Talking Stick Video Series Shines the Spotlight on Indigenous Artists from Manitoba

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The Bloodshots
Erica Daniels
Mitchell Mozdzen
JC Campbell
Eternal Now

Genre-Spanning Series Premieres February 28 via indigenousmusic.ca
 

Manitoba Music's Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP) is launching a new video series called Talking Stick. Kicking off on February 28, the pilot project will feature live performances of original new music by First Nation, Metis, and Inuit artists along with on-camera mini interviews available online at indigenousmusic.ca.

Talking Stick shines a spotlight on emerging artists and new music from the local Indigenous music community. It also offers the artists a chance to add professional-filmed videos to their own marketing toolkits, which can be critical for career advancement and accessing new markets in a business that relies on exceptional live video more than ever.

Produced with Kejic Productions, a Winnipeg-based company owned and operated by Cree/Ojibway producer and director Erica Daniels, Talking Stick was filmed at Urban Shaman in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District.

“It’s always exciting when we can help shine a light on the incredible Indigenous talent in our province and assist in providing the tools those artists need to take the next steps in their careers. This series does both and we can’t wait to share these videos with music fans,” says Manitoba Music's executive director, Sean McManus. 

"It is so inspiring to see so many Indigenous musician's arise. I am honoured to be apart of an incredible collaboration like Talking Stick that brought a diverse range of Indigenous artists together," says Daniels. 

Grunge rock outfit The Bloodshots kicks off the series with a blistering rendition of their brand new single “Remember Me”. The high energy band has built a solid hometown following since its 2013 start. Their tunes have been in radio rotation, they’ve recorded with producers Steve Rizun (The Flatliners, NOFX) and Dale Penner (Mathew Good Band, Econoline Crush, Nickleback), and have hit the stage with acts like Danko Jones, Three Days Grace, and Finger Eleven. They’re set to launch their new EP in early summer.

Brandon-based blues/rock artist Mitchell Mozdzen has been building his fan base from the busking circuit to festival stages, including the Brandon Folk Music & Art Festival, Whoop & Holler Folk Festival, Summer Lights Music Festival, and the Stingray Young Performers at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, as well as his debut EP, Red. He’ll get in front of the Talking Stick camera on April 10 2019.

Up-and-coming new age rock band Eternal Now will bring its signature bluesy feel, catchy hooks and harmonies to Talking Stick on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21 2019. Stay tuned for an EP this summer.

Singer/songwriter JC Campbell will have his Talking Stick premier on September 21 2019. Campbell is no stranger to the music scene, landing on the Indigenous Music Countdown, SiriusXM, and beyond, and his album Lazy James earned him Best Blues Album the Indigenous Music Awards. He’s currently teamed up with acclaimed producer/engineers Murray Pulver and Paul James with upcoming plans to release new music.

Kejic Productions creates and develops films, graphic design, photography and marketing services. With their strong community relationships, Kejic is dedicated to working with and providing Indigenous Youth unique opportunities to work and learn in the media industry.

IMDP was launched in 2004 to help First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. The IMDP is supported by the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Film & Music.

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