SaskMusic and FACTOR Canada are presenting a special online concert in honour of National Indigenous History Month, airing 7pm Thursday, June 24 on SaskMusic’s Facebook and YouTube pages. (Update: You can now watch the saved stream on YouTube.) 16 local Indigenous artists from different musical styles have been paired with 4 Indigenous video mentors to create unique music videos over the past weeks, and we’re excited to share this premiere with music fans.
Following June 25, the concert will also be available to watch on SaskTel maxTV Local on Demand.
This program is made possible through the financial support of FACTOR Canada (the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters.
Proudly supported by Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation and SaskTel maxTV Local on Demand with thanks to Creative Saskatchewan.
Artists involved in this concert
Allison Rae Strong “Set You Free”
Video Mentor: Gavin Baird
www.facebook.com/AllisonRaeStrongMusic
Prince Albert
Crafted in Saskatchewan's Northern Prairies, Allison Rae Strong and her talented band bring a new soul-satisfying sound, filled with raw, high-energy musicianship. Blending love, anger, and every other heart-throbbing emotion, it gives a taste of sentimental feelings. Allison has been described as Rock, R&B, Pop, and Soul, but her music is open to interpretation. Powerful vocals, heavy drums, grooving bass, and constantly moving guitar soundscapes make up this dynamic four-piece collective.
Angus Vincent “Pasiko”
Video Mentor: James Kinistino
www.angusvincent.com
Waterhen Lake First Nation
Angus Vincent is a singer/songwriter from Waterhen Lake, Saskatchewan. Angus has been performing as a solo musician since the early 2000s. Angus’ musical background is wide and eclectic and his interests are many. His sound could be described as upbeat, drum and bass-driven Funk n’ Roll. Constantly writing and showcasing new songs anywhere he can, the songs evolve each time they are played. Angus is looking forward to a future in professional music. In 2018, Angus released his debut album “Angel” which gained some traction following its release. The first single “Tension” reached #3 on the Indigenous Music Countdown in December of 2018. In 2019, he released brand new singles “Real Love” and “Pasiko” off his upcoming follow-up album, released November 6, 2020. Angus is very excited about this album as he has incorporated his Plains Cree Language in a number of the songs as he is a fluent speaker. He is currently writing songs for his 3rd album which he hopes to release in fall of 2021.
Berk Jodoin “Indian Boy”
Video Mentor: Eric Anaquod
www.berkjodoinmusic.net
Pierceland Métis local #71
Berk Jodoin grew up in the small, northern community of Pierceland. In this community started the incubation that would become the backbone of Berk’s stylistic writing. “I write what I know, and I write what I see, not many fairy tales go into my songs.” Berk’s debut release “Sisters” made it to #6 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Berk was also recently selected as the SCMA Indigenous Artist Bursary award winner. The song speaks to the epidemic that is our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Berk has a recently released a full 10 song album with such impactful songs such as “Starlight Tour,” which brings to light tragedies and police brutality in the city of Saskatoon. Another powerful song included on the album is “Indian Boy,” which tells the story of Berk’s Grandfather and his time in the Indian Residential schools of Canada. Berk is actively working on his follow-up 11 song full length sophomore effort, with an August 2021 completion date.
Biz Nico “Let It Go”
Video Mentor: Eric Anaquod
www.facebook.com/Biznicomusic/
Red Pheasant
Biz Nico was born and raised in Saskatoon. Nico recorded his first album under the mentorship of Fresh IE from Winnipeg in 2017 and released in 2018, since then Biz Nico has travelled opening up for fresh IE on bigger stages then he ever thought he would, but more importantly speaking to the youth on suicide and depression. 2021 Nico has a new Album in the works produced by Fresh IE, but before that Nico is releasing an EP titled “Save Me” June 15. Biz Nico has opened up for artists such as Fresh IE, Hunter Brothers and High Valley, to name a few.
