PREMIERE: YK The Mayor - "Fall"

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Winnipeg rapper YK The Mayor returns with his new single, "Fall".

After dropping the hype single, "In My Dreams", back in June, Winnipeg hip-hop artist YK The Mayor (fka Young Kidd), is back with his latest.

The CTL Records artist keeps things live and direct on "Fall", calling out the haters and doubters who've questioned YK's ability to reclaim his position in the hip-hop limelight after his recent hiatus doing time—and on how, since he's been away, he didn't know what Snapchat was.

Enlisting the talents of Anishinaabe Boogey the Beat on production, the atmospheric, melodic trap beat provides a vibed-out complement to YK's shout outs to his fam and collaborators. After dropping a sneak peak of the track on Instagram this week, leading up to the single's release, Boogey declares "Fall" to be YK the Mayor's "official return"—but, more than that, the track is an ode to their hometown of #WonderfulWinnipeg and a bold declaration that they're aiming "to take back the city that is rightfully theirs".

Get with it.

STREAM: YK The Mayor - "Fall"

 

PREMIERE: Download Logan Staats' Bluesy New Single, "Pretty Little Liars"

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We're pleased to premiere the latest single from Mohawk breakout artist Logan Staats, "Pretty Little Liars".

After wowing us with a handful of stripped down, acoustic, live performances for 6 Arrows Media, singer-songwriter Logan Staats has been on a steady climb into the Indigenous music spotlight.

Following recent performances at the Aboriginal Pavilion and Planet IndigenUS (alongside Buffy Sainte-Marie and Derek Miller no less!) in Toronto, and with an upcoming showcase at Aboriginal Music Week in Winnipeg, the Six Nations singer is just getting warmed up.

With the release of his debut solo album, Goodbye Goldia, a soulful journey into passion, pain, and healing heartbreak, Staats' rugged and raw voice—coupled with his innate sense of compelling melodic lines and phrasing—guides you down into the depths, only to wring your heart out, song by song.

We're pleased to premiere "Pretty Little Liars", the latest single from the album, a bluesy ballad with a hook that gets right in your soul and stays there, working its magic on you.

Catch Logan Staats live in Winnipeg on August 19th as part of the "AMW at Lunch" series for Aboriginal Music Week.

DOWNLOAD: Logan Staats - "Pretty Little Liars"

Goodbye Goldia is available now on iTunes. For more, visit loganstaats.com

Angel Haze Destroys Everyone in the Rap Game on "Babe Ruthless"

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Shapeshifter and ever-hype emcee Angel Haze is taking no prisoners on her new track, "Babe Ruthless".

Ruthless is the word here. Raw, rugged, renegade rap monster Angel Haze annihilates all competition on the track—transforming into her Machiavellian alter ego and proceeding to kick some of the illest successions of syllables she's ever released.

If this is any indication of where her forthcoming Back to the Woods mixtape (due September 14th) is headed, the rest of the hip-hop world is right to be protecting their necks.

The Tsalagi MC is out for more than just revenge. She wants it all.

You've been warned.

STREAM: Angel Haze - "Babe Ruthless"

Destiny's New Video for "Orange Blossom" is a Sultry Summer Jam

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Everyone's favourite Smart Girl Club rocker, Destiny, releases a video for her new single, "Orange Blossom".

Hot on the bell-bottomed, 70s disco heels of her previous release, "Soul Train", the reincarnation of the former Princess Nokia—now known simply as Destiny—continues its transformation.

Moving her retro-chic timeline forward into the early 80s, Destiny's latest single, "Orange Blossom", comes wrapped in a lo-fi, VHS aesthetic, filtered through the sunlit haze of late summer excursions.

Set amidst Coney Island's now mostly-quiet rides and arcades, Destiny struts, dances, grooves, and sways to the lilt and swing of the track's digital synths, laid-back electric guitar lines, and grooving handclaps. Lyrically, she pours on the innuendo, dropping "all natural" allusions to getting down in the heat of some sun-soaked summer loving.

"Orange Blossom" rides its soft, 80s-wave influences in less abstract and experimental ways than her Metallic Butterfly-era releases. And although Destiny is rooting this next phase of her creative expression in groove-based music that's gone before, she doesn't let sonic nostalgia define her sound, just cast a warm glow around it.

Kick back and enjoy before the long days of summer are gone.

WATCH: Destiny - "Orange Blossom"

DOWNLOAD: The Aboriginal Music Week Mixtape by Boogey the Beat

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RPM and Aboriginal Music Week are joining forces for an epic closing night party this year. Check our exclusive AMW Mixtape to get a taste of what's to come. 

We enlisted the talent of rising Anishinaabe hip-hop producer and DJ Boogey the Beat to compile sounds from this year's AMW artists and it's the perfect soundtrack for #MixtapeMonday.

