Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K, this week we welcome from Anchorage, Alaska, Phillip Blanchett, he’s the the creator of the band “Pamyua” they bring their musical blend of Inuit drum and dance to the stage and they call it “Inuit Soul Music.” Pamyua is featured in our current issue of the SAY Magazine and you can read all about them and hear our interview at www.IndigenousinMusic.com/pamyua-interview.

Music from Pamyua, Freightrain, Thunderhand Joe and the Medicine Show, Irv Lyons Jr., Logan Staats, David Laronde, Latin Vibe, Celeigh Cardinal, Melody McArthur, Michael Franti, Nancy Sanchez, Raye Zaragoza, CHANCES, nehiyawak, Darren Geffre, Samantha Crain, 1915, Soda Stereo, Midnight Shine, Qacung, Byron Nicholai, Hayley Wallis, Leanne Goose, Tracy Bone, Indian City, JC Campbell and much much more.

Look around our site and find out all about us and our programs there you can take our Support challenge SAY Magazine Library with all our featured guests.

PAMYUA (pronounced bum-yo-ah) is a Yup’ik Inuit word meaning ENCORE or DO IT AGAIN

OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM

PAMYUA AND QACUNG IN SAY MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

BIOGRAPHY

Pamyua was formed in April 1995 by brothers Phillip and Stephen Blanchett. The brothers stumbled upon a musical concept to blend Inuit drum/dance melodies with R&B vocal styling and arrangements. The duo immediately began sharing their performance around Alaska and collaborating with like-minded artists.

Later that year Ossie Kairaiuak permanently joined the group and in the spring of 1996 Karina Moeller permanently joined. Today the quartet works with world-class musicians from Alaska and Denmark and travels the world sharing their blend of cultural harmony.

Pamyua showcases Inuit culture though music and dance performance. The show is a platform to share indigenous knowledge and history. Their style derives from traditional melodies reinterpreted with contemporary vocalization and instrumentation.  Often described as “Inuit Soul Music,” Pamyua has discovered their own genre.  

Band members are proud to represent Indigenous culture.  The group believes unity is possible though music and dance. Together, each member works to interpret Inuit traditions masterfully with joy and sincerity. The response to this message is tremendous as the group is a symbol of pride for Alaska’s indigenous people and to all who see them perform.

Pamyua’s performances aim to honor and share indigenous traditions through ceremony, songs, and dance. If you would like to book Pamyua for your event, please visit our contact page.

BEGINNINGS

When Phillip (Kilirnguq) Blanchett was 15 years old, he was watching his mother Marie Meade perform traditional Yup’ik dance for thousands of guests at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. As he stood alone backstage, he realized his future. It was in that moment that he knew he would lead a professional performance group and would call it, PAMYUA!

Since that memorable day, Pamyua has performed in countless concerts worldwide, sharing Inuit music and dance. We are proud to honor Indigenous traditions, history, and storytelling in each and every performance. Many of our songs honor animals that we live with and hunt while others, like Bubblegum, honor the Indigenous value of humor. Our performances celebrate our environment, our history, and our way of life.

RECENT PROJECTS

Pamyua is proud to have been one of many indigenous partners to contribute to the National Geographic reality show Life Below Zero: First Alaskans. Pamyua scored the music for the trailer in addition to many original pieces that are played throughout the show. We are extremely honored to be working with a project that is full of great intention and respect for our Inuit relatives.

We have also composed original music for Discovery Channel’s show Flying Wild Alaska and performed and co-wrote the theme song for the PBS Kids show Molly of Denali.

Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K, this week we welcome from Long Beach, California, singer, writer and composer, Raye Zaragoza.  She has been enjoying the success with the release of new singles along with her current album “Women in Color.” and she’s been staying busy writing the songs for the children’s cartoon show “Spirit Ranger’s on Netflix. Raye is featured in our current issue of the SAY Magazine.

With music from Ray Zaragoza, Viv Parker, Aysanabee, Laura Niquay, Shauit, Qacung, Los Buenos Modales, Obie P, The Halluci Nation, DJ krayzcree, Jayden Pas, Latin Vibe, Aocelyn, Leonard Sumner, Willie Nab, Tom Bee, Redbone, Ozomatli, QVLN, Cary Morin, Pura Fe, Angel Baribeau, Ailaika, Stolen Identity, Joey Stylez, Carsen Gray, El Dusty, Black Bear, Banda Do Sul, DJ Shub, Hellnback, Hayley Wallis, Pamyua and much more.

Look around our site to find out all about us and our programs there you can take our Support Challenger SAY Magazine Library with all our featured guests.

OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM

RAYE ZARAGOZA IN SAY MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

MUSIC DIRECTOR FOR SPIRIT RANGERS NATIVE CARTOON ON NETFLIX

BIOGRAPHY

Raye Zaragoza is a galvanizing presence, a self-assured artist making music to fight for, represent, and celebrate those left too long outside the spotlight. Known for tenacious feminist anthems and fearless protest folk, her stage presence teems with determined morale. As a Japanese-American, Mexican, Indigenous woman, Zaragoza spent much of her early life trying to assimilate with the world around her, to meet punishing standards of beauty synonymous with just one color of skin—and not her own. She has come a long way from that youthful pain, proclaiming “I am proud to be a multicultural brown woman with insecurities and a vibrant intersectional identity that I continue to grapple with. I hope young girls of today will know that the It Girl is whatever the hell they want to be.”

In the aftermath of her breakthrough single, “In The River,” Zaragoza released Fight For You, the protest-driven debut she says had her “finding my voice as a woman of color.” Upon releasing her first full-length, she discovered the beauty, significance, and necessity of her natural identity in a broader conversation; she was ready to celebrate what made her “different” and invigorate those of similar struggles to do the same. This rightful confidence radiates across Woman In Color, Zaragoza’s sophomore album out now on Rebel River Records, her own independent label. The album delivers powerful missives about embracing one’s own identity and discovering the power behind it, all across brisk, emotive, compelling folk melodies. Once deemed “one of the most politically relevant artists in her genre” by Paste Magazine, Raye Zaragoza now offers an intimate exploration of coming into her own, in a country where for many, simply existing is political. Through this album, Raye has written a collection of spirited canticles for herself, for womanhood, and for all the people who had to come together in such an event of divine coincidence that led to her existence. Raye has toured nationally with renowned bands such as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dispatch, and Rising Appalachia; and her music has been featured on Resident Alien, Grey’s Anatomy, A Long Way Up, and Gather (Netflix).

Raye also currently writes the songs for Netflix children’s show ‘Spirit Rangers’ that premiered on Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 10th. The show features an all Native American writers room and cast, and Raye has written over 45 songs for the show in the past two years. She also sings both the theme song and transformation songs on the show.

Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K.  This week from Juneau, Alaska, Qacung is in our Spotlight. Singer, dancer and composer of drum songs.  He has just released his 1st solo album “Miu “A Place from Which,” a nice mix of Tribal Funk.  Find out all about on him on his homepage at www.qacung.com.

Enjoy music from Qacung, Airjazz, Irv Lyons Jr. Indian City, Los Amigos Invisibles, Wolfsheart, Jose Feliciano, Willi Nab, Mike Bern, Aysanabee, Latin Vibe, Byron Nicholai, Morgan Toney, Emma Stevens, Laura Niquay, Wayne Lavallee, Bomba Estereo, Carsen Gray, Raye Zaragoza, Viv Parker, Nancy Sanchez, Loco Por Juana, Shawnee Kish, Crystal Shawanda, Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, Samantha Crain, Julian Talor, Shawn Michael Perry, Nadjiwan, Blue Mountain Tribe, Xit, Tracy Lee Nelson, Akumatu and much much more.

Look around our site to find out all about us and our programs along with our archives of music and our SAY Magazine Library with all our featured guests.

OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM

QACUNG AND PAMYUA IN OUR SAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

BIOGRAPHY

Qacung
(he/him) | Yup’ik Inuit

I am a traditional Yup’ik dancer, songwriter, and composer of drum songs. I am a founding member of the contemporary musical group, Pamyua, and a solo performer under the name Qacung.  I recently recorded my solo album entitled Miu “A Place from Which.”

I am a 2022 USA Artist Fellow, was named The Kennedy Centers’ Next 50, and a 2021 Shift Transformative Change and Indigenous Arts recipient through the Native Arts and Culture Foundation.  I have produced many dance, music, and film productions.  I consider myself a global citizen whose Yup’ik and African American roots guide my leadership and artistic vision.  Originally from the small community of Bethel, Alaska, I now live in Juneau, Alaska, where I continue my work advocating for cultural practices, equity, and Indigenizing performance spaces. During the pandemic, Qacung launched Áak’w RockIndigenous Music Festival.

Earlier on in my nearly 30-year career in performance art, I realized I have a passion for teaching the beautiful songs and dances of my culture. I have served in leadership roles with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, First Alaskans Institute, Pamyua Inc., and other arts, culture, and community service  entities.  To sample some of Qacung’s music please visit www.qacung.com and www.pamyua.com.

Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K, on this show, we welcome from Tehachapi, California, Mr. Robin Hairston, creator of the Native Blues Rock band Blue Mountain Tribe. They just dropped their 2nd album, and its called Oh Great Warrior. They currently hold the title for Best Blues Video at this years Native American Music Awards, Visit them on their homepage at www.bluemountaintribe.com.

