Listen to Golden Features' Epic New Track, "No One", Featuring Thelma Plum

Could this be the song of the summer?

Mask-clad Australian dance music producer Golden Features just dropped an epic new track featuring rising Indigenous star, Thelma Plum.

And oh what a track it is.

Plum's ethereal vocals provide the perfect complement to Golden Features' floating, melodic production. And the ever-intensifying, four-on-the-floor dancefloor destroyer that "No One" becomes is some kind of beat-based hypnosis. By the time the "it's getting higher" refrain arrives, you'll forget how you even got there. And then with that drop? Forget about it. It's over.

Blast this one with the windows rolled down and the midnight summer heat still blazing. Thelma Plum's stellar ascent continues its rapid rise.

STREAM: Golden Features - "No One (feat. Thelma Plum)"

Golden Features' new EP, XXIV, is available to pre-order on iTunes

Buffy Sainte-Marie Continues to Push Boundaries on New Album, "Power in the Blood"

At age 74, activist, artist, and icon Buffy Sainte-Marie remains refreshingly forthright, not to mention downright danceable, on her new album, Power in the Blood.

A collection of originals and cover songs, the album includes the techno-laced, anthemic title track (the result of a collaboration with electronic group Alabama 3) Power in the Blood, the reiteration of the longevity and diversity of Buffy's career in the re-imagining of the title track from her 1964 debut album It's My Way, her take on UB40's Sing Our Own Song, and the fiery reworking of her 1972 released break-up song Not the Lovin' Kind.

In addition to the updated spin on existing material, the stand out new songs Carry it On and We Are Circling celebrate the sanctity and beauty of life and nature and, what we know and love Buffy best for, scathing political and social commentary.

Of seeming unending energy to speak and perform, Buffy is currently touring in support of the new album throughout the UK, the US, and Canada - check out the full list of tour dates below.

Listen to the title track now, actually don't just listen, stand up and join in, "there's power in the blood, justice in the soul."

STREAM: Buffy Sainte-Marie - "It's My Way"

Tour dates:

03/18 Cardiff, UK - Motorpoint Arena * 03/20 Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena * 03/21 Glasgow, UK - The SSE Hydro * 03/24 Belfast, UK - Odyssey Arena * 03/26 London, UK - The Tabernacle 03/27 Birmingham, UK - Barclaycard Arena * 04/26 Sidney, BC - Mary Winspear Centre 04/29 Campbell River, BC - The Tidemark Theatre 04/30 North Vancouver, BC - Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts Theatre 05/01 North Vancouver, BC - Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts Theatre 05/06 London, ON - Aeolian Hall 05/07 Toronto, ON Koerner Hall 05/09 Burnstown, ON - Neat Coffee Shop 05/15 Lincoln, NE - University of Nebraska Lincoln 05/17 Chicago, IL - City Winery 05/18 Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live 05/19 Washington, DC - The Hamilton 05/20 New York, NY - Highline Ballroom 07/16 Grass Valley, CA - California Worldfest 08/07 Little Current, ON - Manitoulin Country Fest

Buffy's new album, Power in the Blood, is available now on iTunes.

Listen to Joey Stylez' New Track, "Pride of Lions", featuring Dragonette

Cree/Métis hip-hop artist Joey Stylez premieres new track, "Pride of Lions". Listen below.

Joey Stylez has been quietly transforming his style with each album in his catalogue.

"Pride of Lions", the lead single from his new EP, offers up his latest incarnation: an adept blend of club-oriented 'Aboriginal trap' music, swagger-filled hip-hop, and a slick pop hook, courtesy of Dragonette's Martina Sorbara.

Get into it below.

STREAM: Joey Stylez - "Pride Of Lions (feat. Dragonette)"

Look out for Joey Stylez' latest EP, Grey Magic, due out later this summer.

JOEY STYLEZ - SUMMER 2015 TOUR DATES July 16 @ Le Belmont, MONTREAL, QC July 17 @ CC's Entertainment Centre, ELSIPOGTOG FIRST NATION, NB July 23 @ Blnd Tgr, TORONTO, ON July 24 @ Ritual, OTTAWA, ON July 25 @ The Arena, OBEDIJWAN, QC July 31 @ Newfies Pub, THUNDERBAY, ON Aug. 1 @ Assiginack Curling Club, WIKWEMIKONG, ON

Watch Joey Stylez & Carsen Gray - "Love Trap"

PREMIERE: Stream Mariame's Debut EP, 'Bloom'

Listen to Bloom, the debut EP from rising Cree R&B singer Mariame.

