Sit... Listen... Feel...

Sit... Listen... Feel... 

Simple enough? Hmm...

I had a vision for the Light in the Attic Records re-release of composer/arranger Doug Randle’s 1970 CBC Songs For The New Industrial State LP back in 2007. It involved a listening session at the CBC featuring as many of the artists involved as possible (vocalists Laurie Bower and Tommy Ambrose and studio veteran Jack Zaza to start) and even some live interpretations of Doug's self described "bitter and twister Simon and Garfunkel songs." 

Doug was still w/ us then and in his early 80s, as sharp as a thumbtack, and an avid Lake Ontario swimmer, dispelling the rumour that one would glow like neon after taking even a quick dip in its polluted waters. With the maestro's humanistic perspective and so many thoughts and ideas about the world in which we live from a life fully lived (jamming w/ Duke Ellington in the 1940s, recording a crucial album in SFTNIS about the dominance of the corporation/profiteering over people/the destruction of the environment, overcoming alcohol addiction and crippling depression), I wanted to help raise awareness about Doug and his musical legacy any which way I could. This album could affect people in a positive way! 

Apart from some supportive friends like Robert Dayton and ShoMerde (Love Handle Events), my passion for SFTNIS mostly fell on indifference. Vice ended up not running a proposed interview (thanks again Robert!). It was like pulling teeth to get it going w/ them at all. This was (and still is) about MUSIC, MESSAGES, PEOPLE, and LIFE... Is that not hip enough Mr. Checklist? 

“Remember, not everyone feels this is important,” said the CBC staffer as I tried to reserve a room within the CBC for our release party. Um, thanks for the honesty. Producers at CBC's Q radio program could not convince host Jian Ghomeshi that Doug’s album and story was worth covering, even after multiple attempts. I guess they were too busy showcasing the latest Hollywood BS or more pedestrian Canadian entertainment “news.” 

How could the CBC turn its back on one of its own (I’m not taking about Jian)? Doug was very active there in the live radio days in both Vancouver and Toronto and continued his work at the corps over the decades... Another wasted opportunity to give back to those who made it all possible in the first place. 

In lieu of any such extraneous support, I reached out to Robert Dayton about hosting Doug’s release at our Moods DJ night at The Ossington. With no money or backing, it was all we could do (see above and below)... 

With great surprise, Laurie Bower joined us and re-connected w/ Doug, as did the man who linked Doug and I in the first place, Fergus Hambleton (The Sattalites). The Mighty Pope dropped in to raise a toast and Doug regaled the small yet attentive crowd w/ stories of sobriety and musical philosophy. 

So where is this all going? Mass media/music industry be DAMNED (unless you have the rare opportunity to spit some sh%t)!!! The rewards are WITHIN and come through CONNECTION (not corporations)!!! 

If you have a story to TELL, SHARE it!!! ENGAGE w/ the older people in your sphere, they KNOW!!! 

The tools are all HERE!!! Those who need to tune in WILL... 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