Bringing together hip-hop and R&B tracks from all of our closing night party performers including—HellnbackMariame, T-Rhyme, and Tall Paul—as well as the eclectic electronics of Exquisite Ghost, the rap stylings of Mic Jordan, a guest appearance by Lightning Cloud, and some of Boogey's own killer productions, this is a party rocking, beat-based excursion into the contemporary sounds of #IndigenousExcellence.

Let's go!

And don't forget to join us for the Aboriginal Music Week Closing Night Concert on Saturday, August 22nd at The Good Will in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Tickets and info here.

DOWNLOAD THE AMW MIXTAPE:

TRACK LISTING

  1. Boogey The Beat - The Beginning
  2. Exquisite Ghost - Bringing Dawn
  3. Exquisite Ghost - Hands To The Sky
  4. Hellnback - B.T.B.B. Ft. Lightning Cloud
  5. Hellnback - Spaceship
  6. Mariame - Electric
  7. Mariame - Native Ft. Supaman
  8. Boogey The Beat - Sidestep
  9. Boogey The Beat - Uja (Tanya Tagaq Remix)
  10. Mic Jordan - It Feels Good
  11. Mic Jordan - Miigwetch (Thank You)
  12. T-Rhyme - Apollo Red
  13. T-Rhyme - Tha Truth
  14. Tall Paul - I Don't Need Glove
  15. Tall Paul - Orange Juice In My Cereal

 

Samantha Crain's New Album, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, is the One We've Been Waiting For

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With her fourth album, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, Samantha Crain has hit her stride.

Five years ago in the original RPM offices in Vancouver's Chinatown, a few weeks before the site launched, Ostwelve said to the team "do you know of Samantha Crain?" We stopped to watch the video for Santa Fe and all fell fast for her rich, almost husky croonher sweet, inviting, folk style. We've all been fans ever since.

As a fan, while I've adored her vocal and musical style since that day, I felt as a songwriter she hadn't yet grown into her own - not something unexpected from a young artist. With her newest release, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, and now with years of touring and performing and living this life, Crain has grown up and into her voice as a writer and recording artist. The result is not only her best album yet, but one of the best albums this year. I'm excited we can finally say so - RPM was lucky to get an advance listen of the record and we've been bursting to share our praise for it.

“I don’t write protest songs in the traditional sense,” Crain told The Guardian recently, “but I’m always listening to the voices of people around me. These stories are told from the perspective of the underdog, the 99% of us that are working people. They might not be literal protest songs, but the lives of the people within these songs speak at the same volume if you listen.”

Indeed, the songs showcase nimble, poetic lyrics that tell stories of bitter circumstances, the downtrodden, and broken hearts, with a knowing intimacy that comes from the pen of an adept listener. These stories are wrapped in folk and country stylings (with an occasional synth keeping the indie cred alive and well) and despite the sombre or sad stories, they are lifted by striking imagery and elegant musicality.

Samantha Crain Dakota Samantha Crain serenades The Dakota Tavern, Toronto, Ontario

Crain is an artist who is seemingly always on tour. Earlier this year she did a number of dates opening for Buffy Ste. Marie, she has headlined her own countless shows, and played major festivals - she is at home in front of large crowds. It was a rare treat that her current CD release tour included a stop in Toronto at the legendary but small Dakota Tavern where Crain charmed the lucky, grateful few there.

There may not be another chance to be up close for a solo performance - Under Branch & Thorn & Tree has the makings of a turning point. Catch her live show soon and get the album even sooner. If you haven't fallen for her yet, you will now: this is the album and moody, sweet summer soundtrack you've been waiting for.

Stream the Full Album, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, below:

The album is also available on Spotify:

Walk in the Woods with the New Video from Kickin' Krotch, "Ghost Town"

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The all Indigenous East Coast band Kickin' Krotch may get filed under hard rock, but their latest video highlights a track with a bit of softness.

"Ghost Town" is the third single from the band's eponymous debut LP and its slow, stirring, melody perfectly showcases the warmth and depth of lead singer Michael Bernard's voice. Based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Kickin' Krotch has been getting its name out across the country and they are currently in the running for Best New Artist in this year's newly renamed Indigenous Music Awards.

