Indigenous musicians now have a new national advocacy group

Indigenous musicians from across the country can now look for support at the Indigenous Music Office (IMO), an advocacy group launched in November. 

Dene recording artist and advisory committee member Leela Gilday, who is from Yellowknife, said one of the office's first tasks is to develop a guide on how to work with Indigenous musicians.

"Much like our colleagues in the Indigenous Screen Office, [the Indigenous Music Office is] advocating for authentic Indigenous voices telling authentic Indigenous stories through song and other genres of music," said Gilday.

Gilday said the most important part of IMO is that it is Indigenous-led and community driven.

"We sing and play and all different genres, but at the core of it, you know, this is our homeland," she said. 

"This is the only place our stories and songs are told and it is really important that we come together and in that sovereignty and and really advocate for our own voices."

Making connections

Winnipeg-based hip-hop artist Winston Chubb said it was making connections through organizations like IMO that got him into the music business.

Now the Bunibonibee Cree Nation rapper goes by the stage name Stun and has three albums under his belt along with his latest single Put It On and new collaboration release Better Dayz ft Played The Fool.

WATCH | Musicians talk about the new Indigenous Music Office: 

Indigenous musicians now have a new national advocacy group

1 year ago

Duration 0:01

Indigenous Music Office formally launched in November and will serve specifically Indigenous musicians from all genres.

"As a solo artist, you feel like you have to do everything alone and you have all of these things you have to learn," said Stun.

Now after 10 years of working on building his music career, he said he'd like to give back by sharing with his peers in the music industry.

"I'm currently studying financial management right now and once I'm done that, I'm going to apply my knowledge with other musicians and give back to the communities as well," he said.

Boost musicians' reach

Ben Klyne, a country rock musician from Duck Bay, Man., about 330 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, said he comes from a family of music — he even credits his uncle Baldy for showing him how to play guitar.

He said he knows nobody can take over the world by themselves, because business and music can be two very different things.

"There's a lot of things I have to learn and in promotion," he said, adding he could learn more about how to promote his art. 

The independent rocker said he thinks help from the new IMO will help boost musicians' reach and networks.