After premiering her infectious lead single, "As Long As You Are Here", last week, we're happy to bring you an exclusive album stream of Mariame's debut EP, Bloom, released today on N'we Jinan Records.

Bloom is a dynamic introduction to the rising Cree/Algerian singer's accomplished take on contemporary pop and R&B that weaves well-crafted hooks, airtight production, and Mariame's assured vocal presence throughout the EP's six songs.

Opener "Now You Know It" is a confident statement about coming through heartbreak stronger than ever, while "Electric" amps up the energy into a dancefloor-ready club anthem.  "All For You" is a lovestruck ode to remaining true to yourself and "staying afloat / even when times get rough"—a recurrent theme of optimism and strength that runs throughout the album.

Halfway through Bloom, however, the record drops into one of its most emphatic statements: a decidedly 21st century take on Indigenized pop music. "Native" spins a tale of cultural recovery, renewed strength, and love for her people, and it features expertly chopped vocal samples and a fire verse from the legendary and multitalented Apsáalooke hip-hop artist Supaman.

"Vulnerable" traces a moving story of a young girl's experience confronting past experiences of abuse and violence—but moving above and beyond them. Concluding the EP, "As Long As You Are Here", Mariame's impassioned lead single, closes the album with power and poise.

Picking up the Indigenous pop/R&B torch lit by the likes of Inez Jasper, Mariame is a young artist blazing her own way into popular music consciousness.  And, at 24, she's just getting started.

STREAM: Mariame's Bloom EP

Download Mariame’s debut EP, Bloom, on iTunes.

DOWNLOAD: Wake Self's "Different", featuring Equipto, Miles Bonny, and Raashan Ahmad

Wake Self returns with the killer posse cut, "Different".

Aztec/Apache/Cherokee hip-hop artist, Wake Self, has been holding it down for a minute, and we'll be the first to admit that we've been sleeping on this incredibly talented MC.

But that's all done now. We're officially on board.

Following a dope freestyle flip of Drake's "0 to 100" instrumental a few months back, the Albuquerque-based MC jumps back into action with his latest joint, "Different", a dynamic posse cut featuring Bay Area MC Equipto, Miles Bonny, and Oakland’s Crown City Rocker Raashan Ahmad.

Wake Self's voice is instantly recognizable and his flow is undeniable, plus he's thoughtful, clever, and intelligent. Over a head-nodding beat produced by MaulSkull, Wake Self and his comrades spit some serious bars about keeping it true to self, embracing your uniqueness, and the need to actively uncage your imagination.

If knowledge of self is one of hip-hop's foundational elements, it's also an essential part of the struggle for decolonization and self-liberation.

So let these talented MCs take you on a trip to the forefront of the Indigenous hip-hop movement. They're chasing a dream bigger than fame and money, and that's the path to self-love and acceptance—a more powerful form of wealth than any material gain could give.

Like the chorus tells it: "you might be different / but that don't make no difference / just do what you gotta do".

True.

DOWNLOAD: Wake Self - "Different" feat. Equipto, Miles Bonny, and Raashan Ahmad

Wake Self's latest album, Good Things Happen to Those Who Wake, is available now at wakeself.com. His new album, Malala, is set to be released this summer.

Drezus Confronts the Legacy of Indian Residential Schools on "The Sequel"

Get your daily dose of truth to power: download Drezus' "The Sequel".  

Following the release of his acclaimed album Indian Summer last year, Plains Cree hip-hop artist Drezus has been dropping singles on SoundCloud that provide deeper context on the album's inspiration.

Recently, he posted "The Sequel", a heartfelt and personal account of his parents' experiences with residential schools—and his own attempts to reckon with the intergenerational legacy of colonialism. Drezus explains:

I decided to put this up for download after I reunited with my Dad recently and we spoke about his experiences with Residential School. His parents were forced to go as well, creating problems for all generations ahead, including mine. I didn't know my Dad growing up but recently made peace with the man and felt this tells an important story of just one of many families affected by the system.