Donny Parenteau “Those on the Frontline”
Video Mentor: James Kinistino
www.donnyparenteau.com
Prince Albert
Donny Parenteau is a proud Metis country music artist, was born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Donny’s Saskatchewan Metis heritage goes all the way back to Louis Riel and the Northwest Rebellion 1885. Donny’s Grandfather was a fiddle player who supported his family by playing dances and performances all around Prince Albert & area. Donny picked up the fiddle at age 14 and his musical journey began, making him today one of Canada’s highest nominated independent acts, singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
Donny spent twelve years touring the world with U.S. country singer Neal McCoy; recording on multi-platinum selling albums & playing on numerous shows, including performances on The Grand Ole Opry and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Alongside McCoy, Donny has shared the stage with country music icons such as Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggard, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, and Reba McEntire to name a few.
Since starting his solo career in 2003, Donny has garnered over one hundred nominations at eight major award shows, including three JUNO nominations, and his first USA nomination for “Best Country CD” at the 2014 Native American Music Awards. Donny’s album, “Bring It On,” is the only album placed in a time capsule at the Regina Legislative Building to be opened in 100 years and was included because of his song, “Deep in the Heart of Saskatchewan”. Donny’s latest CD, released in 2018, “Favourite Hymns of the Metis,” gave him his latest 2019 nomination for Indigenous Artist of the Year with the Saskatchewan Music Awards.
Donny continues to perform, teach at his Donny Parenteau School of Music, and speak his message of inspiration and “Bully Free Zone” tours at schools across Western Canada. In April 2020 Donny was awarded the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards’ Legend’s & Legacy.
In August 2020 Donny was the first performer selected to re-open TCU Place in Saskatoon, filmed by SaskTel and shown on SaskTel Max. October 2020 was one of the first full band performances Donny was able to do since the pandemic, performing a virtual Indigenous Day Live in Regina.Donny’s 2020 single “Never Came Down Again” was released in April 2020 and climbed the Indigenous Music Countdown Top 40 all the way to #2. Donny’s last single “Bring it On” featuring Brad Johner made it to #5 on the Indigenous Music Countdown Top 40 and #68 on Canadian charts. Since the pandemic, Donny has put his focus into songwriting and his Donny Parenteau School of Music, teaching online classes reaching students as far as Missouri USA.
Gypsy Moonbird “Star Journey”
Video Mentor: Chris Ross
https://www.facebook.com/gypsymoonbirdmusic/
Sweetgrass First Nation
Gypsy Moonbird is a rock band whose founding members originate from the Sweetgrass First Nation in Treaty 6 territory. Currently based out of the Battlefords, the band was first formed in the spring of 2018. They describe their sound as a combination of many different genres, from the 60’s psychedelic dream to the 70’s fast-driving nostalgic rock along with some country and blues influences. The group aims to keep the spirit of rock ‘n roll alive with their own original music, which they currently write and produce themselves. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram and check out their music on YouTube.
Jarrid Lee “It’s Time”
Video Mentor: Gavin Baird
www.jarridlee.com
Saddle Lake Alberta #125
Originally from St. Paul Alberta, Jarrid Lee is an Indigenous award-winning singer/songwriter, Canadian country music artist and currently the 2nd Vice President for the Saskatchewan Country Music Association who now currently resides in Saskatoon.
Growing up, Jarrid followed his dad Rollie Poitras around with country band “County Express,” so most of his childhood weekends were spent backstage at talent shows, weddings, beer fests, rodeos, music festivals, and just about every community event one can think of. There was no shortage of musical influence around him, with every family member owning a guitar or fiddle in the house they were always ready to play and ready to sing. Dad bought Jarrid his first electric guitar at the age of 12 and that’s when the endless hours of swollen fingers and self-teaching began. There was always a love and affinity for country music and as time went on, Jarrid found himself listening to new country artists like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and Dean Brody, so he picked up an acoustic and began to emulate the sounds of new country. Although Jarrid has not received any formal vocal training, music lessons, or guitar lessons, he decided to start writing his own music and it was then he auditioned his original music for a showcase called Voices of the North in the winter of 2014. Jarrid receive a phone call that he was chosen to perform at the Saskatchewan Showcase in February of 2015 where that experience sparked his love for the big stage. Jarrid decided a relocation to Saskatoon was needed in order to pursue his love for music and was quickly recruited to join the Saskatchewan Country Music Association and SaskMusic. Jarrid won a spot to play the main stage at Craven’s Country Thunder festival through a radio contest where he won the CKRM “Spirit of Saskatchewan” songwriting award for his song “Small Town.”
