In communities across Canada, thousands of Indigenous Peoples braved freezing temperatures to take part in the growing #IdleNoMore campaign—an Indigenous resurgence movement dedicating to restoring the rights, responsibilities and strength of Indigenous nations.
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The National Music Centre (NMC) kicked off the Astral Radio Artist-in-Residence (A.I.R.) earlier this year with Kurt Swinghammer and last week welcomed Cris Derksen and Kinnie Starr to collaborate, record and perform with the NMC collection - a collection that boasts over 2,000 instruments and artifacts.
From nmc.ca:
The National Music Centre (NMC) and Astral Radio are thrilled to welcome the fifth installment of the NMC Astral Radio Artist-in-Residence program with Toronto’s Kinnie Starr and Vancouver’s Cris Derksen tackling the amazing NMC collection for a week of recording and sonic experimentation...
Together, they are launching their new collaborative project, BEAMS. Sharing a strong interest in landscape and heritage both physically and sonically, they are a perfect match for exploration and creative discovery.
“We are extremely excited to work with the instruments at NMC” says Derksen “to expand on what we’re already doing, but to also delve into a whole new world of experimentation with instruments we’ve only heard about, but never had the chance to actually play.”
The goal of the residency is for Starr and Derksen to use these new and innovative instruments to collaborate in creating something unique and fresh. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be able to expand the perimeters our tools can take us,” says Derksen “I think KStarr and I are a perfect match – we instantly speak the same language about music and how to take it to the places we want to go, seeking the same path and outcomes.”
We're big fans of both Derksen and Starr here at RPM (in case you hadn't noticed) and are thrilled about this new project. The outcome is sure to be fantastic.
For anyone in the Calgary area, you can attend the performance this Friday December 7th at 8pm. Visit nmc.ca/whats-on/kinnie-starr-and-cris-derksen-in-concert for details.
For more information on the NMC Artist-in-Residence program including how to apply, visit nmc.ca/musicians.
Don't miss A Tribe Called Red in one of these cities during the next month. We're glued to our computers because we've heard from a little birdie that they're going to be releasing new tracks and mixes that they recorded while they were across the pond - stay tuned to their tweets for that.
That was a great couple of days at home. Good recharge. Time to start our Canadian tour. See you soon Winnipeg!!!
— A Tribe Called Red (@atribecalledred) October 31, 2012
A TRIBE CALLED RED - FALL 2012 TOUR DATES
Nov 2nd – Winnipeg @ Aboriginal Music Week (buy tickets)
Nov 3rd – Regina @ The Exchange (buy tickets)
Nov 4th - Saskatoon @ Amigos Cantina (tickets at the door)
Nov 7th - Edmonton @ Temple (buy tickets)
Nov 8th - Calgary @ Hi-Fi Club (buy tickets)
Nov 9th - Vancouver @ Fortune Sound Club (buy tickets)
Nov 11th - Victoria @ Sugar Nightclub
Nov 17th - Brooklyn @ Glasslands (buy tickets)
Nov 19th - Philadelphia @ Fluid Nightclubs Mad Decent Mondays
Nov 22nd - Washington @ U-Hall
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!
The title reflects a new direction for Amero in eleven original songs, and two bonus tracks, that he produced himself in his own Winnipeg studio. Amero Nation Talk in Don Amero's Heart is "On His Sleeve" with New CD:
“I feel like this album is quite a bit different from my previous releases, and in some ways, a brand new start for me,” explains Amero, one of Canada’s rising musical stars. “While I’ve worked with some amazing producers in the past, I just felt it was time to put more of my voice into the recording.”
So Amero went back to where it all began for him six years ago, when he self-produced his debut album. He spent the past several months in his own recording studio tucked away in the back of his community church, working diligently to complete the songs featured on Heart On My Sleeve.
“My thought has always been that as an artist, you need to evolve and grow. With this recording, I’m very happy with where I’ve come from and where I’m going,” he says. “When I listen to the songs, I feel like I’m being more honest than I’ve ever been before, hence the name Heart On My Sleeve.”
The Best Pop CD nod isn't the only APCMA Amero is up for - he also garnered nomination for Male Entertainer of the Year and Best Single. One of the most hard-working musicians in Indian Country, his star is sure to continue rising with Heart On My Sleeve.
