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:

Lorenzo Answers Some "Questions"

Lorenzo has a new intimate and unplugged video out for his song Questions and we got a chance to get him to answer some of our own questions about it.

We found this new video here at RPM by Leonard Sumner aka Lorenzo for his song called Questions which was released recently on Vimeo. Shot by Jordan Molaro in a hotel room unplugged and in one take, I had to ask Lorenzo one question myself before posting this video - "what do you want the people to know about it?"

Here's what Lorenzo had to say:

"I just hope people enjoy it. It came to me after the spring equinox and we had a feast at work. I was listening to a traditional person speaking, and I heard them say 'will there be any questions for you from the creator?' in their speech. It may not have been in that exact phrasing. But something along those lines.

It set off a chain reaction in my mind..

'Will there be questions for me, like I've had questions for you.'

To me it meant when our time is done here, will the Creator ask me questions as to why I made different choices in life. Or why I hadn't embraced or used my gifts and talents completely. I'm sure we've asked why we've faced different obstacles in our lives or felt like we weren't chasing our dreams hard enough.

So after about a week of digesting that phrase, on the night before the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Youth Secretariat's 'Regional Youth Gathering' (I work for AMC's Youth Secretariat) held in Fisher River Cree Nation, I couldn't sleep. My guitar was calling me, but not my usual guitar. It was a new Fender Acoustic I Picked up from that Future Shop on the Rez in Vancouver. I had stored it in my closet, but something was drawing me to it. Almost like it wanted to write the song. I picked it up and started strumming, and almost immediately there was a chord progression I had never used.

I got familiar with it quickly and grabbed a note-book. The first line was already there, 'Will there be questions for me, like I've had questions for you?' The rest of the lyrics flowed out seamlessly, I just had to write them down. It felt as if I wasn't the one writing them.

It feels like I may not have been the one writing it all, but I was. I think these questions I have asked in the song are things I have been wondering for a long time. Having just been introduced to some different Anishinaabe ceremonies just recently, I haven't been comfortable enough in my own spirituality to ask them. But after having been through some sweats and other ceremonies, I feel comfortable enough to do so now.

I grew up in a very Christian reserve, and for a long time had conflicting thoughts about religion which lead me to have conflicting thoughts on spirituality as a whole.

Some of the lyrics of the song reflect that mentality.

'Will I see a sign of clarity, for all those moments in the fog?'

But even since I wrote the song, I feel a little bit like I've grown from it. I understand that people all have their own idea of The Creator, or God. If that's making them a better person in their time here, nobody should have any say in what they want to believe.

Just want to add, Miigwetch for everyone who listened to the song.

Also a special thanks to Jordan Molaro at Interactive Design for shooting and uploading the video."

Watch "Questions" by Lorenzo:

Questions by Lorenzo from Interactive Design on Vimeo.

Speaking Out + RPM

Since 1990, Speaking Out has been airing weekly on Australia's ABC. Now, once a month, RPM will also be contributing to the show!

Speaking Out was the first radio program of its kind - a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs show produced and presented by Indigenous broadcasters. It continues to present culture, lifestyle and political issues affecting Indigenous people in Australia.

As part of a new segment each month, RPM's Ostwelve will be showcasing the latest music from Turtle Island for Speaking Out's audience, on behalf of RPM. We're thrilled to be part of it.

Check out and listen to Ostwelve's first report at abc.net.au/speakingout/stories/s3482444.htm.

Download: Chief Rock - "Smoke Dance Hip Hop Remix"

Sino General aka Chief Rock really brought the remix to this one.

Cayuga Nation electronic artist Chief Rock,  a member of the Haudenosaunee of Six Nations,  has been living and working in Vancouver for the last two years, during which time he's been able to finish tracks like the one below. It's a remix of the traditional Mohawk Smoke Dance; an upbeat and bass-driven remix of an already powerful powwow song.

Chief Rock grew up performing - shortly after high school he joined the Kanata Native Dance Theater and then later the internationally renowned Red Thunder dance group, while maintaining an interest in BBoying. Chief Rock has also danced in music videos, including Susan Aglukhark's One Hand Turns Another. It's been this blend of contemporary flair and traditional knowledge that's led Rock to create remixes like the one below. Cop it!

Download: Chief Rock - "Smoke Dance Hip Hop Remix"

Artist Call: Asinabka Festival Residency in Music Production

Calling First Nations, Métis and Inuit musicians between the ages of 18 and 30! The Asinabka Festival is offering a one-week residency in music production. Apply now.

