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

Six Indigenous Music Video Blogs To Check Out

Here's a list of six Indigenous music Video Blogs available on the web for your viewing pleasure.

Video blogs or 'v-logs' have been around for a few years and as the popularity of video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo grow, artists and regular people alike have this medium of v-logging to express themselves.

More and more indigenous music artists are making v-log entries for their networks and video channels. Artists such as Wab Kinew, Inez, Kinnie Starr, Don Amero, Kasp and now JB The First Lady are all using this new form of media to keep content fresh and express themselves in a digital format.

Wab Kinew chooses to use his v-log for an experience of cultural education with his "Anishinaabemowin Word of the Day" series on his YouTube channel entitled anishinabemowin.

Inez's v-log brings you updates from on the road and also some family moments at home on her YouTube v-log series InezTV on her channel InezMusic.

Kinnie Starr's series of v-logs is more based on comedy with her "The Hardest Part About Being On Tour" series of videos, which are about the stresses of being a touring musician on her YouTube channel MusicKinnieStarr.

Don Amero's v-logs are more informational to his fan base with personal updates and promotion as well as his newest addition, a version of the MTV show Cribs, where he showcases his own digs in a fun video on his YouTube channel Donamero.

Kasp has one of the more populated v-log series covering promotions and news from on the road featured on his YouTube channel named kiqwilly.

And the latest Indigenous musician to hit us up with a v-log is JB The First Lady with her series debut entitled "Bathroom Diaries". In her first instalments she introduces her v-log series and features her friend Crystal J for a beatbox backed cover of an India Arie track on her YouTube channel jbthefirstlady.

Don Amero's Crib:

Got a V-log you want to share with us?  Or do you know of an Indigenous music v-log you love? Comment below and share! 

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

RPM YouTube Playlist: North Coast

To accompany our North Coast Podcast, we've compiled some YouTube videos of awesome Indigenous artist from the North Coast on our RPM Youtube Channel. The playlist includes:

Leela Gilday - One Drum Digawolf - The Trapper Samian featuring Shauit - Les Nomades Kronos Quartet and Tanya Tagag - Nunavut The Johnnys

Got a video you would like to see on our Youtube Channel? Drop us a line and let us know: info@rpm.fm