Miesha Louie (mixed-Secwépemc) is one half of the award winning duo Miesha and the Spanks. Based out of Calgary, they’re equal parts Patsy Cline and Patty Smith. Combining serious topics with high energy and infectious grooves, the Spanks have opened for the likes of Queens of the Stone Age and Death From Above 1979. Their single Dig Me Out address…

Mike Lazore is a talented Onondaga singer/songwriter, multi instrumentalist. Like many young people, he played in a number of bands but as is too often the case, he had to find work outside of his main passion. He took a 10 year break from music but last summer he felt inspired to get back into the game. He's released a flurry of great music since …

After a summer off to attend to the massively successful launch The Mainstream with Brett Maybee, it feels great to kick off a brand new season of Gaënö’! Nya:wëh to everyone for your continued support! It’s with great pleasure that we kick things off with Shawn Michael Perry (Mayan Decent Mestizo and probably African as well*). Shawn’s an accompli…

2023 GAËNÖ’ BROCK STONEFISH Brock Stonefish- (Lenape, Oneida, Chippewa) has been North America for the last 20 years as a performing singer/songwriter and Blues/jazz guitarist. He’s opened for BB King and has shared the bill with the likes of Kiss, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Barenaked Ladies. He tours regularly with film legend Gary Farmer. As a result of …

Kristi Lane Sinclair (Haida/Cree), raised in British Columbia, currently living along the Campbell River in Vancouver is a classically trained rocker. With 5 albums already under her belt, she’s made waves in the Indigenous Music Scene, particularly with her previous release, The Ability to Judge Distance. Born out of pain, her latest offering, Sup…

2023 GAËNÖ’ ROB LUDGATE DEAD PRECEDENTS/KHU.ÉEX THE MAGIC OF NOISE Rob Ludgate- (Blackfoot) lives and works on the Lummi Territory in Washington State. He’s a long time member of the Seattle artist collective, Khu.éex. For a full introduction check out our discussion in Jan of 2022 (https://www.gaenomusic.fm/episodes/khu-eex). This time around Rob …

2023 Gaënö’ Marc Merilainen Marc Merilainen (Ojibway, Finnish), has been the leader of the band Nadjiwan for the last 3 decades. Their latest album, The Great Sea was released in April (2023) and is already gaining traction in the scene. Additionally, he and his wife, Laura, have established a successful record label called Merilainen Music. Not ju…

Graeme Jonez (Anishinaabe) is a member of the Sheguiandah Ojibway First Nation and grew up on Manitoulin Island. As an alumni of the Manitoba Musics Indigenous Music Residency, his single Black Magic Goldmine on the 2009 Dig Your Roots compilation. He took a break from songwriting for over a decade but he’s back with a brand new collection of tunes…

Mimi O’Bonsawin, Abenaki/Francophone, is a long returning guest to Gaënö’. Whether talking about culture or the land, hers is a story of reconnection. Throughout the years, her musics been featured in TV and film, including APTN’s Mohawk Girls and Showtimes Ray Donovan. In 2019 she won the Best Pop Album award at the Indigenous Music Awards. 2023 h…

My featured artist this week is Hataaliinez Wheeler, Dine, from Window Rock Arizona. He’s been described as a “modern kind of crooner…” and a “pensive, deep voiced troubadour.” Now residing in Albuquerque, NM, Hataalii, was recently signed to Danger Bird Records out of Los Angeles with his first album with the label set to be released later this su…

Chantil Dukart, Eagle Clan- Tsimshian & Aluutiq, has been writing music since the age of 7. She was born in Denver, raised in Alaska and went to school in Miami. Her style perfectly reflects the eclectic nature of her upbringing. Combining elements of jazz, R&B, funk and Motown, Dukart knows how to captivate an audience with her sultry voice and sm…

This week I welcome my friends from Sunburnt Stone back on to the show. I first got caught up with frontman/songwriter, Andrew “Buzzy” Wilson (Navajo), in January ’22. This time around the bands drummer, Nichole Tsosie (Navajo) also joins us. We’re following along on the bands dystopian storytelling with listening from this Albuquerque bands two al…

