Artist Spotlight: A Tribe Called Red

Do you have an interest in the contemporary struggles of indigenous Canadians? Perhaps not. Do you like hard-hitting electronic music with trap and dubstep influences? Um, heckles yes. Well then, A Tribe Called Red might just be your new favorite group. The DJ/producer trio from Ottawa mixes contemporary electronic dance music with traditional indigenous music to create a sound unlike any other in the EDM world.

Artist: A Tribe Called Red

Origin: Ottawa, Canada

Genre: EDM

Notable Albums: A Tribe Called Red, Nation II Nation

Photo by: Falling Tree Photography

ATCR joins forces with vocalists to communicate the issues of contemporary indigenous life, as well as promoting the viewpoints and cultures of other ethnic minorities. Their latest single R.E.D. features killer verses from Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) and Narcy over a slick dubstep beat with powwow vocals from Black Bear. Watch the music video (directed by Narcy) here!

The group and its members – 2oolman, DJ NDN, and Bear Witness – have invited plenty of controversy in the last few years as they confront racism head-on. NDN has been particularly vocal, leading the front against non-indigenous sports teams taking their nicknames from indigenous culture. He also made a number of enemies for wearing this wonderfully ironic “Caucasians” shirt (which I, as a white, find quite hilarious):

 Regardless of your take on their personal perspectives and messages, there’s no denying the quality of A Tribe Called Red’s music. This group is on the rise and ready to take on a global audience. Be sure to check out their upcoming album, We Are the Halluci Nation, coming September 16^th.

Check out their official site here for more information and to download their first album for free. And until next time, keep your earbuds in and your mind open!

Singing the Tuareg Blues

Around this time of year, musicians from West Africa and around the world gather together in the deserts of Mali to share music -- usually. For the last few years, unrest in the nation has prevented the annual gathering, called Festival au Désert, from meeting, but the spirit of peace and unity has far from disappeared. Artists across the region continue to play their music, spreading the message of artistic expression and cultural interchange.

The festival originated with the Tuareg ethnic group, who have practiced similar gathering traditions for generations. For more on the origins of the festival, check out the official site.

In honor of one of the most interesting musical exhibits out there, I'd like to introduce you to one of my personal favorite Tuareg musicians and festival attendees: Abdallah ag Oumbadougou. A native of Niger, Oumbadougou has a long and storied music career. From my research (primarily limited to Wikipedia France and a few obscure sites) it seems he fought in the Tuareg rebellion of the 1990s and worked during that time and since to promote Tuareg culture.

Artist: Abdallah ag Oumbadougou

Origin: Niger

Genre: World / blues-rock

Notable Albums: Desert Rebel, Zozodinga




Stylistically, Oumbadougou utilizes a blues-rock sound rife with more traditional African rhythms and vocals. The style seems to be a staple of Tuareg music, and like the American blues carries a feeling of washing away struggles and pain in the relaxing calm of music. Oumbadougou, now in his 50s, has a beautifully rough voice that hides neither his age nor his experiences. Complimented by gentle yet complex guitar picking, either electric or acoustic, his music offers a glimpse into the multitude of emotions that are a part of Tuareg life.

Below is my favorite Oumbadougou track, "Ahlher." One of the most calming songs I've ever heard, group vocals and ambient nature sounds accompany the artist's acoustic guitar in this track. As I listen, I'm transported to the deserts of West Africa, relaxing in the sand with some of the greatest musicians on earth. Perhaps one day I'll really do so, when peace is restored and the Festival au Désert strikes up again. Until that day, keep your earbuds in and your eyes open!

Be sure to check out Abdallah's music on iTunes and Google Play!