Asinabka is a festival of film and media, but they are also presenting a residency for emerging and aspiring musicians and those interested in music production. The deadline for applications is April 30th, so read on and submit soon.

From Residency in Music Production, Call for Applications:

Are you an aspiring First Nations, Métis, or Inuit musician? Are you between the ages of 18 and 30? Do you want to learn how to produce your own music?

The Asinabka Festival is partnering with Sign Star Records, an Aboriginal owned Record Company based in Ottawa, and the Saw Video Media Arts Centre, to offer a one-week residency in music production.  This residency is for beginners and emerging artists, who will learn and work hands on with one of the music industry’s top production/recording software’s.  Participants are encouraged to have a draft of a song, either partially or fully written, so that they can incorporate their own music into the workshops.  After the residency, one applicant will be given the opportunity to continue working with Sign Star Records to produce their music!  Non-musicians interested in the post-production of music are also welcome to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

1. A brief bio: Tell us about yourself! Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Where have you worked or volunteered?
2. A letter of intent (1 page): Tell us why you want to participate in this residency, and how you think you will benefit! What type of music do you play? Do you have a specific song that you’d like to work on?  Do you have any performance experience?
3. Support material: Please submit a demo, a recording of your music, or music you’ve helped produce (MP3 or CD format, or an Internet Link to the works online location).

Email submissions are welcome!

DEADLINE:  Friday, April 30th 2012

For more information visit asinabkafestival.org/asinabkafestival/Events.html.

VIDEO: The Medics - "Griffin"

The Medics have released a new single from their upcoming debut album Foundations. Watch Griffin here.

The music of Australian indie-rockers The Medics is passionate to be sure. There's frequently a palpalbe intensity and sense of urgency, particularly in this song, that is stirring.

Directed by Lucas Thayer and beautifully shot, the video propels that intensity further, illustrating the lyrics "he's just a boy, just an adolescent child, feed him to the monsters" with teenage delinquency, fear, anger and struggle.

In the YouTube notes, the band included:

The Medics acknowledge the many prisoners and their families with connections to the location - Boggo Road Jail, Brisbane, Australia.

The new album, Foundations, will be released May 18, 2012.

Watch The Medics - Griffin:

Artist Call: APCMA Now Accepting Submissions

The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMA) are now accepting submissions for the artist and industry categories.

The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards celebrates the best in Aboriginal music from across Turtle Island and around the world. The yearly event is one of the biggest music parties in Indian Country to be sure, and this year the APCMAs have established a new voting process for selecting nominees.

• Round 1 of all APCMA categories will be juried by industry professionals. Each category jury will select up to five nominee.
• The general public will select the winners in each category by voting on the aboriginalpeopleschoice.com website in Round 2.

Applications are now open!  Apply by Friday, June 29, 2012 at 5:00PM (CST).

Download the APCMA Entry Form here: http://aboriginalpeopleschoice.com/umedia/2012_APCMA_Official_Entry_Form.pdf

The artistic/genre categories are:

• Best Blues CD
• Best Country CD
• Best Fiddle CD
• Best Flute CD
• Best Folk/Acoustic CD
• Best Francophone CD
• Best Gospel CD
• Best Hand Drum CD
• Best Instrumental CD
• Best Inuit CD
• Best Peyote CD
• Best Pop CD
• Best Pow Wow CD – Traditional
• Best Pow Wow CD –Contemporary
• Best Rap/Hip Hop CD
• Best Rock CD

The specialty categories are:

• Aboriginal Female Entertainer of the Year
• Aboriginal Male Entertainer of the Year
• Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year
• Best Aboriginal Music Radio Station/Program
• Best Album Cover Design
• Best Duo or Group
• Best International Indigenous Artist(This category for Indigenous Artists from  outside of North America)
• Best Music Video
• Best New Artist
• Best Producer/Engineer
• Best Television Program/ Promotion of Aboriginal Music
• Single of the Year

Mail submissions to: Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards 509 Century Street Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 2J2

For more information: aboriginalpeopleschoice.com Jacquie Black or Sandy Fox Toll Free: 1-866-449-0251 Email: info@aboriginalpeopleschoice.com

Holly McNarland "Run Body Run" and NXNE Contest

Métis singer-songwriter Holly McNarland's new album Run Body Run, her first since 2007's Chin Up Buttercup, is set for release in June. To celebrate, she is running a contest that there will be 11 winners for! Not bad odds - so get your entry in there!