Doug Bedard, Ojibwe/Cree, has been recording as Plex for the last 3 decades. Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, he’s established himself as one of the OG’s of Indigenous Hip Hop. His newest release, Who Am I to Judge?, is Plex’s return to the mic after a 10 year hiatus. Of the album he’s said, “The album speaks directly about my struggles with drugs …

A multi-Juno Award nominee, Sandy Scofield is an equally multifaceted performer. With experience in bands as stylistically varied as rockabilly, Cajun, jazz, vocal, and zydeco, Scofield (a Metis/Cree/Saulteaux) began her professional music career in 1986. She’s performed her soulful songs around the world and on some of the most prestigious stages.…

Cliff Cardinal- Cree/Metis, son of legendary actor/activist Tantoo Cardinal was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Growing up mostly in Ontario he was drawn to the theatre at a young age. Known for his “black humor and compassionate poeticism” he’s won multiple awards for his solo theatre productions. His one man show, Huff, has been performed ove…

2023 Gaënö’ Gary Farmer 022023 Gary Farmer, Hayëntwas Hayasöh, Wolf Clan of the Cayuga Nation is an internationally acclaimed actor, musician and producer. You might recognize him from big screen classics like, Pow Wow Highway, Smoke Signals or Deadman. He’s also slated to return to Reservation Dogs as everybody’s favorite crazy uncle, Uncle Browni…

Ailani, Santa Clara Pueblo. At just 19 years old, this talented singer songwriter/producer has already carved out her place in the Indie Pop scene. She’s released 6 projects in the last 3 years, has become a staple at the Native Guitars Tour and occasionally guest hosts radio shows. Today, Ailani joins me to discuss her 2022 album, Mortified and he…

Berk Jodoin, Metis, has accomplished a lot in a relatively short amount of time. A breakout artist with Meriläinen Music, he’s recently won the 2022 Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards and his album, Half Breed, claimed the #10 spot on the Best Album of the Year list of the same awards. He’s currently nominated for the be…

Rex Lyons (Eel Clan, Onondaga) is a man of many talents. He’s the founding guitarist, vocalist and band leader of The Ripcords. Recently inducted into the Blues Archive Hall of Fame, he is a respected veteran of the Syracuse music community. Rex’s musical style is equal parts country, blues, rockabilly, and swing. He has a rich history in playing l…

2023 GAËNÖ’ MALI O’BOMSAWIN MALI OBOMSAWIN (they/she) is an award winning bassist, songwriter and composer from Abenaki First Nation at Odanak. With an expansive background in American roots, rock, and jazz, Obomsawin’s musical practice is a testament to the continuum of American music traditions. This week, Mali joins me to discuss her debut solo …

2022 was a great year for recordings by Indigenous musicians across Turtle Island, which can only mean that it was Gaënö’s best year yet! If you haven’t tuned in yet, today’s Ha’degaënögeh (End of Year Review) is the perfect introduction to the various kinds of music and conversations found on the show. Nearly 40 new episodes of Gaënö’ this year, f…

Sandra Sutter, Cree Métis, traces her lineage back to the 1800s. Raised in a loving non-Indigenous family, Her story is one of reaffirmation and reconnecting with her cultural roots. This week Sandra joins me to discuss her albums Cluster Stars and Aurora 12. We’ll squeeze in a holiday track and check out her latest single, Midnight Serenade! Turn …

Back in the mid-2000s in Tehachapi, California, father and son duo Robin and Caleb Hairston (Chiricahua Apache) set out to create an all-Native American blues and rock band—and that’s exactly what they did. Along with drummer, Pat Mata (Northern Chumash) and bassist Jeff Cooper (Cherokee) the Blue Mountain Tribe began creating original songs focuse…

Julian Taylor (Mohawk, West Indies) has been at it a long time. He learned some hard Industry lessons with his band Staggered Crossing, regrouped with the excellent and funky Julian Taylor Band and is now wowing listeners with his folk stylings on his most recent releases. His 2020 album, The Ridge, was nominated for two Junos and most recently won…

