Eliana Cuevas

Her pick: “Jerusalem” by David Rudder

David Rudder was born in Trinidad — he is also a Canadian living in Ajax — and I consider him to be one of the top songwriters and performers in this country. I discovered him in 2003 when I saw him perform at Lula Lounge, an amazing Toronto venue that showcases music and art from different cultures. David performed this song there. At that time, I was about to record my first full-length album and I found his songwriting — and his performance — very inspiring. That day I also met Jeremy Ledbetter, who was performing with David and who has now produced my last two albums, Espejo and Golpes y Flores. 


I consider “Jerusalem” to be one of the greatest but least-known Canadian songs. It also represents some of the great Canadian work that we inherit by welcoming into this country so many incredible artists from different cultures. This powerful song moved me then, and it does it every time I hear it.