Catch Don Amero at one of the Heart on My Sleeve Canadian tour dates:
Thursday September 13th – Toronto ON The Sister @ 9:30pm 1554 Queen Street $10 at the door
Sunday September 16th – Acton ON The Roxy Theatre @ 7:30pm 6 Mill Sreet East $10 at the door
Thursday September 20th – Halifax The Music Room @ 7:30pm 6181 Lady Hammond Road $15 advance / $20 door
Saturday September 22nd – PEI Old Belle River @ 8:00pm 1828 Trans-Canada Highway Tickets TBC
Monday September 24th – Wolfville NS Al Whittle Theatre @ 7:30pm 450 Main Street $10 advance/ $15 door
Wednesday October 10th – Whitehorse YK Old Fire Hall @ 7:30pm 1105 First Avenue $15 advance/ $20 door
Friday October 19th – Brandon MB Lorne Watson Hall @ 8:00pm U of B Music Suite $15 advance/ $20 door
Wednesday October 24th – Winnipeg MB Special concert – details to be announced
Follow facebook.com/donameromusic and twitter.com/donaldamero to keep up to date on the latest news from Don Amero.
It's the first week of summer and festival season has already kicked off in some places, but there are still many to check out all over Turtle Island. We've mined through the festival line-ups and compiled a list of festivals including Indigenous musicians.
Adäka Cultural Festival, Whitehorse, YT, June 22-28 - Murray Porter, Wayne Lavallee, Reddnation
Alianait Arts Festival, Iqaluit, NU, June 29 - July 2nd - Artcirq, William Tagoona, the Métis Fiddler Quartet and more.
Boonstock Music & Arts Festival, Gibsons, AB, June 28 - July 1 - Gutta Musik
Little Lake Music Festival, Peterborough, ON, June 30 - August 25 - Tom Jackson
Ottawa Blues Fest, Ottawa, ON, July 4-15 - A Tribe Called Red
Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg, MB, July 4-8 - Asani, Ozomatli, Sonia Eidse
Harrison Festival of the Arts, Harrison, BC, July 6-15 - Murray Porter, Inez, Jason Burnstick, Pura Fe, Kalan Wi
Atlin Arts and Music Festival, Atlin, BC, July 6-8 - Don Amero
All Folked up in Montmartre, Montmartre, SK, July 6-8 - Christa Couture, Carol Morin
Mariposa Folk Fest, Orillia, ON, July 6-8 - Florent Vollant, Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long
Vancouver Island Music Festival, Comox Valley, BC, July 6-8 - Buffy Sainte-Marie, Wab Kinew, Lorenzo
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, Okemah, OK, July 11-15 - Samantha Crain
Craven Country Jamboree, Qu'Appelle Valley, SK, July 12-15 - Terri Clarke
Homeskillet Festival, Sitka, AK, July 13-14 - Silver Jackson, Strummin' Dog, D-Script
Montana Folk Festival, Butte, MT, July 13-15 - Little Southern Cree, Dallas Chief Eagle
Vancouver Folk Festival, Vancouver, BC, July 13-15 - Leela Gilday, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Alejandra Robles
Folk On The Rocks, Yellowknife, NWT, July 19-22 - Pura Fe, William Greenland, Wesley Hardisty, The Jerry Cans, Timangia Petaulassie & Qauna Mikkigaq, Yellowknives Dene Drummers
Brandon Folk Festival, Brandon, MB, July 19-22 - Kinnie Starr
Dawson City Music Festival, Dawson, YK, July 20-22 - Cris Derksen, Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
Starbelly Jam, Crawford Bay, BC, July 20-22 - Glen Henry Michel Family w/ Sara Cadeau
Discovery Coast Music Festival, Bella Coola, BC, July 20-22 - The Caley Watts Band, Digawolf
LA Skins Fest, LA, CA, July 21 - Beck Black, Cockamammie Jamie, Arigon Starr, Shawn Michael Perry & Only The Brave
Lowell Folk Festival, Lowell, MA, July 27-29 - Jones Benally Family Dancers
MetisFest - Killarny, MB, July 27-29 - Darren Lavallee, Donny Parenteau, JJ Lavallee and Ryan Keplin.
ArtsWells, Wells, BC, August 3-6 - Benny Walker, Christa Couture
Electric Eclectics Festival, Meaford, ON, August 3-5 - Melody McKiver
Edmonton Folk Music Fest, Edmonton, AB, August 9-12 - Joanne Shenandoah, Treme, George Kahumoku Jr.
Lunenburg Folk Harbour Fest, Lunenburg, NS, August 9-12 - Iskwew, Leela Gilday
Edge Of The World Festival, Haida Gwaii, BC, August 10-12 - Road Engine Dreams
TroutFest, Ear Falls, Ontario, August 10-12 - Christa Couture, Shy-Anne Hovorka
Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Bowmanville, ON, August 10-12 - Terri Clarke, Shane Yellowbird, Derek Miller, Crystal Shawanda
Voices Of The Valley Music and Art Festival, Spence's Bridge, BC August 11 - Skookum Sound System, Blackout Artists, Gitwaalk Jeremy, Niska
Robson Valley Music Festival, Dunster, BC, August 17-19 - Niska
Desert Daze, Spences Bridge, BC, August 17-19 - Christa Couture
Hopscotch Music Festival, Raleigh, NC, September 6-8 - Samantha Crain
If there's any dates we've missed or to be updated let us know and we'll add them to the list. Happy Festival Season!
