All posts by John Sallee

Natasha Fisher Unveils New Single “Push and Pull”

Emerging singer-songwriter Natasha Fisher has released her latest single, Push and Pull, a deeply emotive track that showcases her signature blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The single, accompanied by a striking music video, is available now on major streaming platforms and YouTube.

Push and Pull captures the raw essence of relational tension—navigating the complexities of desire, vulnerability, and uncertainty. Fisher’s silky vocals take center stage, weaving a narrative that resonates universally while maintaining a deeply personal touch. The track’s production, marked by a minimalist yet powerful instrumental arrangement, complements her vocal performance, allowing the lyrics to shine.

2Essentialz & Dru-P Release Remastered Album “Pressing On”

The resurgence of early 2000s hip-hop continues as 2Essentialz and Dru-P reintroduce their impactful album Pressing Onin a freshly remastered release. Originally debuting in the era that celebrated gritty, raw lyricism and soulful beats, this project now comes to life with enhanced audio quality, giving fans new and old a chance to dive deeper into its intricate layers.

Pressing On was first released at a time when hip-hop was evolving rapidly, embracing the storytelling and consciousness of the ’90s while pushing into the more experimental sounds of the new millennium. The album was celebrated for its seamless fusion of soulful instrumentals with powerful narratives that explored themes of resilience, self-reflection, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. In a time where the industry is saturated with high-gloss production, 2Essentialz and Dru-P’s return to this raw and

Wasabi Releases New Album “Alaskamiuŋuruŋa” in Honor of Inuit Day

In honor of Inuit Day, the genre-defying band Wasabi has released a powerful new single titled “Alaskamiuŋuruŋa.” This fresh track is both a tribute to Inuit heritage and a heartfelt reflection on the band’s Alaskan roots. Blending Wasabi’s signature mix of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate rhythms, “Alaskamiuŋuruŋa” captures the spirit, resilience, and natural beauty of Alaska’s Indigenous communities.

The single’s name, which translates to “I am from Alaska” in the Iñupiaq language, underscores Wasabi’s commitment to cultural authenticity. This release is part of a larger campaign by the band to amplify Indigenous voices through music, acknowledging Inuit Day as an opportunity to celebrate and honor the wisdom and traditions of Inuit culture.

Twin Flames Release New Album “Hugging the Cactus”

Drawing from an abundance of personal experiences and stories, “Be Good Outside” unfolds with a deeply moving narrative from Jaaji. “These are the words my Father would share with me every time before I went out into the world,” shares Jaaji. “He wanted me to have respect for every living thing. Losing my Father (Grandfather) during the Pandemic made me reflect even more on the values he transferred to me and how lucky I was to be raised by a man who was raised by the land. He was literally born in an Igloo. He truly came from another time and generation and endured so much. It is so important for me to pass the key values he shared with me to my children.”

On Hugging the Cactus, Twin Flames worked with long-time producer and collaborator Jake Jones and JUNO and Grammy Award-winning producer John “Beetle” Bailey. The new album features eight songs, including previously released singles “Hearts on Fire,” “Bones,” a stunning rendition of the classic “House of the Rising Sun,” and “Just like a Ghost.”

Music 101 Workshop Recap: 2024 Elders & Youth

The Music Production 101 workshop, held at the 2024 Youth and Elders Convention, was a resounding success, offering participants a hands-on introduction to songwriting and music production. Hosted by John Sallee and Rosey Robards, the session kicked off with a panel featuring artists Tyler Young, Wasabiii, and Brother Buffalo. The panelists shared their personal journeys in music, emphasizing the importance of incorporating cultural and social themes into songwriting. Participants were encouraged to express their values and experiences through lyrics across genres like pop, EDM, hip-hop, and rap.

After the panel, attendees broke into groups, diving into the creative process. Equipped with audio gear and production software, each group worked together to write, produce, and record an original song. By the end of the session, all groups had successfully completed a track, presenting their creations, including cover art, to the audience. The event concluded with final thoughts from the presenters, inspiring everyone to continue exploring music creation. Gift bags were handed out as a final token of appreciation.

