DOWNLOAD: A Tribe Called Red - "Trapline EP"

Ottawa's hardest working and most prolific Indigenous DJ and electronic music production crew, A Tribe Called Red, have had a huge year—and to celebrate their success, they've dropped the brand new Trapline EP as a free download for their growing fanbase.

Judging from the avalanche of positive press, including their recent Top 10 of 2012 nod from The Washington Post and their block party rockin' with Diplo & friends, ATCR is poised to keep the Electric Powwow dancefloors filled for many nights to come—and Trapline keeps things bumping. The epic opener, "Braves", is a re-appropriating slice of musical satire that mashes and remixes the Atlanta baseball franchise's eponymous 'war chant' before morphing into a high-energy dubstep throwdown.

Then, taking the pun literally, echoes of distant real traplines slide past into the current microgenre dance music obsession with all things trap, as the EP flows into a sped-up blur of reggae and syncopated beats in "Trap Heat" and a stuttering remix of Diplo's "Horsey". Rounded out with the heavy rhythms of "Unlimited Trap" and the brash, BDP-sampling, synth-driven closer, "No One Out Can Compete", ATCR continues to hold it down like no one else. Get into it.

DOWNLOAD: A TRIBE CALLED RED - "TRAPLINE EP"

New Indigenous Music Releases - Fall 2012

Once again we bring you our round up of the latest and greatest new albums to come out in Indian Country. Get cozy this autumn with some new music!

Don Amero is back with his latest release Heart of my Sleeve. While not the first album from this popular roots-pop artist, it is Amero's first time self-producing and the result is a very tasty mix! Buy the album from donamero.com and watch the official video for the first single Turn These Grey Skies Blue:

Born Ready is the new album from Rosebud Sioux hip-hop artist Frank Waln. We're big fans of Frank and you will be too when you download the album for free from Bandcamp. Get started by checking out the track My Stone:

The new album from Tracy Bone, Woman of Red, recently won her the "Best Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year" award at the 2012 APCMAs. Indeed Tracy is a fantastic songwriter and vocalist. Get the album on CDBaby or iTunes and watch this unplugged performance of the title track:

A quick followup to the mixtape Young Kidd released in March, the man has put out a new album, From Dreams to Reality (F.D.T.R.), which is loaded with a total of 18 tracks! Get it on iTunes.

The new EP from reggae rock band Street Pharmacy is Alimony, the aptly named follow up to their 2011 album Divorce. Get it at streetpharmacy.com.

RPM's own Christa Couture released her third full length album, The Living Record, in September. Get it on iTunes or Bandcamp and listen to this bouncy ditty, Good Bayou:

Last but not least, a compilation from the powwow trail. The Gathering of Nations is one of the largest yearly powwows and festivals in North America. This year they released a CD featuring live recordings from some of the live music performances that took place at the 2012 event - order it online here.

Enjoy!

New Indigenous Music Releases - Summer 2012

It's been a hot, hot summer for new Indigenous music! Here is RPM's summer round-up of the latest new releases you'll want to check out.

Without further ado, here are the hottest new releases this summer in Indian Country:

RedCloud and Crystal Lightning have joined forces as Lightningcloud, an explosive mix of hip-hop and electro-house. Get their eponymous album on Bandcamp and check out the opening track Zoom to get the party started:

Following the success of their debut album last year, WorldHood is back with a new EP, Mundo Libre. From downtempo soundscapes to club-ready electrobeats, you can download Mundo Libre for free here and listen to the track Mi Pueblo now:

Demons is the latest from Canadian hip-hop veteran Plex. Self-produced, the album highlights Plex's chops as a story-teller and features guest appearances from D-Sisive, Rellik and B-Brown. Get Demons on Bandcamp and listen to the title track now:

Shy-Anne Hovorka is back with her third album Interwoven Roots. The album brings a country flavour to the pop singer-songwriters work. Get it on CDBaby.

Urban pop artist Lil' Pappie put out his new EP Indian Summer to the delight of his dedicated fans. The release marked a name change for the artist too, who henceforth will be known as Niiko. Get Indian Summer on iTunes and watch the official video for the opening track:

Speaking of Niiko, he makes a guest appearance in the title track on J Dizzay's sophomore album Reckless. Rap, club, pop, electro - you'll get it all from this Cree artist's latest. Get the album on iTunes and check out the title track here:

To celebrate their appearance at the Mad Decent Block Party, A Tribe Called Red created the mix Ever Sick for Scion Sessions. ATCR - need we say more? Download here or from the player below:

And last but not least, rising star and APCMA Best New Artist 2011 Ali Fontaine has released her second album Diamond in the Rough with 10 brand new original songs. Visit alifontaine.com to get yours!

Now that's enough music to get you through what remains of summer - and it's not over yet! See you in the fall for more new music releases.

Willie Lowery's Plant and See Album to be Reissued

Lumbee musician, songwriter, mentor and visual artist Willie Lowery passed away two months ago after a career of over four decades in art, music and community involvement. The psychedelic swamp rock, eponymous LP from his 1969 band Plant and See, is now set for reissue by Paradise of Bachelors.

