Meet Geneviève Gros-Louis
How do you incorporate Native American/Indigenous music elements or motifs into your compositions, and how do you balance preserving these traditions with creating innovative and contemporary music?
Storytelling is at the heart of Indigenous culture, and as a Huron-Wendat composer and classically trained violinist, I feel like a lot of my musical identity comes from bringing these two worlds together. I grew up playing all the great classical pieces from within the violin section of the orchestra- but my Wendat heritage has always been a huge part of who I am. I think it’s important to remember that our cultures aren’t something of the past- that we’re very much still here. Our cultures are alive and constantly evolving, and I think there’s so much room to explore what Indigenous music can sound like today while still honoring the traditions that have been passed down to us.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the many Elders within my own community of Wendake and other Indigenous communities that I’ve had the honor of working with over the last decade. Their wisdom and guidance have been so inspiring and educational, especially when navigating certain cultural complexities through my work. I’m so thankful for their continued support as I grow and continue my journey as a sonic storyteller.
Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you are particularly proud of?
One project I’m particularly proud of is Courage, a short film directed by champion hoop dancer Eric Michael Hernandez. It’s inspired by his own
journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous culture through hoop dancing as an urban Native. I think it’s a story that resonates with so many in our communities, because not all Indigenous people grow up on reservations.
For the score, I worked with an Indigenous powwow drum group in Alhambra to blend traditional powwow music with orchestral music. One of my favorite parts was getting to incorporate Eric’s uncle singing into the score. His uncle was actually his original hoop dance teacher, so it was really special to have his voice be part of the music for a film that tells Eric’s own story. It was such a beautiful full-circle moment- I love finding ways to incorporate those little personal details into a score- I call them sparkles. It makes the music feel that much more connected to the story and the people behind it. This was one of those projects that felt really meaningful to be part of, especially because of the representation it brings to our communities.
Who inspires you?
My mom, without a doubt! She’s one of the strongest women I know and has been such a huge inspiration throughout my life. I started my musical journey on the piano when I was 7, but never practiced, so quit (haha!). A few years later, when I heard Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, I fell in love with the story behind the music and how it could be brought to life through the beautiful solo violin. I had asked my mom for a violin at that point, to which she said “No” because I had failed to practice piano previously. I then crafted my own violin out of a tissue box, toilet paper rolls, some duct tape, rubber bands for strings, and a bow made out of straws- I showed my mom, and then she took me to the luthier shop the next day to get me a violin, and I never put it down since then. I am so grateful for her continued support on this journey and owe her everything. Coming from a matriarchal community (meaning women are at the center of our culture), I’ve always been surrounded by strong women, and I think that’s influenced so much of who I am and the stories I’m drawn to telling through music.
In what ways do you think being a part of the CDC has helped you grow professionally or personally?
One of the things I love most about being part of the Composers Diversity Collective is the community! As composers, we spend so much of our time alone in our studios, so it’s really wonderful to have a group of fellow composers to connect with and support one another. As an Indigenous woman working in Hollywood, it means a lot to be part of a community that celebrates our different backgrounds and the unique perspectives we all bring to storytelling. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made and to be surrounded by people who genuinely want to see each other succeed!