Inuvik father-son duo say new album is ‘just the beginning’

For more than two decades, Daniel Rogers has shared his love of fiddle music at dances, festivals and community gatherings across the North. Now, he is passing that tradition on to the next generation alongside his son, Tyren “Tye” Kisoun. 

The Inuvik father-and-son duo recently released debut album Echoes Across the Delta, traditional fiddle tunes inspired by the music they grew up hearing and the musicians who came before them.

For Tye, music was part of this life long before he picked up an instrument. 

“I grew up dancing to my dad’s music, my dad’s dad’s music,” he told Cabin Radio. “It was just what we heard growing up.”

He would follow his father to places where music was being played, watching and listening as Daniel performed. Eventually, he asked to try the fiddle himself. 

“And here I am,” Tye said. 

Daniel’s own journey with the fiddle began in a similar way. He grew up playing guitar but, in his late teens, began experimenting with a fiddle belonging to his brother-in-law. 

“When he was out at work, we’d go in there and grab his fiddle and play around,” Daniel said.

Later, another fiddle left at his home gave Daniel another opportunity. He picked it up and decided, “I’m gonna learn how to play this thing.”

He never stopped. 

Daniel has now been playing fiddle for roughly 25 years, performing throughout the NWT at old-time dances, jamborees, festivals and community events. Watching his son take up the instrument has given that musical journey another meaning. 

“It means a lot,” Daniel told Cabin Radio. “Just keep the tradition going of fiddling music and old-time dances.”

Daniel taught Tye a few notes and showed him the keys, but Tye quickly began developing his own abilities. 

“He picked it up quick,” Daniel said. 

Echoes Across the Delta brings their shared musical history together on one album. Recorded and produced in Inuvik, it features tunes including Red River Jig, Devil’s Dream, Faded Love, Cajun Fiddle, Down River Blues, and Home Sweet Home.

For Tye, the project is about preserving traditional music while creating something of his own.

Tye, who is Inuvialuit and Vuntut Gwitchin, said the album reflects the sounds and traditions he grew up around in the Mackenzie Delta. 

The album also carries a bittersweet connection to the musicians who have been part of their journey. Daniel and Tye recently lost band member Angus Alunik, who passed away a couple of months ago. 

“It was tough for us to keep on going,” Tye said. “But the way he played music, he wouldn’t want us to stop.”

The loss has strengthened their resolve to continue making music together. 

“This is just the beginning,” Tye said. 

The duo released Echoes Across the Delta on August 15 during the Fiddle and Flow Festival in Inuvik. The album is available locally on USB for $25, with Daniel and Tye hoping to eventually share their music with communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

Ollie Williams contributed reporting.