Let’s talk about Steel Audrey, the Canadian music artist that should have broken through the music industry.
Steel Audrey’s music was a mix of rock, and country. With a tasteful dash of blues and soul added in for extra effect. His songs were filled with raw emotion, relatable lyrics, and powerful vocals. He had a special way of making you energized and emotional at the same time. His songs were so touching and poetic that they almost feel like poems.
Manitoba-born @SteelAudrey to release new album next week. http://t.co/buDM7B1al8 pic.twitter.com/Mx3cAX4jIo
— Manitoba Post (@manitoba_post) October 7, 2014
He was born in Manitoba and lived in Vancouver for the latter part of his life before moving to Australia. His name was Derek Kehler, but we went by Steel Audrey for his musical work. Derek Kehler’s friends described him as an honest man that wrote music for the soul.
The last Album Derek Kehler finished before his passing was “From Which I Came”. The album was about Derek Kehler’s life growing up in Manitoba and the musicians that inspired him. His friends decided to honour his memory and release the album despite his passing. Listening to his album is a very emotional experience. He has fun and cheeky upbeat songs like “Gold Digger” along with more tragic tunes. “Back To The Earth (From Which I Came)” is a particularly hard song to sit through in light of his passing. The song features lyrics like “When I die won’t you sink me down, ‘Neath the the muddy river on the ‘skirts of town, Let that peaceful current carry me home, To a grave forever unknown”. His songs are so beautifully poetic and bittersweet. Listening to his final album reminds us of the greatness we got, and the talent that we’ll never get to see again.
Derek Kehler passed away on June 8th, 2015, of carbon monoxide poisoning. He had just moved to Australia with his girlfriend before the tragedy struck. They both passed away in a cabin leaving family and friends devastated. Derek Kehler was only 32 years old and still had so much left to do. It’s been almost 8 years since Derek Kehler passed and it continues to be a tragedy. He left so much amazing and soulful music behind but many fans wish he had the time to make more. Derek Kehler’s music was truly special and heartful in a way that was deeply raw. Please honour the fallen artist by listening to his final album “From Which I Came”. Take some time to reflect on your experiences and always live life to the fullest.