Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
Growing up, I developed a passion for music, thanks to my father’s guitar and fiddle playing. His music always fascinated me, and I became curious about different instruments. As I grew older, I learned that he played other instruments like the drums and bass, which only increased my desire to learn more about music. One day, I asked him to teach me how to play the guitar, and after quickly grasping some chords, I started learning on my own by watching instructional videos and reading books. Eventually, I met Robert Bobbish, a rock musician in my community, who became my guitar mentor and taught me scales and guitar solos. He encouraged me to showcase my skills at talent shows in Chisasibi and other communities hosting music festivals in the late 90s and early 2000s. Today, I’m a well-known musician in the Cree Nation, despite some setbacks in some years. I never gave up on my dreams and continued to pursue my music career, inspiring other youth to follow their dreams and achieve their goals. Not only do I have a record label, Meikin Records, I play in a band called Cree Rising; they have been awesome to play with on stage at music festivals and building my business at the same time.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I find inspiration in listening to various music genres or particular songs on platforms like YouTube or Spotify. This helps me stay motivated while I learn complex chords that I don’t usually use. Whenever I get stuck, I use chord progression generators to spark my creative inspiration and write my next hit songs.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
I wouldn’t say that I face many challenges as a musician and artist. When I’m composing new music, collaborating with other artists, or performing, I wear my “composing or musician hat” to stay inspired. I also make an effort to market my music effectively, and if I don’t see good results, I hire publicists to help achieve the best outcomes.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
I usually start creating music by playing the guitar or piano, using chord progressions that I find appealing. To make the process more interesting, I hum melodies and then start writing lyrics to match those catchy tunes. As I progress, I begin adding various layers of instruments such as drums, bass, synths, and guitars. Then I structure the song into a finished track. (Intro, verse 1, pre-chorus, chorus, verse 2, bridge, etc.), that’s just one example, not all songs are in the same structure. Once I have recorded everything, I start the mixing process to adjust the levels, tones, dynamics and frequencies of each track. After that, I move on to the mastering process, which is the final step before releasing the song.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I used to think that having a day job was necessary to succeed in the music industry. It made it easier to manage a consistent music career by booking shows and receiving production inquiries. In Canada, there are music grants available, such as FACTOR and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
As a teenager, I struggled with stage fright, but I have since conquered it. Nowadays, when I perform on stage, I feel no nervousness or stage fright. In fact, playing and performing in front of people is one of the most exhilarating experiences for me as a musician. I have a great time on stage and enjoy every moment of it.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
Promoting music through streaming platforms can be challenging because of scammers who deceive musicians by selling fake organic streams. As a result, I prefer to rely on publicists to promote my music and build my brand. Participating in interviews demonstrates that you take your music career seriously and increases your chances of receiving additional invites or interview requests. Consistent posting is essential to keep the momentum going and receive interactions from your followers.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
Collaborations are huge for me, they helps you stay motivated and inspired to make catchy tunes with them, or play exciting shows. I have worked with Aspects, Violent Ground, Melody McArthur, Claire Sully, Ezekiel Mianscum, Cree Rising, Chris Snowboy, Fort George Rockers, and many others.
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
My music is heavily influenced by a variety of guitar styles, vocal techniques, and production methods. I draw inspiration from different decades, specifically the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s, which makes my music truly unique. In fact, some people have told me that my sound cannot be replicated.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Live performances have been an important part of my career. However, there was a period of a few years when I didn’t perform because I was a full-time college student. I put my live performances on hold in order to focus on my studies. When I eventually wanted to get back into performing, Covid-19 hit and put all live events on hold. During this time, I focused on producing music for other artists. It wasn’t until 2020 that I hired a publicist to promote my first EP, ‘Find Myself’. This is when I started performing live covers and original music on various social platforms.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
One of my songs, “Be Alert,” stands out on the album due to its big production sound. The track features catchy melodies and chords, emotional lyrics, and a powerful message. Overall, it’s more interesting than the rest of the songs on the record.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
I have set some future goals and aspirations to work together with promoters, agents, and labels to organize events as a team. Since Meikin Records is a registered business, building reliable partnerships should not pose any challenge. Our aim is to help artists reach larger audiences by showcasing their talents and skills. You can check out our work by visiting our website at www.meikinrecords.com.
