A Nova Scotia teenager is giving new life to one of Canada’s most iconic cartoon theme songs. “Run with Us” was made popular by Lisa Lougheed in 1988 as the beloved closing theme from “The Raccoons,” a classic Canadian animated series that aired throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Seventeen-year-old Sadie C. Grace of Beaver Bank is the voice behind a fresh take on the song. “I probably could have cried,” Sadie said about the moment she first heard the final version. Sadie grew up immersed in art. Her father Luke Conrad owns Cartoon Conrad Productions and has worked on major animated series like “Woody Woodpecker,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Robo Force.” “My favorite part is being surrounded by people who just create day to day,” said Sadie. Conrad met “The Raccoons” creator Kevin Gillis more than a decade ago. Already a fan of Sadie’s voice, Gillis was instantly on board for a new version of the show’s theme. “A lot of people have recorded it, and I would be delighted,” Gillis said. Sadie’s version of “Run with Us” is produced by Corey LeRue and features guitarist Willy Kidd. “It has a little bit of that nostalgic style, feel, but at the same time, it brings something new,” said Conrad. The reimagined track highlights Sadie’s unique vocal tone – made even more remarkable by the fact that she lives with hearing loss and wears hearing aids. “It’s harder, pitch-wise,” said Sadie. The timing of the song couldn’t be better. “The Raccoons” is enjoying a global resurgence after being remastered from 35mm film and released in more than 40 countries. The full series is now available to stream on Crave. “I’ve been waiting a long time to see this video and to hear the recording – it’s just wonderful,” Gillis said. “The crew over at Cartoon Conrad have outdone themselves. Bravo to you guys down there.” “It’s such an honour,” said Sadie. “I get kind of flabbergasted, you know?” Sadie’s version of “Run with Us” comes with an 80s-themed video and is available now. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
