She’s blonde, beautiful and melodic. Canada’s answer to the Californian folk songstress Lissie releases 10 original tracks in her first album entitled Bells and Whistles.

From Victoria, BC folk waif Steph Macpherson has promised to lead a life of music since a young age, accompanying her mom on car drives.

"My parents tell me I was a very noisy baby/toddler, not because I wanted anything, but because I simply loved making sounds with my voice," she says. "Now, I’m not sure if that qualifies as singing, but if I can spin it that way, I’ll take it."

Macpherson began taking voice and piano lessons at the age of 4 at the urging of her parents.

"I’m pretty sure it had a lot to do with the fact that I would sing the entire Disney discography on repeat, and they figured I’d better expand my repertoire," she kids.

Additional to dabblings with the banjo, ukulele, glockenspiel and mandolin, in high school she picked up the guitar, "probably to impress a crush", and says it was one of the best decisions she made.

"Much more portable than a piano."

That portability factor means that Macpherson has toured the country extensively, including a 30 shows in 33 days stint from Montreal to BC with friend and road warrior Zachary Lucky of Saskatoon.

"I love touring," she says. "Travelling and performing – yes please!"

But aside from the thrill of new places and faces, Macpherson does say that life on the road takes its tolls both on sleep and bank accounts.

"I’d be lying, of course, if I said it wasn’t exhausting at times, but it’s so cool to get out there and play for new audiences, and to have the chance to see the places that listeners come from," she says. "I think the hardest part for me ... is missing people; not just at home, but also the amazing people you meet on the road."

Last year Macpherson got the opportunity to play the Canada Day show on the legislative gardens of Victoria with Fred Penner, and opened for the legendary Men Without Hats at the Rifflandia Music Festival in 2010.

She’s also made the bill at Lilith Fair, The Peak Performance Project, Canadian Music Week and Victoria’s Zone Band of the Month.

Now she makes her true entry into the music scene with Bells and Whistles, written entirely by Macpherson and backed by a solid industry team: Cordova Bay Records as her label; Beat Music Management as her manager; Indoor Recess handling publicity; and Pitbull Media tackling the radio.

"It’s a pretty amazing feeling," she admits.

Macpherson says the material on her album was inspired by a variety of experiences, reflections and items from her life.

"I’ve often felt like I had to give myself over to ‘the music’ to be able to write a song; just stop thinking, and let it flow," she describes. "It can feel like you’re outside yourself, channeling this other entity."

"Music also does something to people. I don’t know how or why, but it has this incredible ability to lift, lower, or level a spirit. That in itself is inspiring. You can literally feel a note."

You can join Macpherson in this feeling at one of the dates she’s lined up to play in Alberta. She will be performing at the Ironwood in Calgary May 8th and the Haven in Edmonton May 11th.

"The rest of the year is still taking shape," she says. "We’re in the process of confirming gigs and festivals for the summer/fall, so you’ll just have to stay in the loop by visiting [my website]."