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!