Frank Yamma, the 'Voice of Australia's Central Desert', Tours Canada in August

Frank Yamma, the voice of Australia's Central Desert, comes all the way from Ayers Rock to perform his fourth run of shows in Canada. 

Frank Yamma is one of Australia's most significant Indigenous songwriters.

With an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries, when he sings, you listen and travel with him. An initiated Pitjantjatjara man, Frank sings in his Indigenous language, as well as in English, and his spirit belongs to the heart of Australia - Uluru. Docker River. Ernabella. Central Australia. As Frank says, "Wherever the Pitjantjatjara mob come from."

Over the past five years, the world has been discovering Frank and has seen him perform across Europe and the UK with shows in Latvia, Lithuania, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Poland, and Switzerland. Frank has undertaken extensive live touring with highlights including the 2012 Cultural Olympiad (UK), Womad (UK), The New Hebridean Festival (Scotland), Festival Bled (Slovenia), Colours of Ostravia (Czech Republic), and most recently setting hearts on fire in Canada at Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg folk festivals. In Canada, he shared the stage with Buffy Saint Marie and The Mekons, as well as performing a coveted spot opening for Joan Baez. In 2014 Frank Yamma represented Australia at WOMEX '14.

Closer to home, Frank also performed at this year's TEDx Sydney in May and won an NIMA award for his latest album Uncle, which features songs of country, protection, heartache, and travel. And songs of love. Not of love lost, but of pure, present-day raw emotion. Uncle shows the continuity of a musician that is hitting his peak with grace and conviction.

Indigenous soulster Frank Yamma will bring his beautiful storytelling back to Canada to play the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival on August 5-7, Manitoba Aboriginal Music Week on August 10, Robson Valley Music Festival August 12-14, and he is performing a special, intimate show at Vancouver's Wise Hall on August 11 with Melbourne songstress (and recent Canadian immigrant) Larissa Tandy making a guest appearance.

Frank Yamma - 2016 Canadian Tour Dates:

• 5-7 August - Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival – Lunenberg, NS
• 10 August - Manitoba Aboriginal Music Week - Winnipeg, MB
• 11 August - The Wise Hall - Vancouver, BC
• 12-14 August - Robson Valley Music Festival - Dunster, BC

Keep up with Frank Yamma at frankyamma.com and facebook.com/frankyamma

Cross Lake Youth Respond to Violence and Give Voice to Community in "Pitch Black" Music Video

“It’s dark in this community and we came together to share our thoughts on these situations. This is the voice of our youth. Welcome to Cross Lake.”

Back in March, the Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba declared a state of emergency after seeing six suicides in the community within two months and 140 attempts within two weeks prior.

While the community sought out help from the provincial and federal governments, a group of artists from across Manitoba took it upon themselves to intervene in the best way they knew how – by sharing their gifts with the local Pimicikamak Cree Nation youth, and empowering them to explore and use gifts of their own.

“It was all forms, from painting to writing, recording, performing and dance to video art,” said Leonard Sumner, who helped pool together funds along with the other artists to get to Cross Lake as urgently as possible. “We went on their spring break and got the word out. Young people showed up and we all started working together on ideas.”

Leonard did lyrics and recording workshops with Charlie Fettah of Winnipeg's Most and collaborated with Erica Daniels and her film workshop kids in creating a music video. The whole team of artists played a vital role in the project, including Wab Kinew who helped workshop the youth on their second day in the studio that they had set up in a classroom.“We helped them from start to finish. Some were ready to go, some were a little shy. Everyone was supportive of each other and they applauded and encouraged dope lines from each other. There was a creative energy in the room that enveloped everyone who came through.”

“It was really cool because we picked the 'Pitch Black' beat, which was done by Boogey [the Beat] and then me and Leonard started some of the writing and they seemed pretty receptive to the understanding of song structure”, said Charlie, who along with Leonard, oversaw the work the youth came up with on their own and then guided them through the process of creating the song and shooting the music video in a span of only 2 days.

“They did a really good fucking job! It's dark, but that’s where they were in their heads and wanted to express themselves like that. It was really their own creation. Me and Leonard started with the hook and kind of showed them how to make it catchier, to make it something people can remember, and they kind of took that and ran with it.”

“One of the artists explained to me that in the past year he had lost three of this family and two really good friends to suicide, and I was completely floored," says Charlie, who remains in contact with the group. "Even now I keep up with them on Facebook and they consistently hit me up and let me know they’re writing more, even the ones who didn’t have much experience writing before. It’s good because now they have a better way to deal with those feelings. So it was really inspiring to see them through that.”

“We really have seen a lot of change in the youth. They’ve been continuing writing music for themselves,"says Kendall, a youth counsellor in Cross Lake who facilitated the workshops at the community school. "The group that made Pitch Black have all been working together and they’re still doing that now. The experience they had really helped them express their feelings through music. There are other youth that didn’t come out that saw the video and thought 'Hey, I could do this!’ so it’s just getting them out there, and getting them more involved in the community and music."

