All posts by John Sallee

Inuit Throat Singer Charlotte Qamaniq Releases Cover “Ever So Lovely/Eyes/Ocean” In Honor of Earth Day

Internationally acclaimed musician and violin virtuoso Gingger Shankar and Inuit throat singer, also a member of the Juno Award-nominated band Silla and Rise, Charlotte Qamaniq, joined forces for Earth Day in a groundbreaking musical collaboration. Together, they have reimagined Sheila Chandra’s iconic track “Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean” into a mesmerizing love song to nature. This marks the first time the Inuit throat singing tradition and South Indian classical vocal tradition have merged. “Ever So Lonely/Eyes/Ocean” will be released on April 22 via Naughty Horses Records, serving as the first single from Shankar’s upcoming full-length acapella record.

Pj Vegas Releases New Single “You’ve Been Hurt”

PJ Vegas, the soulful crooner renowned for his heartfelt lyricism and emotive performances, has once again captivated audiences with his latest single release, “You’ve Been Hurt.” In this soul-stirring ballad, Vegas takes listeners on a poignant journey. With his unmistakable vocal prowess and poignant storytelling, PJ Vegas delivers a track that resonates deeply with audiences, offering solace and hope in the face of adversity.

At the heart of “You’ve Been Hurt” lies a narrative of overcoming pain and finding strength in vulnerability. Set against a backdrop of lush instrumentation and haunting melodies, Vegas’ vocals soar as he navigates themes of heartbreak, redemption, and self-empowerment. Each lyric is imbued with raw emotion, inviting listeners to connect with their own experiences of love and loss.

OTYKEN & XZIBIT Release Remix Track “Belief”

Renowned Rapper Xzibit has reimagined the original track “Belief” by Otyken, infusing it with his signature Hip-Hop style. He contributed new verses in English, delivering a powerful message: “Everything you need to succeed is already within you.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to Xzibit and his team for their collaboration. This remix marks a significant milestone, elevating the traditional music of the indigenous peoples of Siberia to new heights. We hope you enjoy this fusion of cultures as much as we do!”

Russian Siberian Dance Group Otyken Releases New Single “Chukotka”

A diverse ensemble comprised of members representing Siberia’s indigenous communities, Otyken, unveils their latest single, “Chukotka,” paying homage to the native peoples of the Far North and their rich cultural heritage. This lyrical composition, complemented by ethnic traditional instruments and mesmerizing throat singing, transports listeners to the expansive northern seas, cloaked in ice, where majestic whales roam beneath the frozen surface.

Sung in the Chulym language, the lyrics tackle urgent issues such as environmental conservation, ecology, and the perils of sea pollution and reckless oil extraction. Through the lens of the Chukotka Peninsula, the song eloquently portrays the familial and cultural values cherished by Siberia’s indigenous communities, while expressing profound gratitude to past generations for safeguarding traditions and enabling the pursuit of passions.

iskwē’s Latest Album Release “nīna”: A Mesmerizing Blend of Identity and Empowerment

Canadian musician iskwē has once again captivated audiences with her latest album release, “nīna”. Named after the Cree translation for “me,” the album features themes of identity, empowerment, and cultural resilience, showcasing Iskwē’s unique blend of musical influences and thought-provoking lyricism.

nīna, the pinnacle of iskwē’s renewal, signifies “me” in Cree and serves as the title of her fourth solo album, paying homage to its deeply autobiographical essence. The album embodies the exploration of the divine feminine through narratives of love, passion, anger, betrayal, and loss.

To give life to her compelling narratives, iskwē collaborated with 10-time Grammy-nominated producer Damian Taylor (known for his work with Björk, The Killers, Bomba Estereo). Damian co-wrote select tracks, including the lead single “I Get High” ft. Nina Hagen, which soared to the Top 20 of the Alt-Rock charts. Their combined efforts yield an ethereal blend, evoking the sensuality of late 90s R&B with a tantalizing twist reminiscent of Esthero

Tataskweyak Cree Nation Artist Sebastian Gaskin Releases “Ghost”

Gaskin’s music defies categorization, drawing from a wellspring of intuition and instinct. Their sound evokes echoes of Bill Withers’ timeless soulfulness and John Mayer’s musical virtuosity, interspersed with the playful lyricism reminiscent of Post Malone and Pro Era. As a skilled producer and arranger, Gaskin collaborates seamlessly with other talents, such as Evan Miles and Milano, to push the boundaries of each genre they explore.