To enter, submit a short 200 word (or less) essay or two minute YouTube video about one Holly McNarland song that impacted your life and why. Personally, Numb was a fixture in my high-school soundtrack, but that's me!

The top 10 entries will be selected by Holly herself, posted on her blog and will each win a pair of moccasins from Manitobah Mukluks, hand-written (by Holly) lyrics of the song they entered the contest with and a signed/numbered copy of her new album.

One grand prize winner will really score with:

• the 1st signed copy of the new album
• transportation for winner and a friend to Toronto for NXNE Festival
• a hotel in Toronto for 2 nights
• 2 festival passes to NXNE
• 2 pairs Mukluks from Manitobah Mukluks
• meet and greet during soundcheck of Holly's NXNE showcase at The Rivoli
• pre-show dinner for 2 at The Rivoli Restaurant.

Sweet, right? For more info visit hollymcnarland.net and send your entries to songcontest@hollymcnarland.net.

While you're thinking about Holly songs of the past you love, also check out this preview of Dig a Little from her upcoming album Run Body Run.

Three Young Artists to Watch: Nathalie Restoule, Bee Pastion and Crystal J

This week not one, not two, but three videos from three remarkable young women artists came across the ol' RPM desk. Our young sisters are moving, inspiring and oh so talented! Check out Nathalie Restoule, Bee Pastion and Crystal J.

Here 16 year-old Nathalie Restoule,  from the Dokis First Nation in Ontario, is singing Joss Stone's Landlord with soul, spirit and style:

Amazing, right?

Bee Pastion, from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta, has a voice both strong, soft and stirring. Watch her cover Priscilla Ahn's Dream:

It gave me goosebumps.

And third, Crystal Schooner (Nuxalk Bella Coola), rocks an acapella version of Alica Keys' Fallin, giving a taste of what's to come on her upcoming album:

Woot!

This is just the beginning for these artists - we look forward to seeing what comes next!

VIDEO: Bear Fox and The 1491s - "Represent Bear Fox"

Here 2011 NAMMY award-winning musician Bear Fox, in collaboration with comedy troupe The 1491s, performs her song Rich Girl.

More known for their sketch comedy videos - which have made a huge splash on YouTube - the 1491s have branched out into other art forms such as poetry and music in some of their latest videos. Their most recent features Akwesasne musician Bear Fox, the 2011 Native American Music Award winner for Debut Artist Of The Year.

This video is an unplugged version of her song Rich Girl accompanied by some live beatboxing by Bobby.  The song touches on the issues of growing up in an Indigenous environment with very little in material wealth but having riches in culture and beauty of Indigenous life with family.

Props to the 1491s and Bear Fox for sharing this great piece of video artistry with Turtle Island!

DOWNLOAD: Clint Hamilton - "In Kind"

From Moosonee, Ontario, Clint Hamilton is a guitar slinging, gritty rock n' roller with the songwriting heart of a poet.

Clint Hamilton generally writes and records in his home studio, utilizing loops and samples but with an eye on keeping the sound as natural as possible. "Writing, recording and producing has a pretty steep learning curve but it is getting easier as I go along, picking up tricks and experience along the way", says Hamilton of working as a DIY artist.

This track was written in response to a request for a "love song" from his wife and at first listen, the song has all the rock must haves - back beat, skilled guitar solos, a rough-around-the-edges lead vocal. But listen closer, and again, because if you missed it the first time, you'll find it also has the more intangible qualities of poetry and passion that make good songs great.

DOWNLOAD: Clint Hamilton - "In Kind"

VIDEO: Ill Citizens - "Beautiful Day"

Ill Citizens, out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a group born out of Capital NeechieZ, which began with  three artists by the names of Jordan "Dominance" Henderson, Joel "Smiley" Garson and Nick "Chaotic" Thompson.

This tribute from Ill Citizens eloquently reflects on the value of a human life. The lyrics from Kid Dezmo, Dominance and Chaotic, lead by an intelligible and solemn harmonica hip-hop beat gives way to a deeper understanding of what it means to lose someone close.

The video itself leaves us to think of what privilege we have everyday in being alive. Images of rural communities, matched to lyrics speaking of reality, bring us to notice the intricacies of our relationships and how closely loss of loved ones affects us all.

However, as we see life as not a line but as a circle, we’re shown that death is a part of the cycle and is something to be equally as revered as the miracle of birth. Beautiful Day brings us back to the meaning of honouring someone’s life, as was so elegantly put forth with this video.

Watch: Ill Citizens - Beautiful Day