Debut single strikes sweet chord

A new single, Sweetheart, by Andrew Christopher, a well-known performer in Sun Peaks, launched on Dec. 5. It was the first song he wrote after his daughter, Lilee-Jean, passed away due to pediatric cancer. The debut date would have been her fifth birthday.

“The song came really easily, it probably only took an hour to get all of the music and lyrics down that I wanted,” he said.

“It was just kind of me wanting to somehow talk to Lilee-Jean even though she was gone and just really trying to portray those feelings of loss, heartache, and telling her that I miss her, and letting her know that I want to still live my life for her.”

Despite the sad subject, Christopher said the song “has quite an uplifting, beautiful
feeling to it.”

Christopher’s musical career began with the band known as Pardon My Striptease, who he played with for around five years. When his daughter became sick, the band raised over $100,000 with their single Pray for LJ.

The recent transition to a solo career has led to the new single.

“I’ve been focused on building up a sustainable career in that sense. Now, starting in the last few months, I’ve wanted to write more and record more and so this song is my debut back into more original music and hopefully getting more of that out there.”

Sun Peaks has been a part of that transition. He estimates he’s played 15 to 20 shows in the village.

“Everyone I met up there was just so kind and welcoming and everyone seemed to have a good time,” he said.

“It’s been a good escape for me. It’s almost like a little vacation getting to up there and getting away from the busy city life. It’s definitely one of my favourite places to go play. Most of the locals I have met, some have come and gone and some are still there, a lot of them have become pretty good friends of mine and I love getting up there to see everybody.”

Christopher said he is currently planning a Sun Peaks show for Feb. 7.

In addition to spreading the good times through musical performances, Christopher said he feels it’s his life’s responsibility to spread awareness and raise funds when possible for pediatric cancer.

“Just to make sure people know it’s a lot more prevalent than people think. There’s endless funds that are needed for new machines and for research, trying to find a cure,” he said.

Sweetheart can be purchased though iTunes, Amazon and other online music sources. B100 and Country 103 in Kamloops are also playing the track.

Christopher said he frequently posts donation and event opportunities for BC Children’s Hospital and pediatric cancer research on facebook.com/andrewchristophermusic and encourages people to also check out the hospital’s website and social media channels for other ways to support.