Another month of Indigenous music! Here are four new releases from The Medics, Holly McNarland, Burnt Project 1 and Arvel Bird. …read more »
New Indigenous Music Releases – May 2012
Julia Keefe Inspired by Mildred Bailey
Sweet, smooth vocals always get my attention and I’m a sucker for a well played vocal scat – thus my ears perked up when I first heard Julia Keefe of the Nez Perce Tribe. Her voice is of another era and stands out in this one as one of the only jazz songbirds in Indian Country. But she’s not the first. …read more »
DOWNLOAD: Ron Loutit – “Why Don’t You Call”
Métis Ron Loutit isn’t as widely known as his country music chops, knowing voice and clever and charming lyrics should have him, but that almost makes his old school songs even better, because we’re the lucky ones to hear them. …read more »
SPOTLIGHT: The Arctic Circus of Artcirq
The Igloolik, Nunavut, collective Artcirq is a collaborative, community-based circus and multimedia company that has been creating work, engaging youth and performing around the globe since 1998. And that’s not all! The arctic circus also makes music and has released two albums recently on iTunes. …read more »
Wawatay News with Robin Ranger
There’s not a lot of jazz players in Indian Country, but musician and composer Robin Ranger, from Fort William, Ontario, is blazing a trail of change. He talked with Wawatay News about his love of the genre, his goals as an artist, and what album got him hooked on jazz in the first place.
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DOWNLOAD: Deathscene – “Next to Me”
Deathscene is the trio of Keithan (Navajo), Book (Navajo) and Erica from Tucson, Arizona. Together they write and record mellow, downbeat, trip-hoppy music and have been keeping it mostly to themselves. But, they shared this track with RPM, we really dig it, and we want to share it with you. …read more »
Artist Call: Asinabka Festival Residency in Music Production
Calling First Nations, Métis and Inuit musicians between the ages of 18 and 30! The Asinabka Festival is offering a one-week residency in music production. Apply now. …read more »
Holly McNarland “Run Body Run” and NXNE Contest
Métis singer-songwriter Holly McNarland’s new album Run Body Run, her first since 2007′s Chin Up Buttercup, is set for release in June. To celebrate, she is running a contest that there will be 11 winners for! Not bad odds – so get your entry in there!
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Three Young Artists to Watch: Nathalie Restoule, Bee Pastion and Crystal J
This week not one, not two, but three videos from three remarkable young women artists came across the ol’ RPM desk. Our young sisters are moving, inspiring and oh so talented! Check out Nathalie Restoule, Bee Pastion and Crystal J. …read more »
VIDEO: Young Jibwe Speaks
Last year, Ojibwe hip-hop artist Young Jibwe attended the Mayday: No One is Illegal gathering in Toronto – an annual march and protest that takes place around the world in pursuit of equality and justice for immigrants and refugees. There, Young Jibwe was inspired to make an impromptu speech from the stage. A year later, he is sharing more of that story and inspiration. …read more »