The Rezofficial alumnus uses his time on the mic wisely, not just to account for the loss of his father's presence, but to call out the collective confusion of "the new world order" and call on his people "to take back all that we own".

Impassioned and honest, without being corny, "The Sequel" reminds us that we're all still trying to recuperate, and that "instead of killing our own / we should focus on our fam and protecting our home".

Tapwe, brother. Keep bringing that fire.

DOWNLOAD: Drezus - "The Sequel"

Download Drezus' Indian Summer on iTunes and Bandcamp.

STREAM: Nick Sherman's "Knives & Wildrice"

Nick Sherman's much-anticipated new album, Knives & Wildrice, is finally here.

Since last year, Indian and Cowboy have been chronicling the lead up to the album's release through their Knives & Wildrice podcast and now the album is ready for the world.

It's beautiful. You need it in your life. Listen below.

Stream Knives & Wildrice on Spotify and download it now on iTunes.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0cx2nSqLHYT7RAXIYmoOxF

DOWNLOAD: Thomas X's, "Have a Good Day" EP

Stream and download Red Lake rapper Thomas X's new EP, Have a Good Day. 

Thanks to a #SwayintheMorning mega cypher featuring Minnesota-based MCs Tall Paul and Knox, we just got put on to Thomas X.

Part of the 100 Souls crew and Rez Rap Records, the Red Lake Anishinaabe MC is making moves and today he dropped his new EP, Have a Good Day.

Stream and download it for free on his bandcamp and support underground emcees putting in love and much work to support true hip-hop culture and Indigenous pride.

Have a Good Day is on some throwback to the boom bap era vibes, without dwelling in nostalgia. Thomas X kicks his laid back cadence with confidence and persona, weaving personal stories of struggle and survival over solid production from Mike the Martyr.

In the absence of institutional support and a larger urban scene, the Rez Rap crew has had to do it for themselves—building their production and audience brick by brick, listener by listener.

Thomas X holds it down on that front, filling the EP with bold declarations of love for his people, family, and homeland, while standing up to represent his nation and community.

Salute to all the Indigenous lyrical warriors on the come up. Now give Thomas X a listen.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Thomas X - Have a Good Day EP

Watch Once a Tree's Debut "Howling" Video

Toronto-based duo Once a Tree premiere the video for their latest single, "Howling".

Saulteaux singer Jayli Wolf and husband/musical partner/producer Hayden John Wolf are onto something.

As the enigmatic duo Once a Tree, their lush EDM-inspired, bedroom-R&B/electronic pop compositions were catching fire on SoundCloud going back to early 2014, but now their page features just one song.

That single, however, is "Howling"—a massive dubstep-inflected dose of downtempo pop that has already amassed two hundred thousand plays.

This week, said single gets a similarly chic visual treatment, in the group's haunting, Jonathan Riera-directed debut video, which premiered over on Billboard.com. Not a bad for a duo with only one 'official' song to their credit.

Although their sounds have been appearing and disappearing from the internet for a while now, "Howling" marks their proper arrival. Once a Tree is here to stay.

Watch: Once a Tree - "Howling"

Stream: Once a Tree, "Howling"

Download "Howling" on iTunes and stream it on Spotify.

Download the Powerful New Single from Cree R&B Singer Mariame, "As Long As You Are Here"

Download "As Long As You Are Here", the lead single from rising R&B singer Mariame's new EP.

Already being hailed as the 'Cree Rihanna', Mariame is an emerging Indigenous artist who is exceeding all comparisons.

Her debut single, "As Long As You Are Here" is a potent slice of pop music perfection that arrives polished, powerful, and fully formed. The production is tight, her vocals come correct, and the songwriting is instantly memorable. Exactly what good pop music should be.

But the 24-year-old Cree and Algerian singer doesn't need RiRi references to stand her ground artistically and aesthetically.

If "As Long As You Are Here" is any indication, Mariame's debut EP Bloom is going to bring the fire with many more radio-ready pop and R&B gems.

