New Indigenous Music Releases - May 2012

Another month of Indigenous music! Here are four new releases from The Medics, Holly McNarland, Burnt Project 1 and Arvel Bird.

The Medics have released their much anticipated debut LP Foundations. In the two years since the release of their first EP they have gained a reputation for passionate and energetic live performances and it seems they've managed to bottle that vibe nicely here. With a "frenetic mix of distorted guitar and wall of dominant percussion" (indieshuffle.com) it's a brilliant album from one of Australia's brightest new bands. Order the CD or Get it on iTunes.

Listen to the opening track Beggars:

Also greeting eager ears is the new album The Black List from Burnt Project 1. It's been six years since their sophomore release and founder David Boulanger told CBC Music we can expect to hear "love, pain, truth, fear, happiness, honesty, time, hope, knowledge, courage, humility, respect, forgiveness, healing, understanding" in the new tracks. I like it already. Burnt Project 1 released the album at The Pyramid in Winnipeg this week, stay tuned for links to get it online!

Singer-songwriter Holly McNarland has, after years of working with major labels, launched her first independent release this month, Run Body Run. Culled from five years of songs, McNarland picked her favourites to record and spent a year in and out of the studio to get it made. The time and labour paid off. Get Run Body Run on iTunes and listen to Alone's Just Fine now:

And from renowned violinist and flutist Arvel Bird, Titanic Centennial: Commemorative Special Edition. The hour-long musical voyage of new and original music is dedicated to "the passengers, musicians and crew of the RMS Titatic". Get it at arvelbird.com.

New Indigenous Music Releases - Jan/Feb 2012

So far in 2012 the new releases in Indian Country span the genres of folk, americana, flamenco, traditional and pop/rock... something for everyone! Here are the new Indigenous music releases of January and February, 2012.

Right out of the gate, Samantha Crain released her new 7" single A Simple Jungle on January 10. Produced by John Vanderslice the two new tracks on the single are exactly what you love about Samantha already - her from-another-time vocals and indie-spun american vibe. Get A Simple Jungle here: samanthacrain.com/store.

On January 20, Gabriel Ayala of the Yaqui tribe released his ninth album, Shades of Blue. Ayala's virtuosic guitar playing is at its flamenco-flavoured best on this album and you can find it on CDBaby here: cdbaby.com/cd/gabrielayala3.

On the same day, newcomer Nick Sherman, from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, released his debut album Drag Your Words Through. Rooted in folk/rock, the songs are earnest yet thoughtful and Sherman's rich, textured vocals will rip your heart out. In a good way. Listen to his track Winterdark here and get the whole album on iTunes at itunes.apple.com.

Comprised of composer and multi-instrumentalist Colin Farish and Native American flutist John-Carlos Perea, Coyote Jump "sculpts a musical tribute to Native America with the sound of the cedar flute at its core." We've known for awhile that this debut album, Waking From the Rocks, was on the horizon and are glad to announce it's now available from Canyon Records. Find it at store.canyonrecords.com.

Last but not least, this month Vince Fontaine's supergroup Indian City released their first album, Supernation - contemporary pop and rock with a hint of traditional layers. Envisioned by Fontaine, the collaborative Indian City includes Don Amero, Pamela Davis, William Prince,  Ray "Coco" Stevenson and others. Killer! Get Supernation on CDBaby here: cdbaby.com/cd/vincefontainesindiancity.

Listen to the first single from Indian City, Stand:

DOWNLOAD: Jason Chamakese - "Irresistible"

Jason Chamakese, from Pelican Lake First Nation, was drawn to the traditional flute over a decade ago by his devotion to preserving his traditional language (he speaks fluent Plains Cree), culture, stories and songs.  His music is tranquil, haunting and celebrated by the CAMAs, APCMAs and listeners world-wide. This track, composed by and featuring vocalist/drummer Robert Gladue, is surely one of the best contemporary round-dance songs made to date. Get more Chamakese from CDBaby and watch for Chamakese & Gladue's collaborative album in Winter 2011.

DOWNLOAD:  Jason Chamakese - "Irresistible"