“The arts are empowering. We don’t need any more victims, we need to build upon their resilience and strengthen our identities. Arts can play a big role in that,” said Leonard.

“I believe projects like this are key in helping our youth. Multimedia gives them the opportunity to express themselves in a creative and artistic way," said Erica. "I have been doing this work for many years and I have seen many youth change their lives around and grow as strong individuals. This work is so important and I wish there were music and film programs in each community because I know that it can help young people heal. I can tell the youth are so proud of their song and video and I feel that it has inspired them to be leaders in their community and keep working hard to have their voices heard.”

See what happens when creative minds come together to give voice for a community in hardship.

This is "Pitch Black" featuring Jonny Jesus, Skinny-Gee, Errol Mckay, Tyrese CJ Scott, Chrisduut Bailey, Brent Fruit Loops Richards and ViciouZKidd:

Watch the "Pitch Black" music video:

PREMIERE: Stream Don Amero’s New Album “Refined”

The fifth studio album from Don Amero showcases the Manitoba songwriter at his best yet - truly, Refined.

When Don Amero dropped the first single and video, "Love Like That," last month, we dug that there was a taste of what we and audiences have grown to know and love (and occasionally swoon over) Amero for - i.e. sweet, smooth, acoustic-pop love songs.

But once we got a hold of the complete 10 track album, "Refined," we discovered a lot more.

From five seconds in with the piano-struck downbeat of the first and title track, Amero establishes he's standing on confident footing as a songwriter and performer. Over the course of the album his warm tenor voice maintains his familiar gentle warmth, but also showcases a newly developed strength, range, and flexibility, often supported masterfully by lush but not overwhelming harmonies. Musically Amero still nails his signature mix of acoustic, roots, and pop music, the stuff that earned him the description of "John Mayer meets Keith Urban", while also satisfyingly dipping into a bit of soul and rock.

While Amero does deliver solid feel-good and bittersweet love songs like the first single, and the duet with the one and only Crystal Shawanda "Broken Hearts," on this album he's exploring the outcome of life's bigger challenges and lyrically he weaves messages of struggle, survival, and adversity. At times it's heartbreaking, like in "Falling Shouldn't Feel That Way," but in the soulful organ and horn filled "On Down the Road," the driving "Let Them See You Smile," and the simple to triumphant arc of "Won't Give Up," Amero's message is fuelled with encouragement, positivity, and an eye on resilience, if not healing.

The album title and title track are a fine thesis statement - that living through hardship and change can result in a stronger self. Hitting new levels of writing, delivery, and production, Amero is clearly living what he sings about - chipping away, pushing through, and coming out the other side Refined.

Stream the exclusive first listen now, and check out Don Amero's Canadian CD release tour dates below.

Stream Don Amero’s New Album “Refined”

DON AMERO TOUR DATES - SPRING & SUMMER 2015

Tuesday April 28th - Halifax, NS at The Carleton Thursday April 30th - Wolfville, NS at The Al Whittle Theatre Saturday May 2nd - Halifax, NS - House Concert Tuesday May 5th - PEI - House Concert Tuesday May 19th - Peterborough, ON - The Garnet on Hunter Friday May 22nd - London, ON - The London Music Club Saturday May 24th - Guelph, ON - Lakeside Church Wednesday June 3rd - Rosebud, AB - The Gallery Thursday June 4th - Calgary, AB - The Ironwood Saturday June 6th - Calgary, AB - House Concert Friday June 12th - Winnipeg, MB - The West End Cultural Centre Saturday June 20th - Winnipeg, MB - Aboriginal Day Live Thursday June 25th - Atlin, BC - The Globe Theatre Friday June 26th - Whitehorse, YK - The Old Fire Hall Saturday June 27th - Prince George, BC - House Concert Wednesday July 1st - Vancouver, BC - Canada Day Event

"The Cup Song" and 300 Awesome Youth

This might be the best thing you see this week, from the entire school in Berens River First Nation - "Cup Song."

The Cup Song is a traditional song combined with a percussive game of playing with cups. What music teacher Ken Davidson did with students Tatyanna Munkman (singer) and Alex Semple (guitar) along with all the 300 school kids' participation in Berens River First Nation is marvellous, clever, charming, inspiring and moving. We love these kids (and their teacher!).

“When I’m gone, when I’m gone, you know you’re going to miss me when I’m gone" is sung over  images of a remote place - the Berens River First Nation is 275km north of Winnipeg - that includes a landscape of broken down cars and decay on the reserve as well as and beautiful waterfront and dense woods.

