May 22, 2026 | Lethbridge, Alberta
An opportunity to share the music, the journey, and the story behind Smoke Light.
On May 22, 2026, I had the opportunity to connect with 94.1 CJOC in Lethbridge, Alberta, for a radio interview about my music and my journey as an independent Indigenous hip-hop artist.
Every opportunity to share my story means something to me, especially when it happens right here in Southern Alberta, where I've spent so much of my life building my career.
Over the years, I've dedicated countless hours to writing, recording, performing, and developing my sound. Much of that work happens behind closed doors, in the recording studio, where nobody sees the time, effort, and emotion that go into creating a song.
Radio interviews provide a different kind of opportunity. They allow people to get to know the person behind the music.
More Than Just Music
My journey as Smoke Light has been shaped by both the challenges I've experienced and the lessons I've learned along the way.
As a Blackfoot artist with roots in the Kainai and Siksika Nations, I want my music to reflect who I am, where I come from, and the experiences that have helped shape my perspective.
My songs often explore personal struggles, addiction, recovery, grief, resilience, and finding hope through difficult circumstances.
I've always believed that some of the most powerful music comes from telling the truth about your own life.
That's the foundation of my upcoming album, Life of Dice.
Introducing Life of Dice
As part of my outreach to CJOC, I shared three songs from the project: Darkness Within, Clearview, and Try Hard (Iiyiká'kimaat).
Each song represents a different part of my artistic journey, exploring the realities of struggle, determination, and personal growth.
Life of Dice is built around a simple idea: life is full of decisions, risks, and unexpected turns. Sometimes the choices we make lead us down difficult roads, but those experiences can also become opportunities for reflection and transformation.
Through this album, I'm documenting that journey and creating something that I hope others can connect with.
Building a Voice Beyond the Stage
Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to perform alongside internationally recognized artists and bring my music to audiences across Alberta.
But I've also learned that building a sustainable career means more than performing shows and releasing songs.
It means building relationships, connecting with communities, and creating opportunities for people to discover your work.
My connection with 94.1 CJOC represented another step in that process.
As an independent artist, every interview, performance, and media opportunity helps build the foundation for what comes next.
Looking Toward the Future
With Life of Dice planned for 2027, I'm continuing to focus on releasing meaningful music, producing visual content, and building a stronger connection between my artistic work and the communities I represent.
I want my music to be something people can enjoy, but I also want it to carry a message.
A message that even when life takes you through some of its darkest moments, there's always the possibility of finding a way forward.
I'm grateful for opportunities like my interview with 94.1 CJOC because they provide another platform for that message to reach people.
And as I continue this journey, I'm looking forward to sharing more of the music, experiences, and stories that have brought me to this point.
From the Smoke to the Light.
— Smoke Light