In only 6 short years Jarrid has played at numerous venues and shows across Western Canada, opening up for such names as Trooper, David Lee Murphy, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, Colin Raye, Jess Moskaluke, Midland and his idol Luke Bryan. Jarrid has also opened shows for Tom Cochrane and Red Ryder along with country music legend Tanya Tucker. Jarrid is relentless in his pursuit of entertaining and his sound is like that of heartfelt 90’s country mixed with the new gritty muscle country like Jason Aldean.
Jarrid continues to grow his fanbase daily by sharing his stories of life, love and adventure through his Facebook page. A very highly anticipated debut EP entitled “Up On Stage” was released in June 2020 and Jarrid is excited to have a few of his original songs to share with the world. “Up On Stage” was nominated for Album of the Year through the 2021 SCMA Awards as well as going to #1 on SiriusXM 165 August 9-15 2020, and went to the #1 spot on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown January 2021. For a small town boy he has big dreams, and Jarrid is currently working on a full length album that will be completed by the winter of 2021.
Lyrico Keller “Famous”
Video Mentor: Eric Anaquod
https://lyricokeller.wixsite.com/uglproductions
Regina
Lyrico Keller is an exceptional artist as well as a human being. He has lived through things in life that have had a way of changing him and there was virtually no way of turning back! From dysfunctional families and broken homes, he walked a path like so many have. Unfortunately, Lyrico was free to roam and do as he wished or desired. So basically Lyrico was neck and neck with trouble knocking at our door step; every day visits to the principle’s office with some type of new issue. Life was very difficult and it was not getting any easier, from gangs to every type of mischief you can imagine running with the devil. The endeavours Lyrico has encountered throughout his life are very unfortunate but he is here to share his stories and shed light on life, for if it wasn't for the mistakes he made and all the travesties he experienced, he wouldn't be here today to share the positive sides of it all and to share his advice and wisdom. Making mistakes is one of the biggest things in life. Sometimes you need to make mistakes to realize those are not the things you are supposed to do. Almost all of us eventually just need to learn for ourselves. Good and bad life is trial and error, today Lyrico is a father and a man of honour and respect. He takes care of his own and is a prime example of who you would want your children to be when they grow up. Honest, sincere, a man who treats everyone equally regardless of flaws or any types of setbacks or challenges.
Nige B “Dear Machine Remix”
Video Mentor: James Kinistino
www.instagram.com/nigeb_music/
La Ronge
Nigel Bell from La Ronge SK is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. He’s been playing music since 2003, guitar, bass, drums, piano. Nige played metal/punk all of his career up until 14 months ago, when the pandemic hit, and started to learn how to produce Lofi-Hip hop and indie electronic music. He’s now located in Saskatoon. Nigel has done a 21-show Canadian tour with Me The Guts in 2019, released solo EP “Circa 1990” April 9, 2021 via Wrist Shot Records and Books under stage name Nige B, and released a new single “Come Unto Me” with Nigerian artist and 2013 MTN Project Fame Winner, Olawale. They did an interview with CBC Saskatoon morning show, with the song premiered on CBC Saskatoon Morning show, CBC The Block, CBC Saskatchewan Weekend Show, and MBC Radio in La Ronge; La Ronge Now did an interview for the April release as well. Nigel produces his own music in home studio, with plans to release 2 albums and one more EP this year, while also releasing singles with various artists.