Enjoy music from Blue Mountain Tribe, Xit, Tracy Lee Nelson, Murray Porter, Shawn Michael Perry, Midnight Sparrows, The City Lines, Latin Vibe, Crystal Shawanda, Raye Zaragoza, Samantha Crain, Aysanabee, DJ Shub, David Laronde, Toko Tasi, Morgan Toney, QVLN, Bostich + Fussible, nehiyawak, Alan Syliboy & Thundermakers, Q052, Siibii, Angel Baribeau, Gail Obediah, The Mavericks, Eagle & Hawk, Corey Medina, Levi Platero and much more.

Look around our site to find out all about us and our programs along with our archives of music shows and our SAY Magazine Library with all our featured guests.

OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM

BLUE MOUNTAIN TRIBE IN OUR SAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K, on this show we welcome Vancouver BC, Mr. Blair Bellerose, creator of “Midnight Sparrows. Singer, songwriter and guitarist.  He has just released his 2nd solo album “Born in the City” along with a new video “Butterfly Wings.”  Visit Blaiir on his homepage to hear his music and find out all about his new at www.midnightsparrows.com

Enjoy music from Midnight Sparrows, The City Lines, La Ley, Shawn Michael Perry, 1915, Old Soul Rebel, Dreams & Sounds, Rellik, The Deeds, Hermanos McKenzie, Janel Munoa, Jota Quest, Juanes, Kinky, Blue Mountain Tribe, Xit, Tracy Lee Nelson, Morgan Toney, Aysanabee, Chris Ferree, Mike Bern, Adrian Sutherland, Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers, Electric Religious, John McLeod, Cary Morin and much much more. 

Look around our site to find out all about us and our programs along with our archives of music and our SAY Magazine Library with all our featured guests.

OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM

Biography

The brainchild of Blair Bellerose, a Métis, Cree and Dene singer/songwriter/guitarist, Midnight Sparrows plays guitar driven hard rock that combines elements of classic rock, power pop and old school heavy metal. Midnight Sparrows’ debut album, Rock & Roll City, has been nominated for a Native American Music Award and has been receiving radio play all across North America and beyond.

Hot on the heels of Rock & Roll City, Midnight Sparrows is releasing its much anticipated follow-up, Born in the City. Produced and written by Bellerose, and engineered and mixed by Juno and Western Canadian Music Award winner Sheldon Zaharko, Born in the City is a six-song rocker that that will make you believe that the magic of rock & roll still exists and its power is as strong ever.

The title track, Born in the City, is one of Blair’s most personal songs to date reflecting his lived experience of urban Indigeneity. Having lived, worked and studied in the urban Aboriginal community his entire life, this is a subject that Blair is very passionate about even writing his recent Master’s thesis on the ways in which government policies impact urban Indigenous non-profit organizations. Born in the City defiantly challenges the notion that living in a city renders one’s Indigeneity as inauthentic.

The launch of Born in the City also coincides with Midnight Sparrows’ first ever video release for the song Butterfly Wings. Butterfly Wings is a song that Bellerose wrote to honour his mother, an Indigenous elder and residential school survivor who passed away last year at the age of 87. This is a song that celebrates all that Blair’s mom taught him about how to live a good life, while also contemplating the process of letting go so that our loved ones can peacefully transition to the spirit world while we move forward with life here on earth.

Identified as Métis his entire life, Blair is now also a proud member of Fort McKay First Nation thanks to a successful, women-led challenge to the Indian Act which allows for greater gender equity in passing on Indian status through the maternal family line, though Blair also proudly retains his Métis identity.

NEW VIDEO “BUTTERFLY WINGS

OUR SAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Welcome to Indigenous in Music with Larry K, this week we welcome from Northern Ontario, singer, songwriter and performer “David Laronde” is in the house.  He has just released his 3rd album “I Know I Can Fly,” a mix of Folk, Rock and Bluegrass.  Visit David on his homepage and read all about him and hear his music at www.davidlarondemusic.com.

Enjoy music from David Laronde, Donita Large, Laura Niquay, Shauit, Qacung, Morgan Toney, Emma Stevens, Indian City, Chantal Kreviazuk, Ed Koban, Latin Vibe, Cary Morin, Pura Fe, JC Campbell, Teagan Littlechief, Tom Jackson, Blue Mountain Tribe, Levi Platero, Indigenous, Blackfoot, David Huckfelt, Jackie Bird, Centavrvs, Chico Mann, Captain Planet, The Deeds, Cuban Jazz Combo, Dan-Georges Mckenzie, Digawolf, and Robert Freightrain.

Look around our site and see everything we have to offer and take our Support Challenge and show your love. 

OUR INTERVIEW IS 30 MINUTES INTO THE PROGRAM

DAVID LARONDE IN OUR SAY MAGAZINE FEATURE