I might like sad songs most here at RPM, and this reflective song, set here in the video among tall trees, mossy stones, rich colours, and long shadows with only a few breaks of light, is moving my Thursday morning nicely. Its inescapable to join in on the second and third listen to the long "ghoooooost town" refrain and I suggest you sit back, join in, and take in the setting and sound, too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdgPJEJ0Eo&feature=youtu.be

Lyrics: 

Swimming at the surface evil lurking reaching for your soul wants to bury it free me from this nightmare neverending get me the hell out of here I just wanna disappear

Every little drop you bring me down drowning in whiskey smothering ghost town

I want to close my eyes forever stop running in the wrong direction I think I lost my way falling of the righteous path crawling through the rubble screaming wrath

Every little drop you bring me down drowning in whiskey smothering ghost town 2x

She don’t wanna die She don’t wanna cry

A Tribe Called Red Adds Free Shows on First Nations Reserves to Summer Tour

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A Tribe Called Red's already packed summer festival tour will now be making a few stops at the rez.

The group announced today a handful of free appearances at various First Nations this summer. The stops will also include youth-oriented workshops.

"The goal is to present top quality shows directly on reserve, by partnering with communities and bringing a mobile stage and lighting on site," says the press release and we're stoked to hear they're bringing the music into the community, an initiative that's being presented with help from the Ontario Arts Council.

Here are all ATCR's remaining summer tour dates:

07/23 Peguis First Nation, MB - Peguis Multiplex 07/24 Brandon, MB - Brandon Folk Music & Art Festival 07/25 Hamilton, ON - Pan Am Cultural Celebration (Pier 4 Park Bayfront) * 07/31 Montreal, QC - Osheaga Music & Arts Festival 08/01 Maliotenam, QC - Festival Innu Nikamu 08/12 Toronto, ON - Nathan Phillips Square 08/13 Six Nations of the Grand River, ON - Six Nations Community Hall * 08/15 Sudbury, ON - Up Fest (Durham Playgrounds) 08/21 Moose Factory, ON - TBA * 08/23 Thunder Bay, ON (Lac Des Milles Lacs First Nation) - Fort Williams Historical Park * 08/25 Sault Ste Marie, ON (Batchewana First Nation) - Rankin Arena * 08/27 Manitoulin Island, ON (Wikwemikong First Nation) - Thunderbird Park * 08/29 North Bay, ON (Nipissing First Nation) - NFN Administration Office * 09/17-20 Victoria, BC - Rifflandia Festival

* free show

Watch City Natives Burn Through Their Verses in New Video for "Beast Mode"

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City Natives drop their new single and music video for "Beast Mode".

Over a banging Beaatz-produced beat, booming kick, stuttering snares, and jangling piano riff, the rap Voltron crew spit fire for three and a half straight minutes of rockin' rap goodness.

That's it. No frills and gimmicks. No makin' it rain in the club or gratuitous imagery. No fake records, just raw, rugged lyricism. True to form, City Natives bring the heat while standing their ground, reppin' the struggle while flexing their skills. 

"Beast Mode" is the second single from their latest album, Voltron, which you can stream in its entirety right here.

If you don't know, now you know.

WATCH: City Natives - "Beast Mode"

City Natives' new album Voltron, is out now and available on iTunes

STREAM: Once A Tree's 'Thousand Lives' EP

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Listen to Once A Tree's striking debut EP, Thousand Lives, in full.

We've been on a Once A Tree kick in the past few weeks, since being introduced to their killer new singles "Take Me" and "Howling". Now you can stream the duo's new EP, Thousand Lives, in full, through Spotify.

Thousand Lives lulls, seduces, captures, and holds you enthralled throughout its 6-song cycle of melancholic electronic pop and R&B.

Trust us. Once A Tree is ready to take on the world.

Just wait 'til the soaring final bars of the EP's title track fade out into the ambient, haunted atmosphere...you'll be reaching out for more.

STREAM: Once A Tree - Thousand Lives EP

 

Once A Tree's Thousand Lives is now available on iTunes 

Briggs, Thelma Plum, Dan Sultan Lead Nominations for 2015 National Indigenous Music Awards

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Nominations for Australia's 2015 National Indigenous Music Awards have been announced. 

Leading the pack is acclaimed Yorta Yorta hip-hop artist Briggs who is nominated in five categories, including Artist of the Year, Best Song and Best Music Video (for "Bad Apples"), Best Album and Best Cover Art (for Sheplife). Briggs took home the award for Best New Talent at last year's NIMAs.

Following closely behind are singer Thelma Plum and "country soul rock 'n roll" artist Dan Sultan, who are each nominated for three awards.

Plum, who's latest EP, Monsters, was one of our favourite releases of last year, is nominated for Artist of the Year, and has two songs up for Song of the Year: "How Much Does Your Love Cost?" and the soaring anthem "Young in Love".

Sultan is also up for Artist of the Year, and his single "Dirty Ground" is nominated for Song of the Year and Best Music Video.

We're also pleased to see the NIMAs continue their Indigenous community focus by honouring several local musical initiatives produced by Desert Pea Media and Indigenous Hip Hop Projects in collaboration with local partners and Indigenous youth.