Joy Har­jo, the 23rd Poet Lau­re­ate of the Unit­ed States, is a mem­ber of the Mvskoke Nation and belongs to Oce Vpofv (Hick­o­ry Ground). She is only the sec­ond poet to be appoint­ed a third term as U.S. Poet Laureate. In addi­tion to serv­ing as a three-term U.S. Poet Lau­re­ate, Har­jo is a chan­cel­lor of the Acad­e­my of Amer­i­can Poets, ho…

The Native American Music Awards are back and ready to celebrate and honor their most powerful voices on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York. This will be the organization’s 20th Awards event following the Covid-19 pandemic's devastating impact on Indigenous communities across America. Commem…

Elemantra was formed by first cousins Justin Woodmancy (lead singer, guitar) and Nick Beiling (bass), both Wolf Clan, Seneca Nation, Ohi:yo’ (Allegany) Territory. It’s an incredible honor to feature a band from my home town, especially as we’ve forged our respective paths on a similar trajectory and timeline. Their new album, Only Momentary is the …

Blue Moon Marquee writes and performs original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves. A.W. Cardinal (Cree/Metis) (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums) have played for a vast gamut of crowds at jazz clubs, Lindy Hop dance halls, folk venues, blues haunts, hospitals, prisons, markets,…

David Adrian Nunez Brenes, Cherokee and Purhepecha, grew up in various places throughout Southern California. Because of his family’s frequent moves he found it difficult to make friends, and so like many others, he turned to music. Since recording as The Tewa (Cherokee for flying squirrel), he’s become a staple in the underground music scene, both…

Crystal Shawanda, Wiikwemkoong First Nation, started her career as an award winning country musician. She had a hit on the US charts, won a Juno in Canada and was on a fast track for country superstardom before starting over as a blues artist. Now, based out of Nashville and 8 albums in, she’s had an equally impressive blues career with her husband…

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Innovative..Groundbreaking.. Revolutionary As they enter a new cycle, Bear Witness (Ehren Thomas, Cayuga) and Tim “2oolman” Hill (Mohawk) of A Tribe Called Red have reintroduced themselves as The Halluci Nation, to reflect the evolution of their music and mission. The Halluci Nation, takes its name from…

This week I welcome Marc Merilainen, (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) back to Gaënö'. Last summer we discussed Nadjiwan's phenomenal space rock opera, Star Nation. https://dashboard.transistor.fm/shows/gaeno/episodes/nadjiwan/edit. This time around we chat about the Merilainen Music label, recording at the legendary Grant Avenue Studio in…

This weeks Gaënö’ artist hardly needs any introduction. ShoShona Kish (Anishinaabe) and Raven Kanatakta (Mohawk, Anishinaabe) have been performing as Digging Roots for nearly 20 years. Their debut album, Seeds, was nominated for an Aboriginal Artist of the Year Award at the 2007 Juno Awards. In 2010 they brought that award home for their album, We …

Shawnee Kish, Mohawk, Six Nations Territory, is a 2 Spirit singer songwriter currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta who’s setting the world on fire. She’s accomplished so much in so little time. Among her most recent accolades: She won the 2020 CBC Searchlight Rising Star competition. In 2021, she was a 2021 Allan Slaight Juno Masterclass particip…

Mike Bern, Tobique First Nation, got his start with the award winning bands, Kickin’ Krotch and District Avenue. The latter’s song, Revival, was even featured during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Since then, he’s gone solo and has turned to older sources for inspiration. This week, Mike joins me to discuss his latest singles Ancestors and Shrine of Shi…

iiwaa, Piipaash, Quechuan and enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community is a 2Spirit recording artist and poet residing in Flagstaff, Arizona. In February 2021 they released their debut EP Dysphoria, an account of their journey with gender identity, religious trauma, and breaking toxic cycles to find life abundant. A former Urban Doxology …

Brothers Cody and Caleb Blackbird, (Eastern Band Cherokee, Dakota, Roma) have been making waves in the Native American music scene together since 2014. As a band, they’ve won 5 Native American Music Awards and have shared the stage with everyone from John Trudell and Buffy Sainte Marie to Jewell and Jason Mraz. Among their more recent accolades, in…