Nowujalo (featuring T-NYCE) “Warrior”
Video Mentor: Chris Ross
https://instagram.com/nowujalo
Keeseekoose First Nation
Nowujalo, born Olajuwon Quewezance, is an 18 year old First Nation artist from Regina SK. He’s been making music for 3 years now and describes his sound as melodic hip hop. He’s the second oldest of a family of 8 siblings. Growing up in a troubled household where violence and addiction was a common issue, he used music as a way to cope and escape his surroundings. He’s performed in 3 local shows prior to Covid and has his music on all platforms, and been featured on many music blogs and industry pages. His most current video “wake up” was premiered on Elevator YouTube and amassed 55k views to date. Nowujalo’s goals are to keep growing his music and brand to the best of his ability. They’re also looking at producing a documentary of his come up and hardships faced to date, eventually following his journey as he grows in the music industry.
Patrick Moon Bird “Little Tears”
Video Mentor: James Kinistino
https://linktr.ee/PatrickMoonBird
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Prince Albert
Patrick Moon Bird is an Indigenous lo-fi bedroom pop artist from Prince Albert Saskatchewan, and is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist/producer. Most famously known for his remixes of theme songs from aesthetic and nostalgic films, one of which has reached over 330k streams on Spotify alone. Patrick Moon Bird has also released 3 albums of original work, the most recent being his album "2021" which reached 42k streams so far since its release. Patrick Moon Bird has since released a dual EP called “Days & Nights” which was recorded inside a mental health institution with a midi keyboard and a guitalele. His influences are Joji, City Girl, Tatl Tael, and Mounika.
Raven Reid “Bruises”
Video Mentor: Gavin Baird
https://ravenreid.wixsite.com/ravenreid
Treaty 6 Territory
Raven Reid is an Indigenous singer/songwriter, public speaker, Indigenous advocate, painter, poet and budding author, from Mikisew Cree First Nations, Alberta. She currently lives in Saskatoon Saskatchewan and was a part of the 60’s Scoop. Her music is influenced by artists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Robbie Robertson, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and Tracy Chapman. She also draws from her incredible storytelling abilities and life experiences, obstacles and dreams. You will find yourself falling under Raven’s spell as she sings from her heart to yours; you’ll also see that her music is folk/coffeehouse with a touch of country/blues as she sways you from genre to genre with her unique voice and songwriting skills.
Raven’s first original EP will soon be released online, and has been played already by many different radio stations across Canada. Raven speaks on four different topics, domestic violence, suicide prevention, positive mental health and awareness and the 60’s Scoop. All her workshops include storytelling, music and art! She travels all over Saskatchewan to speak at many different youth conferences, women’s conferences and events. She has several projects on the go such as a poetry book, a children’s book series and a new single coming out later this summer. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and soon on most music platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, ITunes, TiKTok and many many more.
Riva Farrell-Racette “Stolen Sister”
Video Mentor: Chris Ross
https://soundcloud.com/rivafarrell-racette
Keeseekoose First Nation
Riva Farrell Racette is a member of the Keeseekoose First Nation in Saskatchewan and Timiskaming Algonquin First Nation in Quebec. She has been a member of Regina's local punk rock music scene since her high school years when she first picked up the bass. Riva played bass in a number of Regina indie bands including Sylvie (members of Despistado, Rah Rah, and Robot Hive), the Florals (members of the Steves and Library Voices), and her current two-piece drum and bass project called Spoils. Playing in a male-dominated genre was a constant challenge, but she had the support of key mentors who believed that she was entitled to space in the scene. In 2009, after touring across North America in support of Sylvie's final album "Trees and Shade are our Only Spaces," Riva returned to school to pursue a degree in law. During this time Riva turned to the acoustic guitar as her main creative outlet and began her solo project as a singer-songwriter. Riva's project has been featured on CBC and on APTN for the 2012 Aboriginal Day live celebration which was broadcast across Canada, sharing the bill with headliner Buffy Sainte Marie.
