advertisement
FYI

nêhiyawak: open window

This indigenous trio has a shoegaze-inflected style but lyrically they tackle historic and contemporary subjects affecting their nation. This track from new EP Starlight features poignant lyrics framed in atmospheric sounds.

nêhiyawak: open window

By Kerry Doole

nêhiyawak -"open window" (Arts & Crafts): This trio of indigenous artists hails from amiskwaciy in Treaty 6 Territory. Yesterday (Nov. 27), the group released an EP, Starlight, and shared this track. The unconventional release date was chosen to mark the date in 1885 when eight leaders of indigenous nations were hung at Fort Pitt.


The theme of the wrongs done to indigenous people permeates the EP, including "open window."

Singer/guitarist Kris Harper explains in a label press release that "the lyrics reference The Sixties Scoop as well as the concepts portrayed in the model of the residential school system. Our parents begin the song with spoken word. We have them each speak their mother tongue and say what they felt like needed to be said. More than anything, this message is one of learning and acceptance. Something to help others feel connected by experience, but also encouraged toward personal growth and learning."

advertisement

While the song's subject may be rooted in history, the nêhiyawak sound is decidedly contemporary. The spoken word intro is framed by atmospheric sonics, and Harper then takes over with lyrics in English, delivering such poignant lines as "I always wondered what had happened to those mother tongues that were all kept inside."

Producer Colin Stewart (The New Pornographers, Black Mountain) balances the elements with finesse.

nêhiyawak have shows at Toronto's Baby G tonight (Nov. 28) and Montreal's Casa Del Popolo on Thursday.

Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Publicity: Ken Beattie, Killbeat

advertisement
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Matt Barnes
Polaris Music Prize Rescinds Buffy Sainte-Marie's Two Awards
FYI

Music Biz Headlines: Buffy Sainte-Marie's Junos and Polaris Prize Revoked, Celine Dion Warns of AI Plagiarism

Also this week: Drake teases his next chapter, Billy Joel postpones Toronto concert, and top artists are deserting festivals in favour of stadium shows.

Last week, Buffy Sainte-Marie returned her Order of Canada and affirmed she is not a Canadian citizen. This week, the Junos and Polaris Prize decided she no longer meets their eligibility requirements and stripped her of the awards.

That was the biggest music story in Canada this week, while other hot-button issues continued to play out. Celine Dion warned of AI theft of her voice. Drake made cryptic comments about his next move following his high-profile beef. The Trump-fuelled chaos at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts meant another big cancellation.

keep readingShow less
advertisement