Indigenous artists are moving beyond waiting for industry recognition. A new podcast series called 'The Indigenous Setlist' launches June 22, featuring Native musicians across genres.
The Halluci Nation—representing the Six Nations of the Grand River (Mohawk) and Cayuga Nations—leads Season One, followed by weekly episodes with country reggae artist Maoli of the Native Hawaiian community, punk rock band Dead Pioneers of Pyramid Lake Paiute, alt-rock soul artist Aysanabee of the Sandy Lake First Nation (Oji-Cree), and others.
Indigenous House Founder Crystal Echo Hawk notes that these artists are "scoring some of the most popular series streaming now, signing to major record labels, climbing the charts, and headlining some of the biggest music festivals around the country." Their work blends personal narrative with innovative sound.
"It's always like, 'Oh, there's this explosion of talent in the native community,'" The Halluci Nation's Ehren Thomas says in the podcast trailer. "Like, no, there's no explosion. It's been here."
Native and Indigenous artists have not suddenly emerged. They have been producing boundary-pushing music for years. The industry is now recognizing work that existed long before.
'The Indigenous Setlist' premieres June 22.