She has also shared the stage with a number of notable Saskatchewan artists, including Rah Rah, Erin Passmore, Dagan Harding and in 2013 she shared the stage with Steve Earle at the Gateway Festival. In February of 2012, Riva's song "I am a Witness" was adopted by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society as their awareness campaign song for their historic human rights claim against the Federal Government for the underfunding of child welfare services on reserve. Riva has also worked with such noteworthy producers as Baltimore-based J. Robbins (Burning Airlines, Jawbox) and Grammy-nominated and JUNO award-winning Brandon Friesen. In 2014, Riva's project Spoils travelled to Seattle to record an EP with producer Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden). Riva was called to the bar in 2013. She practices in labour and employment, human rights and Indigenous law. She is currently in-house legal counsel with the Metis Nation - Saskatchewan.
Ryan Peekeekoot “Let It Go”
Video Mentor: Chris Ross
www.facebook.com/ryanlee.pkkt.3
Ahtahkakoop First Nation
Ryan is from the Ahtahkakoop First Nation. He sings and plays guitar with his band BLACKRAIN. This pandemic has basically put their band at a standstill, but Ryan has continued on by building a recording studio with his 12 year old son Lennon (who is a brilliant self-taught engineer), and they’ve put out 3 singles since the pandemic began. Ryan has a song called “Let It Go” just recently released; the song is about a guy and his girlfriend arguing, and she kicks him out of the vehicle on the side of the road to walk home alone.
Terri Bear “BP”
Video Mentor: Gavin Baird
www.facebook.com/afterglowband1/
Muskoday First Nation
Terri is a First Nations woman that hails from Muskoday First Nation. She is a musician that plays mostly in and around Saskatoon and is currently in 3 bands: Afterglow, The Virgin Suicides and All Girl Chill. All of the bands listed above have original songs that Terri has co-written for. She also was in a band with her son; they participated in the Duo Competition that was held in Saskatoon where they competed against some of the best musicians, and made it all the way to the finals! They played for the finale show/competition where the audience consisted of 1000 people at TCU place. That was definitely a highlight for her. Terri is currently recording new songs with band Afterglow and they hope to release a full album in the fall of this year. Another highlight this year was performing for Telemiracle, and their band alone raised almost $2000 for this very important fundraiser. Needless to say she’s very busy with music and wouldn't have it any other way.
Yvonne St.Germaine “Sorrow Road”
Video Mentor: Eric Anaquod
https://yvonnestgermaine.net
Saskatoon
Yvonne St.Germaine is currently a 17x Indigenous Country Gospel Award Winner. She not only has a passion for music but a heart to minister the Good News to bring healing and restoration. Also a motivational speaker, Yvonne speaks on her own miracle that set her free from a life of addictions. Her motto is "I am who I am by the grace of God." She was recently nominated for Indigenous Artist at the Year, Saskatchewan Music Awards 2020. Her newest release placed #8 in the Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2020 – Top Ten. St.Germaine's biggest career highlight so far was singing her original song “Tennessee Sky” on Loretta Lynn's stage in 2019.
More about this project
For our 2021 activities honouring National Indigenous History Month, SaskMusic is offering a program that seeks to build mentorship and practical skills.
Following a call for submissions, we selected artists from around the province who were interested in being paired with a video mentor to work, remotely, on creating a new live music video for use in this concert. Video mentors have been working with their artists over the past few weeks to record the best possible performance video footage and a unique capture of their song while 'working from home,' and while public health limitations are still in place.
This opportunity was directed to Saskatchewan-based, self-identifying Indigenous artists of all genders and from any genre.
In July, we will also be presenting a couple of free seminars of interest to emerging music artists. Watch for details to be announced on those!
For more information, please contact: Project Coordinator, Darwin Roy, darwin@saskmusic.org; or Communications & Operations Manager, Lorena Kelly, lorenakelly@saskmusic.org.
This program is made possible through the financial support of FACTOR Canada (the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings with support from Canada's private radio broadcasters).
Our 2020 National Indigenous Peoples Day online concert can be viewed here.
