KVRX's Indigenous Artists YOU Should Know

KVRX's Indigenous Artists YOU Should Know: + Celebrate the original inhabitants with our DJ picks.

November 30, 2023 in DJ Picks

by DJ rat


Black Belt Eagle Scout

Black Belt Eagle Scout is the music project of Swinomish/Iñupiaq Katherine Paul, offering a perfect blend of indie rock and flowy, ethereal vocals that is uniquely hers and a truly inviting, intriguing listen. Paul’s latest album, “The Land, The Water, The Sky,” is a tribute to and a reflection of her return to ancestral lands and a “celebration of lineage and strength.” As a breakthrough artist, Paul has been highly praised and recognized for her lyrical strength and musical talent.

- DJ Maia

Follow Black Belt Eagle Scout Here.


Shawnee Kish

Shawnee Kish should absolutely become the next big thing with her powerhouse vocals and ability to fuse various genres, such as pop and soul. Her song “No Evil” from her sophomore EP — released just last month — is a personal favorite as it charmingly rings in your ear. The Mohawk singer-songwriter from Canada approaches the catchy tune with a raspiness that blends perfectly with its potent, drum-heavy instrumentation, creating a bluesy atmosphere. She was a nominee for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year at the 2022 Juno Awards, which foreshadows a future marked by many successes.

-DJ Matty G

Follow Shawnee KishHere.


Status/Non-Status

Status/Non-Status is a multi-genre alternative band located in Canada that takes inspiration from the leader of the band, Adam Sturgeon’s, indigenous roots of the Anishinaabe. With a name inspired by the Canadian “Indian Act” where “Status” refers to registering indigenous individuals with the government. While “Non-Status” refers to someone who was never registered or is legally no longer registered as someone who is indigenous, like Adam Sturgeon. This band expresses current identity-defining systems through their music such as their EP 1, 2, 3, 4, 500 Years.

- DJ razzle red

Follow Status/Non-Status Here.


Elisapie

Elisapie Isaac is an Inuk singer-songwriter from Nunavik who fuses tradition and modernity in her music. She was influenced by the folk and indie scene in Montreal and blends these elements with traditional indigenous instrumentals and vocal practices to create her unique sound. She blurs both style and language borders throughout her discography, singing in Inuktitut, English, and French. In her recent album Inuktitut, released in September, Elisapie draws on classic rock influences from her childhood to produce an album of English-language hits reworked into folky, ethereal Inuktitut tunes. She has won both a Félix and Juno awards.

- DJ Lemonhead

Follow Elisapie Here.


Laura Niquay

Laura Niquay, a member of the Wemotaci community inside the Atikamekw territory has garnered massive amounts of attention for her transformative music and calming sound. The artist has a claim to Indie, Pop, Rock, Folk, and Grunge, and the message of following the stories of the past and learning how to live in the world today. Her music also touches on the darker sides of the struggles she sees within her community, some of which are issues affecting Indigenous Americans as a whole. Niquay sings and shares her story in Atikamekw French, but she attests that she belts her message in a universal language. Currently, Niquay has not released music since 2021, but there is much to look forward to for the artist's future.

-DJ Rat

Follow Laura Niquay Here.


Patricia Vonne

An Austin-based singer-songwriter and actress, Patricia Vonne has Native American and Mexican heritage. Her music is influenced by various genres, including rock, country, and flamenco.

-Dj natothee

Follow Patricia Vonne Here.


Samantha Crain

Samantha Crain, an indie folk singer-songwriter, possesses a rare ability to craft music that seamlessly intertwines poignant storytelling with melodies that linger in the soul. Her artistry transcends boundaries, drawing from her Native American heritage, personal experiences, and a keen observation of the human condition.

-Dj natothee

Follow Samantha Crain Here.


Frank Waln

Frank Waln, a Sicangu Lakota rapper, producer, and activist, embodies resilience and artistic brilliance. Hailing from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, his music serves as a powerful tool for storytelling, shedding light on the complexities of Indigenous life in contemporary America.

-Dj natothee

Follow Frank Waln Here.


Cary Morin

Cary Morin, a masterful fingerstyle guitarist, singer, and songwriter, stands as a luminary in the world of acoustic blues and roots music. Hailing from the Crow Nation in Montana, Morin's musical journey is an exploration of diverse influences, weaving together elements of blues, folk, jazz, and Native American sounds into a captivating tapestry of melodies

-Dj natothee

Follow Cary Morin Here.


Sihasin

Sihasin, the sibling duo of Jeneda and Clayson Benally, emerges as a powerful force in the realm of Indigenous music, infusing traditional Navajo sounds with rock, punk, and alternative influences. Hailing from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, their music serves as a vibrant celebration of their heritage while embracing contemporary genres.

-Dj natothee

Follow Sihasin Here.


Raye Zaragoza

Raye Zaragoza, an indie-folk singer-songwriter, possesses a rare gift for creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. With roots in the O'odham, Mexican, and Taiwanese cultures, Zaragoza's music serves as a bridge between her heritage and contemporary storytelling.

-Dj natothee

Follow Raye Zaragoza Here.


Hataałii

Hataałii, a modern crooner, creates serene surf-country songs that blend hope and despair for a new generation. His music, under the Navajo term meaning 'to sing,' balances wit and world-weariness, mixing Paul Westerberg's nihilism with Chris Isaak's romanticism. With a view influenced by today's challenges like mobile phones and COVID lockdowns, Hataałii's music feels both timeless and modern, offering a refreshingly unique perspective.

-Dj natothee

Follow Hataałii Here.


Graphic created by Fernando Alvarez.

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