Mariame is the first artist signed to Montreal hip-hop artist/producer David Hodges' new label, N'we Jinan. The label builds on the success Hodges and his team have had working with Cree communities throughout Quebec on music outreach and education—an inspiring, collaborative creative effort that recently yielded the release of their first compilation, N'we Jinan Eeyou Istchee - Volume 1. 

With deep roots in the community, and their sights set on the world, Mariame and N'we Jinan are leading a rising generation of Indigenous artists making power moves: not just to be heard, but to take over.   

DOWNLOAD: Mariame - "As Long As You Are Here"

Mariame's debut EP, Bloom, will be released worldwide on May 26, 2015. 

Listen to the Final Episode of Nick Sherman's 'Knives & Wildrice' Podcast

Here it is: the final episode of Nick Sherman's Knives & Wildrice podcast—celebrating the successful completion of his new album. 

Appropriately titled "I Can't Believe We Did It", the episode brings together all previous 12 parts in Anishinaabe singer Nick Sherman's journey to bring the album to fruition, while offering some insider insight into his creative process and project.

Oh yeah—and, of course, the episode features some samples of new music from the album (check out the lead single "Ghost Town" here, if you haven't).

Indian and Cowboy break it down:

In this conversation Nick and Ryan break down the making of Nick's new album, Knives & Wildrice, the process of documenting the journey of making the album through a podcast and what it was like to crowdfund & create this album with very little resources and the good graces of his friends and family.

Sherman's new album, Knives & Wildrice, drops May 23rd, 2015. He will be out on tour with the Greenbank Trio all summer and all over Canada. Tour dates and album release info below.

Listen to Knives & Wildrice EP#13 - "I Can't Believe We Did It"

NICK SHERMAN - SUMMER 2015 TOUR DATES

May 23 - Thunder Bay, ON - Red Ride Tour May 29 - Sudbury, ON - NOMFA Showcase June 05 - Winnipeg, MB - Maw's Beer Hall June 06 - Regina, SK - McNally's Tavern June 10 - Golden, BC - Rockwater June 12 - Kamloops, BC - Chances Casino June 13 - Vancouver, BC - Heartwood Cafe June 16 - Kelowna, BC - Minstrel Cafe June 17 - Golden, BC - Rockwater June 19 - Fernie, BC - Brickhouse June 20 - Calgary, AB - Wine Oh's June 21 - Edmonton, AB - TBA June 24 - Red Deer, AB - Ross St. Patio June 25 - Red Deer, AB - Velvet Olive June 26 - Lancaster, AB - Lancaster Taphouse June 27 - Kenora, ON - Lake of the Woods Brewery July 06 - Peterborough, ON - Red Garnet July 08 - Kingston, ON - The Mansion July 10 - Ottawa Bluesfest July 11 - Montreal, QC - Brutopia July 14 - Windsor, ON - Pan Am Games July 17 - Toronto, ON - Pan Am Games July 18 - Harmony of Nations Festival July 24 - Sioux Lookout - Centennial Centre August 05 - Lac Seul FN Youth Conference August 06 - Lac Seul FN Youth Conference August 07 - Red Rock, ON - Live from the Rock August 08 - Red Rock, ON - Live from the Rock August 09 - Red Rock, ON - Live from the Rock August 13 - Toronto, ON - Celebration Zone August 15 - Subbury, ON - UP Fest

Stream Mob Bounce's Hypnotic New Single, "Animal Spirit"

Mob Bounce drops "Animal Spirit", the second single from their upcoming release, Mob Medicine.

Hot off the melancholic longing of "Welcome to the Struggle", Heebz the Earthchild and the Northwest Kid are back with round two, "Animal Spirit", a haunting dose of Indigenous hip-hop medicine.

Over a hypnotic backing beat filled with echoing chimes, bells, and distorted animal sounds, the track channels the carefully-crafted lyrics of the two MCs, in traded sing-rapped verses brimming with flow and fire.

"Animal Spirit" takes struggle music and blends it with the force of ancestral presence and resurgent return. Mob Bounce critiques the failings of western rapacious capitalism and colonialism, while calling out to west coast secret societies, protected knowledge, and prayers of thanks to the Creator.

Mob Bounce sees through the smoke and mirrors of colonized being with eagle-eyed clarity. Get lifted on the music and listen with your spirit.

STREAM: Mob Bounce - "Animal Spirit"