Rising Montreal-based Cree pop artist Siibii announces their signing to Ishkōdé Records with a new single, “User,” out today. On “User,” jittery beats and whispery vocals set the stage for a powerful transformation, a psychic and sonic breakthrough that puts Siibii in full control.
With its inky and ominous undercurrents, “User” swirls with encroaching menace, uneasy like the night or deep waters. A story that can only be told from a survivor’s perspective, “User” is a song that sources its strength in calling out a dangerous power imbalance, naming it, and ultimately, breaking free.
With art inspired by their lived experience growing up in a remote James Bay Cree community, Siibii – which means river – announces their new era. The new song flows in the direction of Siibii’s forthcoming full-length debut album, to be released by Ishkōdé Records in 2025.
“‘User’ was born from my need to reclaim power as a survivor of grooming. In many Indigenous communities, intergenerational trauma has shaped how we respond to abuse—it’s often silenced or normalized. This song breaks that silence,” says Siibii.
“Signing with Ishkōdé and releasing this song together feels both serendipitous and empowering,” Siibii continues. “As Indigenous artists, we’re reclaiming space and telling our stories on our own terms. Coming from such a remote community, I never imagined I’d be here—preparing to release my debut album on a national platform. I’ve poured everything into this project, and it’s finally time.”
With this signing announcement, Ishkōdé further solidifies itself as a home for distinctive and exciting new artists from across the country. “Siibii is a rare and powerful artist, and it’s a true honour to welcome Siibii to the Ishkōdé Records family,” says label co-founder ShoShona Kish. “Their voice and vision cut through the noise with focus and force—clear, luminous, and unmistakably their own.”
On tour this spring opening for Elisapie, Siibii will next perform at the inaugural Departure Festival in Toronto in early May.
TOUR DATES
04/25 Sherbrooke, QC – Grand Theatre w/ Elisapie
04/26 L’Assomption, QC – Théâtre Hector-Charland w/ Elisapie
05/08 Toronto, ON – Departure Festival
05/08 Montreal, QC – Society for Arts & Technology
06/19 Campbell River, BC – Campbell River Art Gallery
06/20 Campbell River, BC – Spirit Square
06/21 Comox Valley, BC – The Fairgrounds
ABOUT SIIBII
An act of reclamation, a fulfillment of identity and a statement of purpose: Siibii is so much more than a name. The Montreal-based songwriter, a mythic pop power in the making, manifests their name’s Cree meaning – river – as a source of creative and personal empowerment. Ever-rushing, ever-flowing, the river is a force of intention, imagination and emotional cleansing that guides Siibii’s musical journey.
Originally from Mistissini, QC, Siibii writes music to quiet the inner voices that can drown out the good. A self-trained artist of both natural and nurtured gifts, Siibii draws from deep sources of familial and instinctive talent. “Mama put a paintbrush in my hand and Gookum put a song in my heart,” they say. With electronic grooves and their distinctive aura-light vocals, Siibii’s music evokes influences and outliers from Billie Eilish to Kimmortal, Lady Gaga to Remi Wolf, pop music masters of shapeshifting nonconformity.
To date, Siibii has released an EP, for which Siibii received the SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award among other accolades, and breakout single “YOY,” a true independent success story. A vibe twin to Lola Young’s “Messy,” the song wrestles with unrelenting criticisms, impossibly contradictory societal expectations, and utterly relatable self-scrutiny. A pep talk and an earful all at once, “YOY” is an anthem for anyone who struggles with making plans, following through, and being their own harshest critic. “YOY” has resonated with listeners with over three million streams to date, and propelled Siibii to major stages including Festival d’été and TD Arena in Ottawa, and most recently an opening slot for Elisapie.
A queer, trans non-binary, Indigenous artist, Siibii is here to raise representation in the pop sphere for future generations to succeed. “If you don’t see yourself in the world, you might come to question whether your existence is valid,” they say. “Eenou Wen eh stahm’shaych ouh saatchiiwin: I’m ready to be seen and heard real good too. I’m proud to be proud of my heritage, love and talents, and more than willing to share them.” Now with a new single, “User,” that announces their signing to Ishkōdé Records, Siibii is poised to do just this. Siibii’s debut album will be released in 2025.
