Willie Dunn at the National Film Board (April 2, 2022, Las Vegas Indian Center)

 

The true story of Canada's reggae capital

Um, Canada...

If Japan is a "difficult" nation," as described by Haruomi Hosono onstage at the Barbican last week, then Canada is a "problematic" one. Theft of land and genocide is much more than a notion, you see. Surrounded by great, great lakes, rivers, prairie, and ocean, this country's constructed colonial borders control me as I answer my calling as a person of settler and immigrant heritage, yet I still call this land home and acknowledge it deep from within as a part of me. I was born here, as was my mother and father and brother. When I visit another part of the world, even the United States, there is a difference in feel that is ever so real. Why? Are we not children of the universe? Of mother nature? How far removed from the roots of the tree are we? That being said, complexity is certainly complex, as is history, and economy, and these thoughts and concepts and ideologies often float beyond my head like distant clouds, while burdened on the ground by the psychic weight of nationhood, a construct, while utilizing its civic construction and infrastructure daily, the roads, for example, on which city, suburban, and some rural folk travel on to work, rest, and play everyday. Reality. Let's leave technology out of this for now, ok? Protected by a passport and privilege (don't worry, it won't always be this way...), I pay taxes on what little I make. I have a voice and I am using it here. Is that a mistake? To think? To speak? I am not a politician, academic or employee of the state. Great! I was raised to finish the food on my plate, but when I lay down on the street and look up, this is what I see (some might call is blasphemy)... O Canada, true (um...), north (ah...), strong (oh...), and free (not really)... PEACE

Native North America Prime Minister reply and recognition

Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985 was released by Seattle/Los Angeles-based Light In The Attic Records in late 2014 to much love around the world. Critically acclaimed, the compilation also garnered a 2016 Grammy nomination in the "Best Historical Recording" category. Most importantly, NNA V1 helped to share some of the most life-changing music and stories that you'll ever experience.

As I've stated many times before, it's been a massive honour to make connections with so many of my musical heroes during this journey and I hope that there are more ahead. Despite the project's success, there has also been struggle. Aiming high and pushing forward without a booking agent, official manager or slick PR campaign has posed its challenges in terms of inclusion or sustainability in the face of ever-increasing costs of living for artists, creators, producers, and technicians. We are clearly not alone in those regards. Life continues.

It should be known that NNA V1 has been a true labour of love for everyone involved. The multi-media events that have happened in its strong wake from coast-to-coast have been made possible and memorable by some very supportive and encouraging people and I'd like to thank you all very much. To Elder Dr. Duke Redbird, Willie Thrasher (and Linda Saddleback), Gordon Dick Sr., Shingoose, Eric Landry, John Angaiak, Willy Mitchell and the rest of the featured artists, I bow my head to you, your families, and communities. I will never forget the warm, open-minded, and diverse audiences that we've encountered. Here's to more gatherings ahead (think August)!

Outside of political ideology or perspective, it was very important for me to ensure that Canada's current Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, was fully aware about this trailblazing Indigenous history, still rocking and rolling in 2017. I sincerely appreciate his reply and personal recognition of this time sensitive project as well as my longtime work in sound heritage. Thank you!

During our current era of reconciliation, music is an extra special connector, teacher, and healer. My job as a Canadian music historian, producer, DJ, and writer is to help recognize, share, and celebrate the breadth of talent that exists here in this country and beyond, regardless of its commercial success, never a gauge for quality, substance or soul, corporate algorithms be damned!

As we know, music, feeling, culture, and true love transcends any border or sales chart. To reflect this understanding and passion, I am currently working hard at preparing the first set of archival music releases on the Voluntary In Nature label and look forward to sharing them with you in the not too distant future...

Ok, that's my speech for today. Am I starting to sound like a politician?

PEACE,
Kevin Howes (aka Sipreano)
VIN

Wild Fire by Willie Thrasher in support of Fort McMurray

On May 9, 2016, singer-songwriter Willie Thrasher came to the mainland from Vancouver Island to record a video and song in support of the Fort McMurray wildfire relief efforts. Your help and positive thoughts are still needed.

Please donate funds to https://donate.redcross.ca/ea-action/...

Wild Fire – Willie Thrasher (W. Thrasher)

Video by Willie Thrasher, Kevin “Sipreano” Howes (Voluntary In Nature), and Amanda Leigh Smith, with audio assistance by Greg Mindorff (Suite Sound Labs).

http://www.redcross.ca/

http://voluntaryinnature.blogspot.ca/
http://aleighsmith.com/
http://suitesoundlabs.com/

PEACE

I Am Your Flag

Here's how the Unist'ot'en Camp in northwest #Canada is stopping a #pipeline.

Post by AJ+.

canada day

not feeling "canada" right now... PEACE

RIP

bargain basement blowout!@#$%!!!

northwest territories

the canadian music "business" is a joke...

watch this space for more... happy canada day!@#$%!!!

chalk circle

val bent

roots boots

been going through a roots renaissance recently. though i worked at the coquitlam centre location in the mid-1990's and the men's sweats have been a staple since the 1980's, i copped a pair of black chukka boot reissues last month at the vancouver robson branch and have become downright evangelical!

roots chukka boot reissue:

- made since 1973 by three generations of toronto shoemakers
- 100% american raging bull leather
- created and handcrafted in canada
- natural rubber sole
- stitched vegetable tanned leather welt of sole for added strength
- leather lining

canada