The workshop not only fostered creativity but also empowered the youth to tell their stories through music. Four original songs emerged, each showcasing the unique voices and perspectives of the participants.

AQPIIT (Salmonberries) – “Heart In This” (Featuring Laka, Chan, & Calu)

THRONE Releases Music Video for “Upside Down Like Jimi”

Indigenous band THRONE has dropped the highly anticipated music video for their latest single, “Upside Down Like Jimi.” The track blends gritty guitar riffs with a hypnotic rhythm section.

The video, creative directed by Ausi, is a visual feast, taking viewers on a surreal journey through vibrant, kaleidoscopic imagery. Drawing inspiration from Hendrix’s iconic performances, it intersperses live shots of THRONE’s electrifying energy with abstract, dreamlike sequences. From upside-down guitar solos to symbolic nods to the counterculture of the ’60s, the video captures the essence of the song’s rebellious spirit.

Travis Thompson Drops Inspirational Track “Shine” for Netflix’s New Film “Rez Ball”

Seattle-based rapper Travis Thompson delivers his latest single, “Shine,” an inspiring anthem crafted for the highly anticipated Netflix documentary Rez Ball. The track perfectly complements the film’s narrative, capturing the spirit of resilience, community, and the pursuit of greatness that lies at the heart of the documentary.

“Shine” blends Thompson’s sharp lyricism with a powerful beat, creating a sound that’s both motivational and deeply reflective. The single reflects the journey of overcoming challenges and embracing one’s heritage—core themes that resonate with the stories highlighted in Rez Ball, a documentary that shines a light on Indigenous athletes and their fight to make it in the competitive world of basketball.

This release showcases Travis Thompson’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level while uplifting the communities represented in the film. “Shine” is now available on all streaming platforms, offering fans a taste of the powerful narrative behind Rez Ball.

Tia Wood’s Soars with Latest Single “Sky High”

Tia Woods, the rising star known for her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, is back with her latest single, “Sky High.”This powerful track encapsulates the essence of self-discovery and resilience, blending Woods’ signature sound with uplifting melodies and evocative storytelling.

“Sky High” is a fresh yet intimate anthem that speaks to overcoming obstacles and striving for greatness, a reflection of Tia’s own journey as an artist. The track showcases a perfect balance of vibrant instrumentation and her raw, emotional delivery, making it an instant standout in her growing discography.

Natasha Fisher Drops Music Video for “High Hopes”

Canadian singer-songwriter Natasha Fisher has just released the visually captivating music video for her latest single, “High Hopes.” The single explores themes of resilience, self-belief, and pushing through challenges. Fisher’s powerful vocal delivery is front and center, while the video mirrors the song’s emotional depth, blending haunting imagery with a sense of optimism. The single continues to showcase Fisher’s ability to create soulful pop infused with vulnerability and strength, further cementing her as one of the most promising voices on the scene.

With its infectious melodies and cinematic visuals, “High Hopes” promises to resonate with fans old and new. You can check out the video on her YouTube channel below.

Snotty Nose Rez Kids Drop Powerful New Album Red Future

Renowned Indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids are back with their much-anticipated album, Red Future. Known for their potent lyricism and unapologetic exploration of Indigenous identity, this new release promises to push boundaries both musically and socially.

Red Future dives deep into the complexities of contemporary Indigenous life, tackling issues such as systemic racism, environmental degradation, and cultural preservation. The album showcases their signature blend of sharp bars, infectious beats, and cultural commentary, offering a raw yet uplifting vision of a future that centers Indigenous voices.

With tracks that balance heavy political themes with the group’s trademark humor and energy, Red Future is a rallying cry for change, but also a celebration of resilience. Featuring collaborations with notable artists from across the hip-hop and Indigenous music scenes, the album is a testament to Snotty Nose Rez Kids’ growth and commitment to their craft.