Beyond The Mic: Iskwé
DD Podcast
We've featured her in our DD Spotlight series, we've grilled her in our Behind The Beats blog series and we've joined her in the studio for DD Studio Sessions. Now we're giving you a glimpse of her life outside of music. On this week's series finale of Beyond The Mic, we catch up with one of our all-time faves: Iskwé. See what she had to say about life as a student, collaborating on a graphic novel with award-winning author David Alex Robertson and more.
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Beyond The Mic: Dave Boulanger
DD Podcast
Manitoba's Dave Boulanger may best be known as the award-winning front man of Burnt-Project 1, but accolades are the furthest thing from his mind. (Just ask his Juno, which currently serves as a paperweight on his mother's desk.) Whether he's writing music, painting on canvas or making drums, Dave uses art as a vehicle to not only express himself, but to share stories, connect with his culture and build community. On the latest episode of Beyond The Mic, see what he had to say spirituality, working with youth and much, much more.
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Beyond The Mic: Bebe Buckskin
DD Podcast
You may know Alberta rocker Bebe Buckskin for her raw vocals, authentic vibe and delightful fusion of genres. But did you know she's dabbled in theatre? Or that she used to barrel race at local rodeos? On the latest episode of Beyond The Mic, Bebe talks about growing up on a Metis settlement, her love for nature, the law of attraction and a whole lot more.
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Beyond The Mic: Crystle Lightning
DD Podcast
On last week's edition of Beyond The Mic you met MC RedCloud, one half of the power couple behind California hip-hop duo Lightning Cloud. This week we introduce you to the other better half, Crystle Lightning. In addition to her mad rap skills, Crystle is an actress, a DJ, a bartender and a talented home chef. On the latest episode of the DD Podcast, she talks about her breakthrough movie role, her upcoming "Moosebumps" project and much, much more.
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Beyond The Mic: MC RedCloud
DD Podcast
Eighteen hours, one minute and fourteen seconds. That's how long California's MC RedCloud once rapped to break the Guinness World Record for longest freestyle. But music is just the beginning. In addition to spitting bars, RedCloud is a father, a visual artist and one half of hip-hop duo Lightning Cloud. He's also the author, illustrator and publisher of the incredible Indigenous Legends colouring book. On the latest episode of Beyond The Mic, see what he had to say about the "creator bug," his love for Lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) and a whole...
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Beyond The Mic: Celeigh Cardinal
DD Podcast
With a slew of award nominations for her debut album, Everything and Nothing At All (2017), there's no doubt Métis singer/songwriter Celeigh Cardinal has a bright future ahead of her. But in addition to her budding music career, she also co-hosts her own podcast, runs a non-profit organization for emerging artists and loves to travel. In this week’s episode of Beyond The Mic, Celeigh chats about her competitive nature, opening for the Beach Boys and a whole lot more.
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Beyond The Mic: Brendt Thomas Diabo
DD Podcast
From his blue-collar upbringing on the Kahnawake reserve to the brights lights of L.A. to the heart of Toronto's arts scene, Mohawk artist Brendt Thomas Diabo has been on quite the journey. But even though he's best known for his signature blend of roots, rock and old-time country, there's more to his life than just music. Since getting his big break on APTN's Mohawk Girls, he's built himself an impressive acting resume and dipped his toes in the world of film production. As a carpenter by trade, he's also worked on set designs for a Star Trek movie, the TV show Suits and...
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Beyond The Mic: Desiree Dorion
DD Podcast
At 19 years old, the daily injustices that Desiree Dorion saw as a social worker inspired her to pursue a career in family law. Today, she works as an attorney in rural Manitoba and defends parents whose children are being taken away. But between cases, travel and motherhood, Desiree still manages to make time for her country music career. In the latest episode of Beyond The Mic, Desiree dishes on living in the sticks, maintaining her work-life balance and much, much more.
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Beyond The Mic: MJ Dandeneau
DD Podcast
Whether it’s on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, Winnipeg super bassist MJ Dandeneau is one of the hardest working artists on Canada’s Indigenous music scene. In addition to touring with the likes of Xavier Rudd, The Good Lovelies, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Leela Gilday and Digging Roots, she’s also a successful producer/engineer, booking agent and tour manager. But her path to music was far from conventional. On this week’s episode of Beyond The Mic, MJ talks about her dashed badminton career, almost becoming an occupational therapist and much, much more.
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Beyond The Mic: Adrian Sutherland
DD Podcast
Attawapiskat is a remote Northern community on the west coast of James Bay, population: 1,549. It's also the home of Midnight Shine frontman Adrian Sutherland. Despite the logistical difficulties of carving out a career in music, Adrian and the band have released three albums, reached No. 1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown (three times!) and performed at major festivals across the country. Adrian has also been invited to play in the JUNO Cup hockey game for the past two years. On this week's episode of Beyond The Mic, hear what...
info_outlineAnother Friday, another First Listen! This week, we turn our microphone to the North and interview Nunavut pop artist Kelly Fraser.
Hailing from a small community of 1,000 people, Kelly first gained recognition back in 2013 when her Inuktitut version of Rihanna's Diamonds went viral (239,000 views and counting!). She has since gained a loyal following and put her platform to good use, advocating for Indigenous rights and educating people about life in the North.
Hear what Kelly had to say about the Inuit legend that inspired her new album and sharing her culture through music. You’ll also get a first listen to her unreleased track, Complaining.