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Bio
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More About the Artists of Aboriginal Music Week 2011
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A Tribe Called Red
In 2008, DJ's NDN and Bear Witness founded A Tribe Called Red. In 2010, they added two-time Canadian DMC champ, DJ Shub to the crew. Electric Pow Wow is a monthly club night dedicated to showcasing Aboriginal DJ talent and Native urban culture and is aimed at creating a space for Aboriginal people. ATCR creates an eclectic sound made up of a wide variety of musical styles ranging from Hip-Hop, Dance Hall, Electronic, and their own mash-up of club and Pow Wow music, known as Pow Wow Step. You can catch Electric Pow Wow every month on the second Saturday at Babylon nightclub in Ottawa, Canada.
Ali Fontaine
Born and raised in Sagkeeng Manitoba, 16 year old Ali Fontaine has been Singing and performing for as long as she can remember. She entered and won her first talent show when she was 8 years old. She has been writing songs for several years, and has just completed recording her debut album, self titled Ali Fontaine.
Cassidy Mann
Cassidy Mann just turned 15 years old but don't let her young age fool you, she is ready to leave her mark on the canadian music scene.
Cassidy is thrilled to have completed her first EP with producer JP Laurendeau of Brokenground Productions. Her single "Say You'll Miss Me" has been featured on Hot 103 Locals Only and the EP is scheduled for release on June 1, 2011 :) It will be available at McNally Robinson (Grant Park/online), Into the Music, Music Trader, Planet Sound and the Folk Fest Store.
Music has been a big part in Cassidy's life from a very young age which can clearly be heard in her original compositions. She writes songs with the approach of someone twice her age yet her songs reflect the innocence of a young girl finding her own way through the trials of growing up.
While only in grade ten Cassidy feels most at home on stage and in the studio. With strong seasoned professionals helping her to grow she looks forward to showcasing her original songs on stages across Canada!
Cassidy, along with producer JP, look forward to having her first CD release party in the near future! Darren Lavallee
From St. Ambroise, Darren Lavallee has been dubbed the “Marvelous Métis.” He was raised surrounded by music, dance, and the Michif language and is strongly traditional when it comes to his Métis roots. Darren has over 25 years of performance experience and has five CDs to his credit. In 2007, Darren swept the fiddle categories at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards and the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards with his Backroads Fiddlin’ album.
Derek Miller
Guitarist and singer/ songwriter Derek Miller is a journeyman musician with eclectic taste and a knack for roots inflected rock. Born on the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mohawk Territory, in Canada, Miller became interested in music in his early teens, and by the late ’90s had not only toured with iconic Canadian vocalist Buffy Sainte-Marie but was also garnered a Juno for both his debut album, ‘Music Is the Medicine’ and sophomore album ‘The Dirty Looks’ in 2008.
Derek’s next album ‘Derek Miller with Double Trouble’ takes us to the heart of Native Americana romanticism. It uses vintage tones and aesthetics of 50’s rock and roll with a modern twist, telling the story of a mythical man who has a blind moment of insanity and the events that got him to that point. The development in his newest recordings describe in a metaphoric way, the trials and tribulations of the artist.
The first single ‘Damned If You Do’ features Willie Nelson singing a duet with Derek, which has a ‘Rez Dub’-like backing track complete with horns to add some sizzle.“
The album is my attempt to create the feeling I got from soul, blues and country records I have listened to. Hillbilly Soul with some Mohawk swagger.”
Derek Miller is a dynamic performer, whether you catch him live or are listening to his studio albums, you can get a real sense of an artist striving for the pursuit of perfection in his work and life.
Gabriel Ayala
A member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, Gabriel Ayala is at the forefront of a new generation of Native Americans making a career performing classical music. He earned a Master's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona in 1997, has taught at all educational levels from elementary through college, and serves as a competition adjudicator. Although Gabriel truly enjoys being a teacher his busy touring schedule allows him to only teach in masterclass settings.
