After devoting her musical journey to process and express her own personal life and revelations, Canadian contemporary songstress Sheena Legrand proves on her newest release that she can flawlessly push the boundaries of her own artistry. Her latest single, “Heroes in the Making,” is an inspiring pop anthem that explores the innocence and resilience of becoming the hero in your own story.
Along with producer Bryan Livaudais, Legrand wanted to write a hero-themed song. After overcoming her own initial hesitation, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to write a song about a hero inspired by classic contemporary artists like Mariah Carey and Enrique Iglesias – despite how cheesy she thought they could often be.
“I hear these songs differently now since my dad passed away last year,” she says of the single. “‘Heroes in the Making’ is dedicated to him and all the souls out there who leave big shoes for their children to fill. Not because they were perfect or invincible, but because they set an example worth striving for.”
Serving as a heartfelt soundtrack to the relationship with her late father, Legrand says “Hero in the Making” is ultimately inspired by her father rising up to the role of being a great dad and supporting both his wife and children over the years.
She adds, “And just as children play and use their imaginations, I think of a world where everyone seeking to grow into their highest calling can see themselves as the hero in their own story. That this wild possibility brings out the best in each of us no matter the hardships we’ve lived through, and maybe even because of those hardships. That we somehow see the best in others, even when we’re lost or hurting. The more I live to hear the stories of others around me, the more my belief is strengthened. That’s what ‘Heroes in the Making’ is all about.”
The track initially began to come to life after Legrand enrolled herself in a songwriting course with Catch the Moon Music. As songwriters received monthly assignments and were instructed to collaborate with as many artists as possible, Legrand soon became curious of what might come out of her artistry if she collaborated with many different people. Soon, her collaboration with Livaudais was born, and the songwriting that followed was nearly effortless.
“It’s interesting that Bryan and I were never in the same room!” Legrand says. “We just emailed ideas and tracks back and forth and met over Zoom a couple times. I found it was a really easy co-write because he just seemed to get the concept right from the beginning. It was like he could read my mind, and everything just flowed. I think you can hear that in this track.”
Within the track, listeners will find a deeply emotional message supported by a reassuring contemporary pop musicality. As she balances delicacy and playfulness, strength and vulnerability, excitement and peace, Legrand’s musicality will undoubtedly move both the body and the mind.
Formerly known as Sheena Grobb until the release of her previous single “Green Light,” Sheena Legrand is a Winnipeg-based, Manitoba-born multi-instrumentalist, indie-folk/pop songwriter, and West Canadian Music Awards nominee. As she tackles her music career head on, Legrand also balances this with her side work as a public speaker who uses music, storytelling, and mindfulness to help schoolchildren who deal with mental health struggles, bullying, or low self-esteem. Additionally, she is also a part-time health coach who specializes in helping patients to survive autoimmune disease – something she has struggled with herself.
With the release of her two recent singles, Legrand is returning from a 10-year recording hiatus to serve as an empowering feminist icon within the Canadian music world. Within this new era of her artistry, Legrand is setting out to release Back To Life, her first full-length studio album since her three albums under the moniker Sheena Grobb. As she looks within and takes on an advocating role within her work, Legrand says this will be reflected on the upcoming album.
“I’m excited to share the full concept of Back To Life, and how it relates to the classic hero’s journey. More to come!”
