4.4 Contemporary Native American music

Contemporary Native American music blends traditional elements with modern genres, creating a unique cultural expression. From powwow and flute music to hip hop and rock, Indigenous artists use their craft to preserve heritage, address social issues, and innovate.

Native musicians face challenges like underrepresentation and cultural appropriation, but continue to make significant contributions. Through festivals, awards, and activism, they promote their art, resist stereotypes, and shape the future of Indigenous music in a globalized world.

Native American music traditions

• Native American music traditions are deeply rooted in the cultural practices, beliefs, and histories of various Indigenous communities across North America
• These traditions encompass a wide range of vocal and instrumental styles, each with its own unique characteristics, purposes, and meanings within specific tribal contexts
• Native American music often serves ceremonial, spiritual, and social functions, playing a vital role in maintaining cultural identity and transmitting knowledge across generations

Contemporary Native American music genres

Powwow music

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• Powwow music is a contemporary genre that originated from traditional Native American dance and drumming practices, particularly among Plains tribes
• Characterized by powerful group singing accompanied by a large drum, powwow music is performed at social gatherings and competitive dance events
• Powwow songs often feature vocables (non-lexical syllables) and are structured around repetitive phrases and rhythmic patterns
• Different song styles are associated with specific dance categories (Northern Traditional, Southern Straight, Fancy Dance, Jingle Dress)

Native American flute music

• Native American flute music has gained popularity as a meditative and spiritual genre, featuring the haunting sounds of traditional wooden flutes
• Flute designs and playing techniques vary among different tribes, with some notable traditions including the Plains flute, Cherokee flute, and Pueblo flute
• Contemporary Native American flute players often incorporate elements of jazz, classical, and world music into their compositions

Native American hip hop

• Native American hip hop emerged in the 1990s as a means for Indigenous youth to express their experiences, challenges, and cultural pride through rap music
• Artists like Litefoot, Supaman, and A Tribe Called Red have used hip hop to address issues such as cultural identity, social justice, and decolonization
• Native American hip hop often incorporates traditional music samples, Indigenous languages, and references to tribal histories and contemporary struggles

Native American rock and blues

• Native American musicians have made significant contributions to rock and blues genres, infusing their music with Indigenous influences and perspectives
• Bands like Redbone and XIT helped pave the way for Native American representation in mainstream rock music during the 1970s
• Contemporary artists such as Pura Fé, Keith Secola, and Micki Free continue to blend Native American musical elements with rock, blues, and soul

Native American classical music

• Native American classical music encompasses works by Indigenous composers who have trained in Western classical traditions
• Composers like Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, Raven Chacon, and Brent Michael Davids have created symphonies, operas, and chamber music that draw upon their tribal heritage
• These works often incorporate Native American musical instruments, themes, and languages, challenging conventional notions of classical music

Native American folk and country

• Native American musicians have made notable contributions to folk and country music, often addressing themes of cultural identity, land rights, and social justice
• Artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie, John Trudell, and Bill Miller have used their music as a platform for activism and storytelling
• Contemporary Native American folk and country musicians continue to blend traditional influences with modern styles, creating a unique and powerful genre

Influence of traditional music on contemporary styles

• Traditional Native American music has had a profound impact on the development of contemporary Indigenous music genres
• Many artists incorporate elements of traditional songs, instruments, and rhythms into their modern compositions, creating a fusion of old and new
• The use of traditional music in contemporary styles helps to preserve and promote Indigenous cultural heritage while also allowing for creative innovation and self-expression

Notable Native American musicians

Singers and songwriters

• Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree): Known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics, addressing issues such as Indigenous rights and environmental activism
• John Trudell (Santee Dakota): Poet, musician, and activist who used his music to advocate for Native American causes and promote cultural pride
• Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida): Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who has recorded numerous albums of contemporary Native American music

Instrumentalists

• R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo/Ute): Renowned Native American flute player who has released over 50 albums and collaborated with artists from various genres
• Mary Youngblood (Seminole/Aleut): Grammy Award-winning flutist known for her innovative playing style and fusion of traditional and contemporary elements
• Brent Michael Davids (Mohican): Composer and flutist who has written numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and traditional Native American instruments

Music producers

• Robbie Robertson (Mohawk): Former member of The Band and successful solo artist who has produced albums for various Native American musicians
• Taboo (Shoshone/Mexican): Member of the Black Eyed Peas who has produced and collaborated with numerous Native American hip hop artists
• Brian Wright-McLeod (Dakota/Anishinaabe): Music journalist, producer, and author who has worked to promote and document Native American music

Native American music labels and distribution

• Canyon Records: Founded in 1951, Canyon Records is one of the oldest and most well-known labels dedicated to Native American music, featuring a wide range of genres and artists
• Makoche Recording Company: Established in 1993, Makoche focuses on promoting Native American music from the Northern Plains, including powwow, flute, and contemporary genres
• Independent and self-released: Many Native American musicians choose to independently produce and distribute their music, utilizing online platforms and social media to reach audiences

Native American music festivals and events

• Gathering of Nations Powwow: Held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this is one of the largest powwow events in North America, featuring hundreds of dancers, drummers, and singers
• Native American Music Awards (NAMA): An annual awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in various categories of Native American music
• Many Nations Festival: An annual event in Oklahoma City that showcases Native American music, dance, art, and culture from diverse tribal communities

Role of music in Native American activism and resistance

• Native American music has long been used as a tool for activism, resistance, and social commentary
• Protest songs and politically charged lyrics have addressed issues such as land rights, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and decolonization
• Music has played a vital role in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and other Indigenous rights organizations, serving as a means of communication, motivation, and solidarity

Representation of Native American musicians in mainstream media

• Native American musicians have often been underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media, with limited opportunities for exposure and recognition
• Stereotypical and appropriative portrayals of Native American music and culture have been prevalent in popular media, leading to a distorted understanding of Indigenous musical traditions
• In recent years, there has been a growing movement to increase the visibility and accurate representation of Native American musicians through platforms such as the Native American Music Awards and dedicated media outlets

Cultural appropriation vs appreciation in Native American music

• The use of Native American musical elements by non-Native artists and the commodification of Indigenous music have raised concerns about cultural appropriation
• Appropriation occurs when elements of Native American music are used without proper understanding, respect, or acknowledgment of their cultural significance and context
• Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, involves a genuine interest in learning about and engaging with Native American music in a respectful and collaborative manner, guided by Indigenous communities themselves

Preserving and promoting Native American musical heritage

• Efforts to preserve and promote Native American musical heritage are crucial for ensuring the continuity of traditional knowledge and cultural practices
• Archives, museums, and cultural centers play a vital role in documenting, storing, and sharing Native American music for future generations
• Educational programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives help pass on traditional music skills and knowledge to younger generations of Indigenous musicians

Future of Native American music

• The future of Native American music lies in the hands of contemporary Indigenous artists who continue to innovate, experiment, and push the boundaries of their musical traditions
• Collaborations between Native American musicians and artists from other genres and cultures offer exciting possibilities for cross-cultural exchange and artistic growth
• The increasing use of technology and digital platforms provides new opportunities for Native American musicians to reach global audiences and connect with Indigenous communities worldwide
• As Native American music continues to evolve and thrive, it remains a powerful force for cultural expression, resistance, and healing within Indigenous communities and beyond