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FYI

iskwē: Breaking Down

The Juno-nominated Indigenous singer/songwriter previews a new album with a single featuring powerfully expressive vocals placed atop electro-pop rhythms, and accompanied by a striking video.

iskwē: Breaking Down

By Kerry Doole

 iskwē -Breaking Down (Independent): A real industry buzz has developed around this Juno-nominated, Hamilton-based, Indigenous singer/songwriter. A new album, achakosuk, is due out on Nov. 8, and this, the second single, will increase anticipation for that. 


In a press release, the singer explains that "Breaking Down, my new song, is about freeing yourself of a toxic relationship to find your sense of self and your personal strength. The question is – what relationship? On the surface, it could be personal, but listen closely and you will discover a deeper meaning. The accompanying video captures this metamorphosis."

"This video sees me finding my way back to my clan – the butterfly clan – which represents my family in the spirit world. I wanted to show the emergence of self by shedding layers of the past while discovering strength in being true to who I am. Our vision was to be as inclusive as possible, with each dancer representing different communities – Indigenous,  POC, LGBTQ – as a way to honour the various stages of emergence and growth in taking comfort in who we truly are."

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The clip is directed by noted artist/poet/producer/performer Jessica Lea Fleming (Métis-Scottish), and it has a striking cinematic quality that accentuates the torment of the lyrics: "You were just one of those, Now every time I hear your name, I get shook up, get shook up, Left your mark, I wear the stain."

iskwe's powerfully expressive vocals are placed atop electro-pop rhythms, while elements of Indigenous drumming and vocals are incorporated seamlessly. 

Clearly a talent to be reckoned with.

iskwe performs at the Niagara Falls Concert Series, Aug. 3, and the Vancouver Mural Fest Park Show, Jonathan Rogers Park, on Aug. 10.

Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Publicity: Beth Cavanagh, What's The Story?

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Don Toliver also makes a cameo in the clip.

Future and Metro Boomin are keeping the momentum rolling with their We Don’t Trust You joint album. The Atlanta duo recruited The Weeknd to deliver the militant music video to their “Young Metro” standout collab.

Directed by Hidji World and Omar Jones, the clip arrived Monday (March 25), and the trio is ready for war while holding down their concrete bunker.

This article was first published on Billboard U.S.

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