very much for partnering with us on this journey.”
Walk With Me was produced by RoseAnna Schick and executive produced by Adrian Sutherland. It was created by editor and colourist Kash Tahen, with footage captured by director of photography Brian Gregory. Justin Stephenson, who created five of Sutherland’s previous music videos including the multi-award winning Politician Man, provided creative consulting. Walk With Me received its national broadcast premiere on ET Canada on September 28.
This video happened because of Steve Pritchard, his inspiring students, and the support of Beachburg Public School. Everyone put their hearts and souls into it, along with feet and hands. It was an honour to capture such a special project, and to see the love and spirit put into their process.
ABOUT THE SONG
“Walk With Me is about going on a journey together, and sharing the same path, even if you both come from different places. With reconciliation in the forefront, it’s more important now than ever before that we take time to walk with each other, and be willing to see the world through the eyes of another. This song also pays tribute to my grandparents, Moses and Juliette, and traditions of the past,” says Sutherland, who wrote the song in 2019 with Serena Ryder and released it on his JUNO-nominated debut solo album When The Magic Hits in 2021.
Walk With Me was produced, mixed and engineered by acclaimed producer and legendary artist Colin Linden, who performs guitar on the song. Strings are performed by one-man string quartet Chris Carmichael, a multi-GRAMMY winner. The track was mastered by João Carvalho Mastering.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The music video for Walk With Me is funded by Canada Council for the Arts. Nous remercions le Conseil des arts du Canada de son soutien. The recording of Adrian’s debut album When The Magic Hits is funded by FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s private radio broadcasters. Ce projet est financé en partie par FACTOR, le gouvernement du Canada, et les radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada. With support from the Ontario Arts Council, Conseil des arts de l’Ontario, an agency of the Government of Ontario; and Radio Starmaker Fund.
THANK YOU to everyone at Beachburg Public School, with special thanks to Lily (Grade 8), Brooklyn (Grade 8), Mr. Schwan's Grade 7/8 Class, Ms. Bulmer's Grade 1 Class, Ms. Wardley & Ms. Senack's Kindergarten Class, Steve Pritchard (Lead Teacher), Sarah MacPhee (School Principal) and Susan Collins (Office Administrator).