The National Indigenous Music Awards, which celebrate excellence in contemporary Indigenous music from across Australia, will be held in Darwin on July 25, 2015.

Here is the Full List of Nominees for the 2015 National Indigenous Music Awards:

Artist of the Year

  • Jessica Mauboy
  • Thelma Plum
  • Dan Sultan
  • Briggs

Song of the Year

  • "How Much Does Your Love Cost?" – Thelma Plum
  • "Young In Love" – Thelma Plum
  • "Bad Apples" – Briggs
  • "Dirty Ground" – Dan Sultan
  • "Black Woman" – Emma Donovan

Album of the Year

  • Sheplife – Briggs
  • Dawn – Emma Donovan and Putbacks
  • Uncle – Frank Yamma
  • The Genesis Project – East Journey featuring Yothu Yindi National

New Talent of the Year

  • Philly
  • Lucky Luke
  • Tjintu Desert Band

Cover Art of the Year

  • Song of Arnhem Land – East Journey ft Yothu Yindi
  • Cause N Affect – Radical Son
  • Uncle – Frank Yamma
  • Sheplife – Briggs

Film Clip of the Year (aka Best Music Video)

  • "Bad Apples" – Briggs
  • "Song of Arnhem Land (Salas/Moore Mix)" – East Journey
  • "Human Behaviour" – Radical Son
  • "Dirty Ground" – Dan Sultan
  • "Parlingarri" – B2M (Bathurst to Melville)

Community Clip of the Year [now National]

  • Breathe In, Breathe Out  - Produced By: Indigenous Hip Hop Projects was proud to partner with Katherine West Health Board and Bulla Camp
  • Got a lot Going On - Yarn Safe Produced By: Indigenous Hip Hop Projects and Indigenous creative agency Gilimbaa
  • Uncle Alfred’s Mens Group - Spear of Destiny Produced By: Desert Pea Media
  • Cairns Murri Crew - Built To Last Produced By: Desert Pea Media
  • Tagai Buway - Two Worlds Produced By: Desert Pea Media
  • Call On Me - Produced by: Indigenous Hip Hop Projects was proud to partner with Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and St. Mary's College

WATCH OUR PLAYLIST OF 2015 NIMA NOMINEES

 

For more information visit: National Indigenous Music Awards

Aboriginal Music Week Closing Night Concert to Feature Drezus, Mariame, Hellnback, T-Rhyme, and Boogey the Beat

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RPM is proud to present an incredible night of Indigenous hip-hop, R&B, and trap music to conclude Aboriginal Music Week 2015.

The closing night of Aboriginal Music Week is the very definition of #IndigenousExcellence.

This year, RPM is partnering with AMW to bring you a concert featuring some of Indian Country's fastest rising hip-hop stars: Drezus, Mariame, Hellnback, T-Rhyme, and Boogey the Beat.

An accomplished young producer with a gift for booming beats and hypnotic melodies, Anishinaabe artist Boogey the Beat will bless us with his trap-infused rhythms. N'we Jinan artist and rising Cree R&B singer, Mariame, will be joining us from Quebec to perform songs from her recently released debut EP, Bloom. And, hailing from Saskatoon by way of Edmonton, self-described femcee T-Rhyme will bring her 'ATCQ to Jean Grae'-influenced hip-hop styles to the stage.

Rounding out this already incredible lineup, acclaimed Samson Cree hip-hop heavyweight and 2015 Indigenous Music Awards nominee, Hellnback, will give shine to tracks from his brand new record, F.O.E. (#FamilyOverEverything).

UPDATE: Tall Paul won't be able to make it, but hot off his recent Warpath Tour, we've got Cree hip-hop artist Drezus coming through to rep for the people and give us a dose of his banging beats and Native Pride-filled lyrics.

This is a closing party without compare and a showcase of what's next in native hip-hop and Indigenous music. You don't want to miss it.

Aboriginal Music Week, an annual celebration of "the fact that Indigenous artists around the world are creating music that crosses almost all musical and physical borders, without regret", runs from August 18-22, 2015 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

With a full lineup of Indigenous music events including the Spence Neighbourhood Block Party, the Turtle Island Block Party, an AMW stage at the Austin Street Festival, and a daytime stage at Picnic in the Park, this year's AWM is going to have something for every listener and music fan.

ABORIGINAL MUSIC WEEK: CLOSING NIGHT PARTY

Saturday, August 22, 2015 The Good Will (625 Portage Ave) Winnipeg, Manitoba 9pm - 2am / Tickets: $10 RSVP on Facebook: here

FEATURING:

  • Drezus
  • Mariame
  • Hellnback
  • T-Rhyme
  • Boogey The Beat

 

For more information visit: aboriginalmusicweek.ca