Gaënö'

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 her very specific goal for 2023.  https://ailanimus...

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 best Indigenous Songwriter of the Year at the 2023 C...

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 live music as a member of several bands in Syracuse...

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 album, Sweet Tooth. Released to critical acclaim,...

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, from pop to rock, hip hop to EDM, traditional to fo...

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 it up and sing along- Enjoy! https://sandrasutter....

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 focused on Native American experiences and they instantl...

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 a Native American Music Award in the Best Country...

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, holds a Tul­sa Artist Fel­low­ship, directs For Gir...

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 first released on the Admirable Traits Records lab...

 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, motorcycle joints, dive bars and prestigious fe...

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 in So Cal and Albuquerque, NM. He frequently coll...

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/creative partner, Dewayne Strobel. This week, Cry...

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 a phrase coined by John Trudell, to describe the...

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 Ontario, the bands first collection of covers (...

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 Are. Over the years they've collaborated and share...

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 participant. Her debut, self titled EP was nominated this...

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 Shirl and his solo debut album, Wamponahkew. Enjoy! ...

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 Songwriting Intern and national worship leader,...

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 first album, Saved By Radio in 2008. In this weeks Ga...

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 created the Rezkast Media Network. Tune in to hea...

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 together the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band and dedi...

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 songs that reflect his various musical influences...

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 provides a breath of fresh air during these turbulent...

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 singles, including On Sacred Ground (ft Annie Humphrey)...