Wapistan releases new album

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Wapistan, Lawrence Martin, describes his music as real Canadian. It's a blend of old country and rock with Native chanting, drums, and of course, language.

With such a mix, it's sometimes difficult to categorize. Where would you find Wapistan in a retail outlet?

"One time in Toronto, I found it under military," Wapistan said with a laugh in an interview with reporter Dooley Jones of radio station CFWE, The Native Perspective. "They must have thought I was some kind of militant."

Whatever the category, the Juno award winner is on the leading edge of a renaissance of Aboriginal art and culture in Canada. His music is a reflection of his dreams and an invitation to join him in his new journey.

He grew up in Moose Factory in the James Bay area, the son of a Cree mother and Irish father. Taught to play guitar by an aunt, music has always been an important part of his life. Celtic jigs, square dancing, country music ? they were always an influence. But more than these, there was always the drum, he said.

In producing his second album, the newly released Message, Wapistan spent a lot of time convincing the producer and recording company that the Native sound to his music was most important.

"They'd say 'Well, can you take out that chant?' and I'd say 'Why?' They'd say, 'Well, cause mainstream radio won't play it.' I'd say, 'So what? Let's keep it in there, because I don't want to compromise too much.' It's bad enough that I've take some of the ideas out, but I don't want to take everything out, because that is what makes me me."

Using his Cree language is also important so that he can truly express himself. He hopes that people listening to his songs, who have lost their language, might be encouraged to learn it again.

"Hey man, it's cool to be Indian," Wapistan said.

Dooley Jones is a news reporter with radio station CFWE, The Native Perspective in Edmonton.