National Aboriginal Day is June 21st in Canada, but you'll find celebrations happening all month long. Here are our picks for live Indigenous music to see, but there will also be gatherings, powwows, parades, and more happening across the country, so check out what events are happening in your community!
June 21st
The feature performance at the day long festival at the Squamish Lil'Wat Culture Centre in Whistler, BC, is roots infused traditional group Kalan Wi. Info: slcc.ca/explore/events-and-workshops.
Red Power Squad, Wab Kinew and A Tribe Called Red's Electric Powwow will rock Sir Winston Churchill Square in Edmonton, AB. Info: theworks.ab.ca.
In the Centennial Plaza from 4pm-9pm, Edmonton, AB, performances will include Will Belcourt, Shawn Benard and Nathan Cunningham. Co-presented by creatinghopesociety.ca.
Brandy McCallum and Norine Braun are among the performers at the Vancouver, BC, celebration that takes place at Trout Lake. Info: bcnationalaboriginalday.com.
Don Amero, Whispering Loons Drum Group, and more will be at the Dauphin Friendship Centre in Flin Flon, MB. More info: aboriginalmusic.ca.
See Crystal Shawanda at the Red River Ex in Winnipeg, MB. Info: qx104fm.com/Concerts.
June 21st-24th
The Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival in Ottawa, ON, is going to be thumping with a powwow - host drum Bear Creek - and main stage performances by Amanda Rheaume, Donny Parenteau, Crystal Shawanda, Leanne Goose and Vince Fontaine’s Indian City. Info: nadottawa.wordpress.com.
June 23rd
Asani will headline the festivities at the Alberta Legislature grounds in Edmonton, AB. Info: sunandmoongallery.com.
APTN's Aboriginal Day Live will be taking place in both Winnipeg, MB, and Regina, SK, as well as broadcast live on ATPN, with Kashtin, Indian City, Christa Couture, Inez, Joey Stylez, Buffy Sainte Marie, The Local Onlyz, Samian, Plex and even more. Info: aboriginaldaylive.com.
From last year's Aboriginal Day Live celebration, here's Winnipeg's Most:
[UPDATE] Who knew when we published this story this morning that when today's Polaris Prize long list nominees were announced, A Tribe Called Red would be among them! Congrats fellas - the recognition is well deserved. - Editor
Yes, Cayuga DJ Shub has recently earned the reputation of Canada's top party rocker, according to Redbull Thre3Style - a title won in Halifax late last month. DJ Shub also won the top spot at the DMC DJ Battle in 2008, becoming the first Aboriginal DJ to win the DMC Battle. I think the author speaks for Indian Country when he says, bigups Shub - keep killing it! To quote a Justice vs. Simian track, "We, are, your friends! You'll never be alone again!"
Aside from pioneering the Aboriginal Canadian electronic music scene and establishing the presence of Indigenous players as a serious force in the game, A Tribe Called Red has been busy. Bear Witness has been creating a series of videos set to Tribe's music which acts as a commentary on myths and misconceptions regarding today's Canadian, "post-colonial" identity, unveiling both truths and untruths through visual art. Media artists like Bear Witness are an emerging breed and hold a unique talent to be watched closely in the near future. As this exciting field evolves, its people motivated to push like Bear that are evolving it.
Busy is good, because busy means you'll have a chance to see A Tribe Called Red on tour with electronic music favorite Javier Estrada in a town near you. Check these dates including the Winnipeg Jazz Festival below, and don't forget to watch Bear Witness's latest video, part 1 of the Javier Estrada Trilogy, Soprano Azteca.
June 19 Winnipeg – Winnipeg Jazz Festival June 21 Edmonton – The Works Festival June 22 Ottawa – Special Event June 23 Peterborough – Ode’min Giizis Festival June 29 Montreal - Parc Jean Drapeau June 30 Toronto - Hard Rock Café July 01 Gatineau - Piknik Electronik July 08 Ottawa – RBC Ottawa Bluesfest Aug 03 Montreal – Presence Autochtone Aug 10 Toronto - Planet Indigenous
Kudos to these guys for staying in touch with, and contributing to contemporary narratives about #decolonization and Indigenous rights while pushing the electronic music scene through thoughtful fusions and modern dance floor remix revelations - but mostly for still managing to have fun while they do it:
Cab ride wind breaker fun. With @djshubinstagr.am/p/LiWPm-M2_6/
— Dee Jay NDN (@deejayndn) June 6, 2012
With a kick-off party that took place in Vancouver last night, half-Cree Cris Derksen and Haida Kristi Lane Sinclair are now on their way to Toronto and back bringing their mix of music and style to Banff, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg (as part of 8 Days in May, eh!) and Regina.
