Four releases by indigenous artists have garnered attention in the musical sphere as several are re-entering the ground they’ve already broken with previous accomplishments, including Murray Porter and Derek Miller.
“In the spirit of righteous grass roots action, STAND UP!, Porter’s third feature album was made with honest musical labour, community loyalty and undying passions from this Bluesman’s own heart. JUNO winner for `Aboriginal Album of the Year’ in 2012 with Songs Lived and Life Played, this Mohawk Turtle Clan, Six Nations born and bred, Vancouver based singer songwriter, releases his latest album, an eleven track sonic offering of versatility, empowering lyrics and well crafted songs. Produced and recorded in the traditional Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam peoples’ territories, Porter’s adopted home with manager, partner and lyrical collaborator Elaine Bomberry.
STAND UP! is a perfect title for this album and for these times. Stand Up references the verb based language of his people and when you hear the anthemic song `No More’ you too will rise to your feet and pump a righteous fist in the air. The track captures the unified resistance energies of this generations “Idle No More” movement and Murray is right there lending his support by way of musical inspiration for and from the front lines. His lyrics resound with encouraging calls to action and imparts a storyteller’s wisdom. Love is at the core of Porter’s musical movement. Love of the land, the people, and the very culture of his Haudenosaunee identity. He celebrates romantic love too as found in the track `Love Will Find A Way’. Bomberry’s lyrics are married perfectly with Murray’s effortless piano flow. Love Will Find a Wayis a beacon for those consumed with new love and those discovering newness in old love.”
STAND UP! is now available through CDBaby.com, Amazon music, Apple iTunes, Google Music Store, Shazam, SoundExchange, Synchtank, TouchTunes & PlayNetwork, YouTube Content ID, and will be available on streaming platforms. The recording of STAND UP! was made possible with the sponsorship of Ohsweken Speedway, Nation 2 Nation Network and Cosmic Pig Studios.
While Silverheels Records released three works by three different artists that are available on most digital platforms including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google and many more.
Guitarist and singer/songwriter Derek Miller released Goodbye Bad Luck in collaboration with The GFZ Tallboys. As Miller has eclectic taste and a knack for blues-inflected roots rock, the winner of a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award and Juno Award released the single on iTunes earlier this month. Silverheels Records also noted that Charly Lowry of the Lumbee Nation released Go Wild and Tracy Bone of the Anishnaabe Nation released Can’t Get Over You.
Well Deserved! Congratulations Murray Porter and Derek Miller.