Shane Ghostkeeper, Metis, is an unlikely rockstar. He didn’t start playing music until later in life. He doesn’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of cover songs and he rarely tours.. But his sound is undeniable and what he does works extremely well. Shane formed namesake band, Ghostkeeper, with his longtime partner Sarah Houle and released their firs…

Nakoa HeavyRunner, Assiniboine/Blackfeet, from the Fort Belknap territory has been composing music since the age of 14. Since recording his first album in 2003, he’s recorded over 16 albums and his latest, Lie No More, holds a special place in his heart as it’s the first to feature his children. In addition to his work as a musician, Nakoa has also…

Julia Keefe, Nez Perce, is a nationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, actor, activist and educator currently based in New York City. Among her many accolades, she earned her master’s in music from the Manhattan School of Music in 2019. She’s opened for the likes of (Multi Grammy winners) Tony Bennett and Esperanza Spalding. Currently, she’s putting toge…

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, J.C. Campbell grew up in a musically diverse household. “Growing up with a father who sang the blues and a mother who loved classic soul and country, it seemed as if JC was predestined for a life making music.” While his first few albums had more of a traditional country vibe, his new album, Lately, has him creating…

Def-i (Christopher Mike-Bidtah, Dine) and Ariano (SoCal) have been both making music for the last 2 decades. Together they form a duo that brings communities together, continues to make waves and shines a light on real issues. Their latest collection of catchy beats and rhymes, In the Mean Time, is an album guaranteed to make you sing along and pro…

Atisaktonkie, Mohawk, has been recording as December Wind since 1999. They hit the ground running with their debut album, Sacred Voices. However, greater success and Atisaktonkie’s 2 Native American Music Awards came after disbanding the original lineup and refocusing the vision of the project. December Wind has recently released a couple of single…

Melody McArthur, originally from Treaty 8 Territory in Canada, has been establishing a fast paced music career in Edmonton, Alberta. Since 2018 she’s already released 4 full length albums, has had 9 singles appear on the Indigenous Music Countdown and is currently nominated for five awards at this year's Native American Music Awards! This week, Gaë…

Jir Anderson, Cochiti Pueblo, has been making music for most of his life. In addition to being a talented singer songwriter and master bluesman, he’s also the founder of the Native Guitars Tour. What started as humble show in 2007, the NGT has grown into a full scale production, combining music and fashion for a weekend of world class entertainment…

Paul Steward, Pomo, along with his father Rich, are fast approaching 20 years as the earth quakin’, booty shakin’, award winning blues band Twice as Good. In addition to discussing their latest album, Double Down, Paul joins me this week to discuss his new solo career, upcoming collaborations and the expansion of the Twice as Good name. Enjoy! http…

Elexa Dawson, Potawatomi, was born and raised in Oklahoma but moved to Kansas in 2006 and has been there ever since. She’s involved with a number of bands including Weda Skirts, and Heyleon; a band described as a “cross pollination of established musicians.” Nominated at this years Native American Music Awards, our conversation ranges from talking …

Micki Free’s life is the stuff of legends. As a young teenager, he saw Jimi Hendrix live and immediately knew what he wanted to do in life. Years later, after opening up for Kiss, Gene Simmons declared “you’re gonna be a star.” As a member of Shalamar he scored a Grammy with “Don’t Get Stopped in Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills Cop 1984), which led hi…

Bebe Buckskin, Cree/Métis, currently resides in Calgary, Alberta but has big plans for 2022. After recording her debut album, Captain Medicine (2021) at a legendary recording studio in Alabama, she’s gearing up to take her soulful act on the road. Tune in to hear all about Bebe Buckskins journey thus far. Enjoy! https://bebebuckskin.com Playlist 01…

Krieg Benally (Navajo/San Carlos Apache) has been making music since 2007 but things really started to take off after forming Neon Nativez in 2015. Their video remix of A Tribe Called Red’s, Burn Your Village to the Ground has millions of views on Youtube and helped to forge a path for success in the electronic music scene. This week, Krieg joins m…