Check it:

DOWNLOAD: Don Amero - "All I Need This Christmas"

With Don Amero's 4th annual "Amero Little Christmas" less than two weeks away, he's already spreading some seasonal cheer with this new love song.

If you're looking to get into the season, download the track below and get toe tappin' while stringing up the lights. And if you're near Winnipeg this December 21st, you can really celebrate the best of the season with Don, Desiree Dorian and others for "Amero Little Christmas" at the West End Cultural Centre.

DOWNLOAD: Don Amero - "All I Need This Christmas"

DOWNLOAD: Ill Citizens ft. Darkside - "Sweet Dreams"

We have another hip-hop track for this week's #RPMDownload Tuesday from Ill Citizens featuring Darkside.

These Winnipeg, Manitoba, Natives Ill Citizens remixed a track from well-known Shock Rocker Marilyn Manson, overlaying it with their flowing lyrics and Indigenized touch.

Keep an eye out for these up and comers as they release more singles in the future.

DOWNLOAD: Ill Citizens ft. Darkside - "Sweet Dreams"

Aboriginal Music Week 2012 Lineup

The lineup for Aboriginal Music Week 2012 is out and includes a full serving of Indigenous musicians.

Every year Winnipeg hosts the largest gathering of Indigenous musicians at Aboriginal Music Week, held at numerous venues around the Pegcity, along side the Manito Ahbee Festival. This year is no different. Listing 12 concerts, 34 bands over 5 nights, AMW2012 will prove to be a historical event for the Indigenous music scene.

Aboriginal Music Week 2012 will take place October 30th thru to November 4th.

Here's a look at the full festival lineup:

Tanya Tagaq w/ Moe Clark on October 30 Wab Kinew w/ Savannah Rae Boyko on October 31 Samantha Crain w/ Cris Derksen on November 1 Don Amero on November 1 Feenix w/ Drezus, OBT, JB the First Lady, Tommy Da, LKMG, Primetime Empyre on November 1 A Tribe Called Red w/ Zuzuka Poderosa & Kush Arora on November 2 Murray Porter w/ Silver Jackson on November 2 Wayne Lavallee w/ BODM, Randy Sibbeston & Wild Meat, Saali, Gabriel Ayala on November 2 Tha Link w/ IsKwé on November 3 Stevie Salas w/ Joey Stylez, LightningCloud on November 3 Gary Farmer & The Troublemakers w/ Nathan Cunningham on November 3 Keith Secola w/ Leanne Goose & Snow Blind, Priscilla’s Revenge, Scatter Their Own on November 3

Stay tuned to RPM for updates of show venues and other information about AMW2012.

See you there!

DOWNLOAD: Desiree Dorion - "Soul Back Jack"

Desiree Dorion sings with passion and sass. It's kick-ass pure country - get into this week's RPM Download Soul Back Jack.

Soul Back Jack is the title track from Desiree Dorion's most recent, critically acclaimed, and award-winning fan-favourite album. It's polished, vibrant, catchy, impassioned country  music at its get-up-and-dance best. Throughout the album, the real highlight is truly Dorion's incredible voice. Damn, girl can sing and she just nails it in this track. Enjoy.

DOWNLOAD: Desiree Dorion - "Soul Back Jack"

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.

His bio says his songs "based on love, drinking and heartbreak." This chipper ditty, replete with a plucky banjo part, delivers on all three. You might find yourself toe-tapping and singing along before you realize you're chiming in on the bittersweet "sitting here along again, drinking with the moon again." And that's a good thing. I like a song that isn't what you might think it is, first time around.

From his APCMA nominated album Where I Come From, download and enjoy Why Don't You Call.

DOWNLOAD: Ron Loutit - "Why Don't  You Call"

8 Days In May. Eh! Urban Gatherings Complete Lineup

The third annual 8 Days In May. Eh! Urban Gatherings festival features a long list of Aboriginal performers taking to various stages next month in Winnipeg. Check out the lineup and enter their contest to win tickets!

The 8 Days In May. Eh! Urban Gatherings festival is a series of music nights in Winnipeg boasting a long list of Aboriginal performers from all over Turtle Island.  Kicking off on Friday, May 4th, this festival will cover 8 days in the month of May and showcase 34 artists in several venues across the city.

Métis music man Dustin Harder (of The Dusty Roads Band), who created and programs the festival said about the various genres in the festival:

"We’ll be mixing it up every night with everything from blues and roots to rock to instrumental to folk and country to heavy metal and hip-hop. So there will definitely be something for everyone."

This year's edition of 8 Days In May. Eh! will feature artists such as: BODM (Bruthers of Different Muthers), Burnt Project 1, Don Amero, Drezus, Dustin Harder and The Dusty Roads Band, Leanne Goose, Lorenzo, Wab Kinew, Cris Derksen, Gabriel Ayala, Jason Burnstick, and Kristi Lane Sinclair just to name a handful!