In a recent interview with Music CBC, the girls talked travel and touring with Kim Wheeler. Like "What is the one thing you cannot live without on the road?"
Cris: Always pack a swimsuit, you never know when you're gonna be in a hot tub or by a lake, and sometimes wearing your undies in said scenarios just doesn't work! Also, swimming is great for stretching those car muscles after sitting for hours and hours. Kristi: Dry shampoo! Most days we would have to spend the whole day in the car and then perform right after. The ability to go from greasy to glam is a pretty awesome option!
Check out the full interview here: http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2012/5/QA-Cris-Derksen-Kristi-Lane-Sinclair-talk-travel-and-touring
And check out the Red Ride 2-er dates:
May 18 Banff AB. House Show! Tanglewood Cabin,208 Beaver St 7pm $10 May 19 Edmonton AB. The Empress. 9912 – 82 Ave 3pm May 23 Ottawa ON. The Mercury Lounge w/ guest Bear Witness. 56 Byward Market Sq. early show. 7pm-10. $8 May 25 Toronto ON. Red Revue @ The Sister. 1554 Queen St W. 9:30pm May 26 Winnipeg MB. 8 Days of May Eh! Marlborough Hotel Hall. $35 May 28 Regina SK. Artful dodger. Doors 7pm Show 7:30. $15
Event details on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/345143342205544/
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
Every so often the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG) hosts FUSE Fridays with live music and performance. This Friday will not only host an epic roster of performers but will open the Beat Nation art exhibit featuring work by Sunny Assu, Shawn Hunt, Jordan Bennett, Dana Claxton, Nicholas Galanin, Kent Monkman and others. There will also be an RPM installation of Indigenous hip-hop music videos, intercut with commentary by Ostwelve.
Beat Nation - FUSE kickoff party Friday, February 24, 2012 8:30pm to 1am Performances by Jackson 2Bears, Skeena Reece, Nicholas Galanin, A Tribe Called Red, and Ostwelve.
Find out more about this event here.
The exhibit runs from February 25 – June 3, 2012.
Here are some shots from Beat Nation's last show at the PUSH festival.
The annual Talking Stick Festival is once again celebrating and showcasing Aboriginal artists across Vancouver from February 20-March 4th. Yes! Two weeks of live music, dance, theatre, powwow, workshops and more will be happening in venues citywide. Created by Full Circle: First Nations Performance, the festival is a unique showcase and forum for contemporary Indigenous artists to share their work. From fullcircleperformance.ca:
Since its inception, the festival has become a place to honour Aboriginal tradition in contemporary forms, the artistic wealth of the people, and the promise of their future in Canada. The festival is a smorgasbord of Aboriginal artistic expression including, but not limited to music, dance, and spoken word and provides a stage for emerging and established artists.
This year, the musical highlights of the festival include Native by Nature: The Aboriginal Music Project with Dave Larocque and Kinnie Starr on February 25th at VCC and, later that night, A Tribe Called Red's Electric Powwow which will be thumping at W2.
Spoken word artists will go head to head on February 22 at Cafe Deux Soleils in From Talking Stick to the Microphone Vol. 2 and Mohawk poet Janet Rogers is presenting on February 28th at the First Nation House of Learning, UBC.
There's also a number of compelling and potentially very useful workshops for artists being presented including How We Define Traditional & Contemporary Practice on February 27th and Grant Writing How-To on February 28th.
I could go on - there's events happening every day for two weeks! For a complete listing of all of the events, visit fullcircleperformance.ca and The 11th Annual Talking Stick Festival on Facebook.
See you there Vancouver!
Revolutions Per Minute is a global new music platform, record label, and boutique agency for Indigenous music culture. RPM’s mission is to build a visionary community of Indigenous artists and to introduce Indigenous music to new audiences across Turtle Island and around the world. Our main site, RPM.fm, has featured the work of more than 500 Indigenous artists and shared their music across our social networks of more than 275,000 followers.
RPM Records is the first of its kind: a label for contemporary, cross-genre Indigenous music, run by Indigenous people. Selected by The FADER as one of “5 New Canadian Record Labels The Entire World Should Know”, RPM Records artists include Ziibiwan, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Exquisite Ghost, and Mob Bounce.
