Willie Thrasher shares the music that inspired Spirit Child

Willie Thrasher joins guest host Rachel Giese to discuss the music that shaped him throughout his life — from his childhood growing up among 21 siblings through to his nomadic adulthood.

Today, as part of our ongoing q playlist series, Thrasher reflects on the difficult times, including his residential school experiences and the untimely deaths of family members, but also how he found his way to artistic expression and healing. 

"I went nuts for a while but I got my head back together through spirituality," says Thrasher, adding reconnecting with his culture through music helped him turn a corner. 

The struggling musician turned Canadian luminary has recently re-mastered and re-released his seminal album Spirit Child to much acclaim. 

WEB EXTRA | Here, in the order they were played on air, are the songs that form the backbone of Thrasher's life. 

Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones

Louis Riel by Willie Dunn