Ayala performs regularly throughout the United States and has appeared at the Poway Center for Performing Arts, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Museum for the American Indian, and Oscar Meyer Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2010, Gabriel was honored to perform at the Musical Instrument Museum in a series called “Guitar Masters”. He has been recognized by the former State of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, now Director of Homeland Security, for his musical achievements. In addition, he has also been honored as the Artist of the Month for the Indigenous Internet Chamber of Commerce (IICOC). Not only is Gabriel recognized locally and in the United States but has had the opportunity to be the featured performer at the “Festival Internacional de la Guitarra Academica” in Venezuela with Performances in Caracas, Guarenas, Guatire and on National Public Television throughout Venezuela.
Gabriel was selected as one of ten musicians featured in “Native Musicians in the Groove” highlighting stories of musicians in their struggles while persevering with a career in music. He also has been featured in several media publications such as “Native Peoples”, “Indian Country Today”, “SAY Magazine” (Canadian and United States Editions), “Spirit of the Southwest (German Publication)”, “Native America Calling”, “Canadian Broadcasting Corporation” and numerous others.
Gabriel was selected as one of ten musicians featured in “Native Musicians in the Groove” highlighting stories of musicians in their struggles while persevering with a career in music. He also has been featured in several media publications such as “Native Peoples”, “Indian Country Today”, “SAY Magazine” (Canadian and United States Editions), “Spirit of the Southwest (German Publication)”, “Native America Calling”, “Canadian Broadcasting Corporation” and numerous others.
Ayala has released three self-distributed albums: “Self Titled” in 2003, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in 2007 and “Tango!” in 2008. He has also been a featured artist on several other CD releases. Gabriel has been breaking stereotypes amongst Native and Non-Native people by performing classical, jazz, flamenco, and new compositions of his own which he highlighted on his 2010 release of “Remembrance”. Also recorded in 2010 is the CD entitled “Passion, Fire & Grace” which showcases the genre “JazzMenco” created by Gabriel. He is an award winning artist in several music award shows including the Native American Music Awards “Best Instrumental CD” and the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards “Best World Music”. Gabriel received many accolades in his career among them is the honor of sharing the stage with Motown living legends The Four Tops, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Dr. John and many others.
John Arcand
Métis fiddling is a style all it's own, and, when you think of this unique cultural music, one fiddler stands out! John Arcand is the undisputed "Master of the Métis Fiddle".
Originally from the Debden - Big River area of Saskatchewan, John now makes his home on acreage southwest of Saskatoon. He started playing fiddle at the age six, with coaching from his Father and Grandfather and by age twelve he was playing for dances. His impeccable sense of timing and flowing rhythm comes from learning to watch the dancers feet at this early age and from this he developed and refined a style of playing that has helped him become a legend in the fiddle world. People often refer to him as the "dancer's choice"!
John has made sixteen recordings to date, and still plays and records the Traditional Métis tunes of his Father and Grandfather as well as those he continues to research, learn and pass on. He is also a prolific writer having composed over 390 original tunes.
Along with a busy performing schedule, John is active as a guest artist and judge at fiddle contests, is in demand as an instructor at many fiddle camps and has a growing list of private students. He and his wife travel extensively promoting the Métis culture through workshops and performances and do many school and youth presentations each year.
John is an avid collector of fiddles and accessories and a qualified Luthier who has been making fiddles for many years. The art of fiddle making is not a common one and his "original" instruments are much sought after. He also offers repairs and can provide appraisals.
John has spent his lifetime promoting and preserving the traditions of Fiddle Métis and Dance and old time fiddling. His contribution to the music world encompasses the preservation of these traditions, and his on-going efforts to offer a venue where all of this can be seen, appreciated and shared - The John Arcand Fiddle Fest. Held annually on the second weekend of August on his acreage, the John Arcand Fiddle Fest has become one of the major fiddle events in Western Canada.