From Indian Country Today Lumbee Rocker Willie French Lowery’s 1969 Psychedelic Album to Be Reissued:

...some music experts consider [Plants and See] a lost (or at least hard-to-find) classic of psychedelic swamp-rock. On July 3, Carrboro, NC-based record label Paradise of Bachelors will give the album its first proper re-issue, on vinyl, in a limited edition of 1000 copies. Plant and See dissolved soon after the album came out, then largely reformed as Lumbee, which also put out just one album, Overdose.

Interviewed for an article in Indyweek.com written soon after Lowery’s death, Brendan Greaves of Paradise of Bachelors offered his thoughts. “What’s really fascinating about him,” said Greaves, “is that he put out these two LPs that are classic to the canon of psychedelic music, if little known beyond that, but then turned his career into a vehicle for articulating American Indian identity and politics.”

The band Lumbee also was short-lived as Lowery's muse took him in varied directions. Lowery published over 500 songs that have been recorded by acts as diverse as gospel, country and R&B artists.

Paradise of Bachelors has not only reissued Plant and See but has plans to release more of Lowery's catalogue, including recordings from Lumbee, his later solo work and previoulsy unreleased recordings.

So if you weren't tuned into the work of Willie Lowery before now, there will be opportunity to delve into more! You can order Plant and See here, and stream the track  below. Dig it.

STREAM: Plant and See - "Put Out My Fire"

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 - April 2012

April blossomed with a bouquet of releases in the world of Indigenous music - here are eight to check out.

Forever C-Weed Band The legendary C-Weed Band released their 17th album this month and the lead single, Can This be Love, is already climbing the charts on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown.  Get it on iTunes.

The Philosophers Stoned Mixtape Ill Citizens Winnipeg's Ill Citizens have released their third mixtape - the first of two they'll put out this year - which features all original material with beats produced  by Walter "DJ Wawa" Lounsbury and Sebastation Gaskin. Download it from hotnewhiphop.com.

I am Woman. Kwe Lena Recollet Anishnaabe poet, actress, vocalist and visual artist Lena Recollet has released her first full-length album featuring her mix of spoken word, soul-jazz, traditional native music and folk. Get it on iTunes.

Listen to Lena Recollet's Personal Power:

Indio 808: Global Mixtape Volume 2 DJ El Indio of World Hood This compilation features tracks by Rita Indiana, Sonora, Zuzuka Poderosa, Major Lazer, and many others. If you love to dance, download the mixtape from soundcloud.com/world-hood.

Garfield Street (The Mixtape: Vol. 2) Young Jibwe The ever prolific producer, rapper and activist Young Jibwe of Dog Creek First Nation keeps it coming with his latest release. Get the free download here.

Beauty and Hard Times Mama D With a sound that draws from blues, folk, rock, gospel, country, Eastern European, and classical styles Mama D delves into hard times lyrically, but delivers it all in musical beauty. Get it on iTunes.

Red Makaveli Joey Styelz The first full-length rap/hip-hop release from Joey Stylez of Moosomin First Nation can be yours for free! Download it from datpiff.com.

YK the Mayor Young Kidd Winnipeg-based emcee Young Kidd actually released this mixtape at the end of March, but we didn't get a chance to tell you about it then! The album includes 16 tracks with guest appearances from Keisha Booker, Shai, Quick Cash, Lotto, Terell Safadi, Fresh IE, and Critical. Download it from datpiff.com.

Upright & Locked Position Don Ross The 14th solo recording from finger-style guitar heavyweight Don Ross is a melodic collection of new original songa and new recordings of some of his early compositions. He's an incredible player, be sure to take the time to listen and get the album from candyrat.com.

Watch the title track from Don Ross, The Upright & Locked Positon:

New Indigenous Music Releases - March 2012

There's new music being made every moment, and here are the three newest releases from Indigenous artists for the month of March!

The debut full-length album from A Tribe Called Red has been long awaited and much anticipated to say the least. Released this week as a free download, the purveyors of "pow wow step" flex their creativity through the diverse musical landscapes of hip-hop, dancehall, moombahton and electronic styles. If you don't have it already, get their self-titled album here:

This month saw another debut from newcomer Ali Baby - who RPM profiled last month in DJ DoezIt and Ali Baby: Native Rap in High School Hallways. As Mixed Breed, Ali Baby with Chino, Annalex and Lil Shugz, have released The Beginning a mix of rap, r&b, hip-hop, rock and country. It is also a free download! Go get it here: facebook.com/mixedbreedmusic.

Last but not least, a very exciting release from Delmore Recordings is a recently unearthed recording by Karen Dalton. 1966  features Karen solo on banjo and guitar, plus four duets with Richard Tucker. The recordings are intimate, unfiltered and stirring. You can get 1966 digitally, on CD or vinyl at delmorerecordings.com.