Having graced stages worldwide, Gaskin has shared platforms with artists like Common and T-Pain. Their eagerly anticipated debut album, set to release under the banner of Indigenous-owned Ishkōdé Records and Universal Music Canada, promises a rich tapestry of musical innovation and cultural resonance.

Sebastian Gaskin is originally from the Tataskweyak Cree Nation and is based in Toronto. Gaskin’s music defies categorization, drawing from a wellspring of intuition and instinct. Their sound evokes echoes of Bill Withers’ timeless soulfulness and John Mayer’s musical virtuosity, interspersed with the playful lyricism reminiscent of Post Malone and Pro Era. As a skilled producer and arranger, Gaskin collaborates seamlessly with other talents, such as Evan Miles and Milano, to push the boundaries of each genre they explore.

Having graced stages worldwide, Gaskin has shared platforms with artists like Common and T-Pain. Their eagerly anticipated debut album, set to release under the banner of Indigenous-owned Ishkōdé Records and Universal Music Canada, promises a rich tapestry of musical innovation and cultural resonance.

OKC Hip Hop Duo Lil Mike & Funny Bone Release New Album “Vibin”

Lil Mike & Funny Bone are the Native American rap duo renowned for their appearance on America’s Got Talent and from Hulu’s hit series, Res Dogs. Hailing from Oklahoma City, these brothers bear a striking resemblance but are not twins. Despite their stature, they compensate with exceptional talent.

Individually known as Mike & Bone, they have honed their craft over the years, gracing stages at various venues including clubs, churches, casinos, children’s parties, car shows, and retirement homes. Beyond mere rapping, they have evolved into performance artists and motivational speakers. Through independent production and relentless gigging, they pursued their dream of global recognition.

Their journey has seen triumphs in talent competitions, appearances on live television across the USA and Canada, hosting events, DJing at nightclubs, and opening for renowned acts such as Jacob Latimore, Wine-O, Lil Troy, and others. They’ve even entertained crowds in penitentiaries and been mobbed by enthusiastic fans in various locales.

Reflecting on their journey, Funny Bone notes the absence of drama in his relatively normal life, crediting the five-year age gap between him and Mike. His elder brother played a pivotal role in nurturing his talents from childhood. With music as their primary profession, they spend their weekends either touring or engaging with their community at the Old Paris flea market in OKC, known as “405 Music.”

The duo’s focus remains on writing, recording, and performing, with success within their reach. They stand as emblematic figures, injecting positivity into the rap scene with their Native American heritage.

Def-i & Phillipdrummond Release Music Video “DefPhilthy”

A grand opening to the “Nomad’s Land” album and the soundtrack to the New Mexican sunrise, “DefPhilthy” serves as an introduction to this MC/Producer combo which melds the worlds of MC ‘Def-i’ (ABQ, NM) and producer ‘Phillipdrummond’ (Oakland, CA).

Lyrics: Def-i 🎧

Production: Phillipdrummond

Mix/Master: Broken Complex Studios

🎨 Artwork: Joshua Mike-Bidtah

Label: Broken Complex

Indigenous Hip-Hop Trio Sekawee, Chase Szanz & Efrainyb Release Music Video “Relatives”

In a refreshing blend of cultural storytelling and rhythmic beats, Indigenous Hip Hop Trio Sekawee, Chase Szanz & Efrainyb have unleashed their latest music video, “Relatives,” sparking waves of excitement across the music scene. This dynamic collaboration transcends boundaries, offering a poignant narrative woven into the fabric of contemporary hip-hop.