His proudest achievements include being selected as one of 27 people world wide to represent Western Canada at the Fiddles of the World Conference in Halifax in 1999. Being chosen as a delegate in an Irish/ Métis Cultural Exchange in 2001 where he played for and met the President of Ireland. And, of course playing for and meeting the Queen at the Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala in Saskatoon in 2005.
His passions for the preservation of the Métis Traditions, old time fiddling and work with youth have been recognized by his peers and resulted in him being honoured with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for his "Outstanding Contribution to Old Time Fiddling." from the Canadian Grand Masters in 2003. In 2004 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Inaugural Lieutenant Governor's Saskatchewan Arts Awards. In 2005 the Province of Saskatchewan honoured him with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, and in the Spring of 2006 he received the Cultural Diversity and Race Relations "Living in Harmony" Award from the City of Saskatoon. In April of 2008, he received the Order of Canada - our country's highest civilian honor.
To see John perform is to see a man serious about his music and in harmony with all that is good. From playing for the Queen of England to "jamming" with regular folk - John is happiest and most at home with a fiddle in his hand.
Kyle Cedarwall
Kyla began writing music at the age of fourteen. Whenever there was a trying situation in her life she would sit down at the piano and write. Sometimes in the middle of the night, she’d wake up with all the lyrics to a song, which she’d jot down and go back to sleep. When morning came, she would head to the piano and easily find the music to finish the song.
Shortly after the end of high school she took a short break from music. After several months of not performing, not teaching, and not taking lessons she became re-energized and focused her talents back into writing music. It was during this time she discovered her love of country music. Although raised in the city of Winnipeg, Kyla’s always had a little bit of country in her spirit. She loves horseback riding, pick up trucks, cowboy boots and especially cowboy hats. Soon, she had more than a dozen songs written, each one becoming more polished than the previous one. However, with each line of lyrics and each measure of music that she wrote her desire to perform again was growing ever stronger.
Kyla has now embarked on the next phase of her music career and is currently in the recording studio working with Jason Gordon as her producer/manager at the Juno award winning Studio 11 Entertainment in Winnipeg. Her new single Little Red Chevy was just released. She is also working on finishing her first record called Just Drive. Be sure to watching for upcoming performances.
Leela Gilday
A captivating Dene singer/songwriter, Leela Gilday is a passionate, soulful performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where freedom and joy balance sorrow and injustice. Her lyrics, reflective of her northern roots, embrace the essence of Dene life from an urban perspective.
She hails from Yellowknife, NWT and is a member of the Dene Nation. "We have long recognized her as as talented member of our nation," says Dene National Chief, Bill Erasmus.
Leela Gilday has many national awards to her credit including a Juno and Western Canadian Music Award for her second album Sedzé. In 2009 she won Best Music Video at the Dreamspeakers Festival in Edmonton AB and in 2008, she received a Fellowship at the Banff Centre for the Arts. According to Alex Vardy of the Georgia Straight, "Leela Gilday (is) a rising star in the world of aboriginal music and a future pop icon as well."
Touring has taken Leela from Tokyo to Toronto to Haida Gwaii. She has toured extensively throughout Canada playing festivals, theatres, ceremonies, and folk clubs. Performance highlights include the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Vancouver East Cultural Centre, ImagineNATIVE Festival in Toronto, 6th Annual Aboriginal Music Festival in Saskatoon, and Canada Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In 2008, Leela shared the stage at Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre with Feist, Ron Sexsmith, and Jorane.
Radio and television appearances include CBC Radio (Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe, Sounds Like Canada) and the Aboriginal People's Television Network (2008 National Aboriginal Day Broadcast).
Leela Gilday released her much anticipated third CD "Calling All Warriors" in July 2010. It garnered a Western Canadian Music Award, a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award, and an Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award. She performs and tours with her band based out of Vancouver.