Listen to Reason to Believe, by Karen Dalton from 1966:

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:

Samantha Crain: On the Road & A Simple Jungle

Choctaw singer-songwriter Samantha Crain is on the road again - a long road that will see her performing over 20 gigs in the next six weeks and take her across the Atlantic ocean. She'll have her band in tow and her brand new 7" single in hand. 

The new single,  A Simple Jungle, gets its name from the two new songs it features, It's Simple (I'm thrilled to see this recorded after seeing Samantha perform it live last summer at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and loving it instantly) and Cadwell Jungle, both produced by famed singer-songwriter and producer John Vanderslice. Crain's indie-friendly spin on Americana continues to shine on A Simple Jungle, which also includes a live recording of the Dam Song. Amazon.com has already picked it as one of their best of 2012 and you can get your copy here.

As I write this, Samantha Crain has already started her latest tour, but the bulk of the dates are still coming up! She's on a long stretch through the States, and will also be performing in Ireland, England and France. If you find yourself in any of these towns on these dates, I highly recommend getting your ears and heart to her show!

For details on any of the below, visit samanthacrain.com.

And Samantha, come back to Canada already!

02.02.12 Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT 02.030.12 The Lilypad, Cambridge, MA 02.04.12 Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA 02.05.12 Cafe NOLA, Frederick, MD 02.07.12 Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC 02.08.12 The Evening Muse, Charlotte, NC 02.09.12 Boone Saloon, Boone, NC 02.10.12 Smith's Older Bar, Atlanta, GA 02.12.12 The Poor House Music Hall, Raleigh, NC 02.15.12 Music City Roots, Nashville, TN 02.17.12 Whitewater Tavern, Little Rock, AR 02.18.12 Fassler Hall, Tulsa, OK 02.22.12 Point Ephemere, Paris, FR 02.23.12 King's College, London, UK 02.24.12 Manchester Academy, Manchester, UK 02.25.12 Workman's Club, Dublin, IE 02.27.12 King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, UK 02.28.12 The Wardrobe, Leeds, UK 02.29.12 The Thekla, Bristol, UK 03.03.12 The Deli, Norman, OK 03.09.12 Frank, Austin, TX 03.16.12 Dan's Silverleaf, Denton, TX

Kool Krys' New Release: Listen to Your Art

The title says it all - Listen to Your Art, from hip-hop artist Kool Krys, is a collection of songs crafted from Krys' experiences, encouraging us all to follow our creative sparks.

Listen to Your Art is a polished mix of Kool Krys' raps with solid beats and, at times, a big-band sound, a back alley saxophone, sampled 50s blues, a wandering jazz piano and other varied musical colours that total a collection of 8 fantastic tracks. It's a welcome dose of creativity from a strong female voice in Indigenous hip-hop.

Kool Krys is selling a limited run of 200 CDs via koolkrys.bandcamp.com where you can also buy a download of the album.

Check out Let Me Play It:

Listen to Your Art - Tracklisting:

1. The Feeling
2. Showstopper
3. Let Me Play It
4. If You Want
5. Nails in Transit
6. The Voice
7. It's Sunny, featuring Saidah Conrad
8. Timeout

New "Redskin Rockstarr" Mixtape From J Dizzay

Cree rap artist J Dizzay released his new mixtape Redskin Rockstarr this week as a free download. Stream or download it here.

J Dizzay has had a busy year of recording and releasing tracks through his social networks as well as the release of his debut album Flying High which is available on iTunes.

Just in time for the holiday season, J Dizzay released his new mixtape entitled Redskin Rockstarr for a free download. The mixtape includes 13 tracks and is definitely something you should have in your collection.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Track Listing

1. Redskin Rockstar Intro
2. Bet it All Remix Ft. Mella D
3. California Dreaming (freestyle)
4. Like a G Ft. Travis Porter
5. Redskin Rockstar Interlude
6. Space Swag
7. Redskin Rockstar
8. Time After Time
9. Without You (Dirty) + Lil' Pappie
10. It's One + Kid Ink
11. Redskin Rockstar Outro
12. Without You (Clean) + Lil' Pappie

Lil' Smokey's New Album "The Crown Prince Mix Tape"

Blackfoot rapper Lil' Smokey has a new release out on Vibedeck.com entitled The Crown Prince Mix Tape.

Based out of Calgary, Alberta, Lil' Smokey has been releasing singles and videos at a prolific rate. This week his new release is in the form of an album  - The Crown Prince Mix Tape. A dance and rap influenced project with 12 songs, this well rounded mix tape will make your speakers thump.

The Crown Prince Mix-Tape Tracklist:

1. Intro 2. Fyi 3. Top Of The World 4. Poor Man Swagg 5. Find Me Ft Meeghan M 6. Running Dat 7. Paid Daily 8. Ho 9. Lie Lie Lie 10. Stacking Bills Ft Dkay 11. Locked Up 12. Smokey

Stream or download the album from Mynativemusic.com for $9.99.