"Make It Through" is a blues album with gospel, rock, alternative and jazz influences. These ten original tracks and two arrangements of classic standards are all centred around perseverance and strength. Heather's music is vulnerable but strong, a message of support to others and a call to action to herself. It's Luckhart's fiery spirit that has helped her Make It Through life's challenges, and she is proud to share that spirit in this album.

Track Descriptions:

1. Make It Through (3:15) Vocal Blues
“When times get hard, I get harder until I Make It Through.” I have leaned into these words throughout my lowest lows and my moments of accomplishment. Determination and perseverance grow ever stronger when one proves they are capable, time and again. This track features ripping solos from Attila Fias (organ) and Eric St-Laurent (guitar).
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2. Too Tired (3:35) Swamp Blues
Whenever I am out and about, I am inevitably approached by someone who asks something to the effect of “what did you do to yourself” in relation to my mobility aids. For years, I took on the responsibility to satisfy the curiosities of others at the expense of reliving the worst experience of my life. I’m not speaking about people who are caring and want to be sweet. I am speaking of experiences with people who need to make sense of a person with a physical disability not matching their preconceptions. Those people can carry their own burden of needing to know someone else’s very personal and often painful circumstances. I have my own load to carry and am too tired at this point to continue to cater to nosey folks! This groovy, percussive call-and-answer jam features a solo from the legendary Vezi Tayyeb of Kensington Sound on guitar.
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3. Hard Times Come Again No More (4:31)
Traditional, Spiritual, Gospel, Folk
The lyrics of this song are as relevant today as ever. It has been an honour to breathe my breath into this time capsule. I was sure to take loving care of the traditional elements and essence of gospel while shining a modern light onto the arrangement. This features the incredible Juno-nominated Allison Young on saxophone and Eric St-Laurent on a beautiful acoustic guitar solo.
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4. Let it out Like (4:05) Singer-songwriter, Acoustic pop
“There are times in our lives when the weight of the world is sitting on top of our minds.”However heavy the world feels, a reminder that even water in the sun can float away can help us feel a little lighter. This message was something I wanted to share and express this message in a way that welcomed singing along. With soulful backing vocals from Robert Ball and a bluesy Alison Young saxophone solo really brought the emotion of letting go to the next level with this one.
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5. Runnin (3:10) Singer-songwriter, pop-rock
While on the road with musicians across Canada, we found ourselves waiting for our fair share of trains! During one stop, this song’s initial seed was planted and grew into the tale of the wandering and road-weary musician. The chorus playfully pulled from a comment where our exhausted brains confirmed that, yes, if you run in a freight train car, you would indeed be running faster than said freight train. Features Allison Young on saxophone.
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6. Tender To Me (4:10) Singer-songwriter, acoustic pop, folk
Expectations versus reality leads to adjustments and growing pains. Sometimes, a little tenderness is really all you need to move through it. Drawing from personal life moments and lessons, as well as the stories of those I’ve encountered in my travels, I put our plea for that tenderness into song. Featuring Vezi Tayeeb with a short and sweet solo on acoustic guitar.
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7. Come Closer (3:41) Singer-songwriter, acoustic pop, folk
Though I am not known for writing love songs, this flirty take on lonely hearts made its way onto the album. Inspired by a former crush who truly deserved to smile rather than have barflies tell her that she should. When everything is crumbling around you, it is beautiful to have someone you can let your guard down around. Isn’t it? I offered an alternate take on her most frequently received pickup lines. I leaned into my own loss and pain in the 2nd verse, demonstrating that the pain is all around, but so is the beauty. Featuring Eric St-Laurent on a little bluesy guitar solo.

8. Good Storm (3:02) Blues-rock
Many of us can now relate all too well to the feeling of longing that Good Storm stirs up. Expressing a passionate depiction of that experience was a natural process and something important to have in the mix. Abstract enough to pull your own meanings, I hope you give yourself a chance to let that Good Storm refresh you.

9. I’ve Got Something (3:39) Traditional blues
After seeing one too many “She is Someone’s Daughter” type memes out there and having my femininity viewed as a weakness rather than a strength, I push back through this fiery track. Initially mapped as a full band production, Eric St-Laurent and I recorded a version with he the two of us live off of the floor around two microphones. That raw version was the cut that made it to your ears. The grit and authenticity felt right.

10. Whole Lotta Me (3:17) Alternative, indie
Being unapologetically your weird and wonderful self is something I endorse! Let the world catch up with us rather than dimming our lights to fit in. Let’s shine!

11. Soulshine (4:34) Gospel **
This song has a lot of meaning and was especially comforting to me after the loss of a dear friend. It is a gentle take on the Allman Brothers Band’s classic that I’ve arranged and lyrically adjusted to reflect how strong and inspirational she was. Though I took some liberties, I feel such a connection to the sentiment of shining through dark times.
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12. Clear Outta Here (3:35) Jazzy vocal blues
Magical bassist George Koller and I created this performance live in the studio. Each moment unfolded as we stood face to face around the microphones, following the song rather than either of us.