Lindi Ortega: Gotta Love Those Little Red Boots

Lindi Ortega almost didn’t make it to her Little Red Boots album release party at The Dakota Tavern with her partner-in-crime—the infamous little red boots.

The Canadian singer-songwriter told the crowd that she luckily found them under her bed amidst the mess in her apartment.

Ever since falling in love and purchasing the cherry-red cowboy boots in Nashville two-and-a-half years ago, she has been wearing them religiously as a part of her signature look. She loves the boots so much that she has written a song and named her newest album after them—both appropriately titled Little Red Boots.

Growing up with a father who played bass in a Latino band, Lindi was exposed to the music scene at a very young age. At 16, she began writing songs after her dad taught her to play two chords on the guitar.

Gradually, she progressed to writing songs with four chords on her own. Since the release of her first album a decade ago, she has had many opportunities working with well-known artists, like Kevin Costner & The Modern West’s (she was their opening act).

“I mean it’s Kevin Costner from Dances with Wolves!,” she says gleefully. She also sang backup for Brandon Flowers on his solo tour, which opened her eyes to more of the music industry.

Last year, she stepped out of her alt-country world and collaborated with Major Lazer and Collie Budz on the track Good Enuff. All of these collective experiences have led up to her fifth album, Little Red Boots released on June 7, 2011.

On June 6, 2011, Lindi showcased her passion for singing at The Dakota Tavern, a dim saloon-inspired bar in T.O. Moments before her set, Lindi, in her signature red cowboy boots, mingled with several event attendees, including myself, who were sipping the specially made drink named –of course—little red boot.

At about 7:45pm, Lindi took the enchantingly lit up stage. Accompanying her and her acoustic guitar was her band, which included talented musicians playing drums, cello, electric guitar and electric piano.

She began her set with the mellow song “Angels,” and then fawned over her beloved footwear with “Little Red Boots.” Lindi then picked up the pace and energetically rocked to “Little Lie.” With an incredible stage presence, she bounced to the beat and encouraged the crowd to get up and dance. Then there was a stark change in mood when she performed the soothing “Dying of Another Broken Heart,” a vulnerable yet satirical song that pokes fun of an ex-boyfriend dumping her.

Although it was short, the show was a success overall. Lindi was extremely energetic, and her vocals are stunning and captivating. She is definitely a rising star in the roots music scene. I would not be surprised if she became the next big music star ‘repping the T-dot!

Faze reported Elaine Kwan with Lindi Ortega