Sonny Assu's Spring Playlist

We asked visual artist Sonny Assu what music he can't get enough of lately and he put together this killer playlist of his current faves. 

Regarded as a ‘Vanguard’ for his work in the Vancouver Art Gallery’s exhibit, How Soon Is Now?, Sonny Assu (Laich-kwil-tach (Kwakwaka'wakw) of the Weka'yi First Nation) merges Indigenous West Coast iconography with the aesthetics of popular culture to challenge social and historical values placed upon both. In an exploration of his mixed ancestry and his interests in Indigenous issues, branding and new technologies, Assu crosses many boundaries with his work and message. In doing so, he reveals a ravishing oeuvre that speaks to many.

His work has been accepted into the National Gallery of Canada and various other public and private collections across Canada and the United States. He graduated from the Emily Carr University in 2002 and frequently holds solo dance parties in his studio.

We're big fans.

Currently, you can see some of his work in the Beat Nation exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery (check out the RPM video installation while you're there!) and anytime at sonnyassu.com.

Without further ado, here's Sonny Assu's Spring Playlist. Enjoy!

Track listing:

1. Arabesque - Three's Company
2. Sage Francis - Civil Disobedience
3. Black Keys - Little Black Submarines
4. Porcupine Tree - Phase I
5. The Weekend - Life of the Party

RPM YouTube Playlist: New Traditional

As a side plate to our New Traditional podcast, here's a YouTube playlist of some incredible Indigenous videos on YouTube.

Robbie Robertson and Ulali - Mahk Jchi (LIVE) Russell Wallace - Gathering Song - Tzo'kam A Tribe Called Red - Red Skin Girl Moana & The Tribe David R. Maracle - Pollution 9 Year Old Rocks Hand Drum (Aaron Potts Letendre at Alexis First Nation) Traditional Expression - Jasmine Anderson and Joanne Soldier

Be sure to visit our YouTube Channel.

Got a video you'd like to see on our channel or in our playlists? Send us a link to: info@rpm.fm

What's on Robbie Robertson's Playlist?

Mohawk musician and icon Robbie Robertson recently put together a playlist of some of his favourite music.

Between recently receiving the Order of Canada and releasing his fifth solo album, "How To Be Clairvoyant", in April 2011, Robbie's been in the media a lot lately. You can never hear too much from the man who paved the way for many Indigenous artists to follow.

It seems Robertson has been able to maintain his optimism over the years, and he believes in encouraging the advancement of our people. As he said in a recent interview:

"The direction is going the right way for respect for aboriginal people in North America, and all we can do is stand up and say 'please do it faster."

We couldn't agree more.

Here's what's on Robbie Robertson's Current Playlist:

1. Eric Clapton - "It's In The Way That You Use It"
2. Steve Winwood - "Back in The High Life"
3. Johnny Cash - "Hurt"
4. Telepopmusik featuring Angela McClusky - "Breathe"
5. Black Uhuru - "Sponji Reggae"
6. Dawes - "When My Time Comes"
7. Robert Randolph and the Family Band - "I Still Belong to Jesus"
8. The Band - "It Makes No Difference"

Stream the full playlist and interview on CBC Radio 2.

RPM YouTube Playlist: West Coast - Volume 1

To accompany our West Coast Volume #001 Podcast, we have compiled a playlist with some additional West Coast based Indigenous artists on our RPM YouTube channel.

The playlist includes:

Rapsure Risin’ – The Lights Go Out Discreet Da Chosen 1 – Ma Letter JB The First Lady – Get Ready Get Steady K.A.S.P. – On A Roll Kristi Lane Sinclair – Last Song Optikz – Gifted Manik – Commercial Drive M’Girl – Eyes Wide Open Ry Moran – Dreams Of Grey Urban Buffaloes – Regret Nothing

There's no way we could ever fit all West Coast Indigenous music videos in one playlist, so stay tuned for more playlists from the RPM YouTube Channel.

What videos would you like to see featured on our YouTube channel and playlists?

Send us your video picks on our Get Involved page and Suggest An Artist.