If you happen to be in the Winnipeg area for the month of May, it is highly suggested you head out to one or all of the many events and get a dose of Indigenous music in your ears via the 8 Days In May. Eh! Urban Gatherings.

You can also enter to win tickets! Head to 8daysinmayeh.polldaddy.com and to find answers to the contest questions, check out 8daysinmayeh.com.

Official festival line up:

Friday, May 4th - Windsor Hotel - capacity 220 Nothing But The Blues Ross Neilsen Band from New Brunswick Neufeld and Kidder from Manitoba Dusty Harder and the Dusty Roads Band from Manitoba

Saturday, May 5th - Windsor Hotel - capacity 220 Singer/Songwriter Night Katie Murphy Band Sonia Eidse Jessee Havey with Damon Mitchell Segweh Don Amero Marcel Desilets (Tweener)

Friday, May 11th -  The Marlborough Hotel (Regal Beagle) - capacity 280 Roots, Hip-hop, Country and Folk Pop Tweener (Nick Sherman(ON) Lorenzo JJ Lavallee Band Little Hawk John J. Cook(SK) Mariachi Ghost – members from S. America

Saturday, May 12th - Le Garage - capacity 100 Fresh, Light, Americana Mid Century Modernaires JD Edwards Band Dustin Harder and The Dusty Roads Band Nick Sherman (ON)

Friday, May 18th - Windsor Hotel - capacity 300 Country and Alt-Country Tweener David St Germain Holly Vee Leanne Goose – Inuvik Alaska Cameron

Saturday, May 19th - Windsor Hotel - capacity 300 Heavy Rock/Metal All Aboriginal Artsists. Brothers Of Different Mothers – Juno Nominee 2012 King Sleeze Split Crooked Fargo, Arizona

Sunday, May 20th - Windsor Hotel - capacity 300 Experimental classical Gypsy Jazz and Hip Hop Gabriel Ayala – US. Tim Butler(Acoustic) Chet Breau Drezus

Friday, May 25th - Pyramid Cabaret - capacity 300 Final Gathering: A taste of 8 Days in May.Eh! Lorenzo, Little Hawk – 8pm Drezus - 8:30pm Segweh - 8:45 Sonia Eidse - 9:30pm Katie Murphy 9:55pm Big Dave McLean Acoustic Duo - 10:15pm Burnt Project 1 C.D Release - 11pm Dustin Harder and Dusty Roads Band With Sherry St. Germain - 12:30am Mariachi Ghost - 1:15

Saturday, May 26th - Venue to be announced Special 9th Day of May.Eh! Host (Ray St. Germain and Wab Kinew) Performances by: Sierra Noble Jason Burnstick David St Germain Dustin Harder and The Dusty Roads Band Wab Kinew, Little Hawk, Lorenzo (Perform "Good Boy") Ray St Germain Tentative (C.R.Avery with Guests)

For more information check out 8daysinmayeh.com.

For tickets, inquiries & info please email 8daysinmayeh@gmail.com

You can subscribe to the events by iCal here by clicking this link: http://www.manitobamusic.com/8daysinmay.ics

Jerry Sereda Chats with CBC Music

Jerry Sereda is a Métis country-rock artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who is aiming to shoot his next video with the help of his devoted fans. CBC Music got the inside scoop.

Jerry Sereda released his second full-length album last fall and has been enjoying success on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown charts and Canadian Country Music charts since. He attributes part of his success to his community in Winnipeg and in is inviting his hometown fans to be part of his next music video.

From music.cbc.ca, Jerry Sereda gives back to his fans with latest video shoot:

Q: What song from your latest album Turn the Country On will you turn into a music video? A: I don't want to give away the name of the song just yet. I like to keep it a bit of a surprise for the people who decide to come out, and take part in the video, and enjoy the show...

Q: Why is it important to have your fans come out and be a part of the video? A: We'd love to have a lot of familiar faces out to the video shoot, and a lot of new ones to create the proper party atmosphere, and to have the proper energy in the room. Plus we're hoping to have this video on CMT, and we'd like to brag a little to the rest of the country and show off the energy and beauty of the great people of Manitoba.

We look forward to seeing it!

Read the full article by Kim Ziervogel here: music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2012/3/Jerry-Sereda-gives-back-to-his-fans-with-latest-video-shoot.

New Drezus Video "Another Love"

Winnipeg's Drezus is back at it again with a new video, Another Love, directed by Jesse Green and Reign Wapioke.

Shot in the snowy streets of Winnipeg, Another Love, from Drezus of Team Rezofficial, takes us on a cold journey through a love story. Directed by Jesse Green and Reign Wapioke of CN5 Films, this video is another notch on to the belt of the already video experienced Drezus.

The track Another Love is produced by Jay Mak, the legendary producer of Team Rezofficial and many others.