RPM Podcast #014: “Mesoamerica”

In the 14th episode of the RPM Podcast, host Ostwelve speaks with two musical architects of the Mexican Indigenous revival - Yaotl of Aztlan Underground and Zero from El Vuh.

On the flags of Canada and U.S.A. there’s nothing that speaks of pre-colonial times – nothing to symbolize the long history of Indigenous peoples on these lands. But look at the flag of Mexico and see smack in the middle a golden eagle with a serpent in its claws. That is an Aztec symbol.

Scholars like to talk about the Aztec civilization as though it’s a thing of the past, but as the flag suggests Aztec culture is alive and kicking with a rhythmic revolution.

To listen to the podcast, click here..

RPM Podcast #010: “Electric Pow Wow”

Our host Ostwelve asks three artists about their use and creation of electronic music.

A Tribe Called Red - the Ottawa-based DJ collective of NDN (Nipissing First Nation), Bear Witness (Cayuga) and Shub (Cayuga) - describe what they’re doing in the clubs as a cultural continuence from the powwow, and that the two are not that far apart after all.

Using small digital electronics, Cree electro-cellist Cris Derksen can make her cello sound like a bass, a drum, or even seagulls. Hear how she’s creating a new palette for the usually classical instrument and how being a musician is like being a jeweler.

Nicholas Galanin, aka Indian Nick, a Tlingit/Aleut visual artist and musician from Stika Alaska, likens contemporary Indigenous electronic music to our history as strong adaptive communities and cultures, and finds the mixing of electronic with other forms of music comes naturally.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, this revolution has been electrified.

RPM Podcast #009: Indigenous Rock

Our host Ostwelve talks with Cree/Dene vocalist and guitarist Veronica Johnny from the rock and roll couple The Johnnys about it never being too late to live your dream, and just what can be accomplished when you focus on your career; Ojibwe Wayne Restoule – who rocks guitars, keyboards and vocals in progressive rock band Weaselhead - describes how the stories from the band’s family and community came through to create their concept album A Residential School Story, and vocalist and bass player Loren Anthony from the Navajo metal band Bloodline links the warrior in his bloodline to the music he makes today.

RPM YouTube Playlist – Singer Songwriters

Vancougar – Distance
Jason Burnstick – Home Tonight at the 2010 Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards
Kait Angus – The Color Scheme
Kinnie Starr – Another’s Gone
Christa Couture- Scared, Too
Buffy Sainte-Marie – Universal Soldier (LIVE)