Samian
A voice of the present day telling a story from centuries ago, Samian lays down his poetry with the soul of a warrior. Through his music, Samian retraces the story of aboriginal people for whom he claims respect and recognition. His albums : Face à soi-même in 2007 and Face à la Musique in 2009, were acclaimed by audiences and the press. Over the past years, Samian collaborated with artists as Florent Vollant, Anodajay and Loco Locass. Among other things, he performed at the Vancouver Olympic Games, in Finland, France, China, and Indonesia.
Sherry St. Germain
Multi instrumentalist/producer/singer/songwriter Sherry St.Germain is an outstanding performer. With the expertise of producer Ben Kaplan, she put together an impressive body of work that is sure to satisfy even the most critical ears. Sherry is the daughter of Metis country legend Ray St. Germain and she recently completed a two-year stint with Viva Elvis by Cirque Du Soliel.
Sherry has performed in various venues from New York to Miami, and at the du Maurier International Jazz Festival in Toronto. She has also recorded with producer, Bob Power (Erykah Badu, Macy Gray, D'angelo, Jamiroquai, India Arie, Chaka Khana) and has credits in the upcoming Dr. Dre and K-Os albums.
Wayne Lavellee
Wayne Lavallee is a 2010 Juno nominee & winner for “Best folk acoustic album” “Best rock album” & “Best male artist” at the 2010 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. While the new release was a great success, it took a long time for Wayne to find the right path to creating the long awaited follow up to his award winning album “Green Dress”.
“Wayne Lavallee is a superb storyteller, a gifted singer and a guitarist par excellence…I don’t know if the spirits haunted these sessions, but there is magic in every song.” So says XRoads Magazine from France about the new album from this award winning Vancouver artist. The long awaited follow up to the break out success that was 2005’s ‘Green Dress’, ‘Trail of Tears’ takes things into a whole new direction. Working with producer Johnny Ellis (Barney Bentall, Ridley Bent, Jeremy Fisher, Be Good Tanya’s) Lavallee has deliver an impressive, gritty set of songs about loss and power of place that leads to celebration.
Will Belcourt and the Hollywood Indians
Will Belcourt is an award winning and award nominated artist from Marlboro Alberta. With two EP’s and three full length albums to his credit he continues to win new fans and followers across North America and has toured extensively in bands ranging from metal to acoustic folk music. He has had the opportunity to share the stage with many great artists and has recently been performing at showcases in Western Canada since the release of the new album “Epoch” with an electrifying stage show with his band “The Hollywood Indians” who are getting set to embark on tour across Canada.
World Hood
From the Barrios to the Global Dancehall
Afro-Latin Dub meets West Coast bass, World Hood, the self titled debut album from World Hood Music is a peaceful revolution in itself, uncrowded by the usual suspects. The group's first release plays like a breakbeat fairytale with distinct Afro-beat, Cumbia, and Hip Hop chapters. If Portishead and Too Short ran into Chico Mann at the corner store at 2 a.m. World Hood music is what would commence shortly after.
Estrella Hood - Behind the beat machines or the microphone, Estrella Hood is the dynamic voice of World Hood, and the voice heard throughout the group's self titled debut release. Influenced by her childhood soundtrack as the daughter of Mexican immigrants on the West Coast, Estrella Hood combines culture and kick drums relocating traditional ceremonies to the dancehall.
Indio the Beatmaker - With roots in Africa, India, and California, Indio the Beatmaker is the mind behind the beats and the man behind the boards playing both producer and engineer for the World Hood camp. Known for the trademarked international flavor of his DJ sets, 2011 saw the release of his first full-length production, the self titled World Hood, which received rave reviews from the international music including MTV Iggy and Ghettobassquake.com.
Sol Collective - When they're not recording, Estrella Hood and Indio the Beatmaker are known as Estella Sanchez and Anand Parmar. The husband and wife duo are the founders of Sol Collective, a California non-profit arts and cultural center specializing in mentoring youth in the recording arts, community activism, and the green movement. Outside the lab you can usually catch them mentoring students in the classroom or the garden with the same passion they deliver in the booth. |
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