In the build up to his impending tour across the country supporting Xavier Rudd and Donavon Frankenreiter we caught up with Nahko Bear for a quick chat to find out a little more about him and his music.
For those that may not have heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
It’s a mash up of world sounds, roots storytelling, folk foundation, acoustic marrow, and in your face poetry like you’ve never heard before.
Who/What do you consider to be your main influences?
My multiple families have been massive influences on this story, within the writing, and formulating the vision in its ever changing state of transmission. Under that umbrella falls creation itself – all her history, pain, massacre, and resilience.
The actual plight of our native people, our aboriginal people has influenced me widely in my writing and in my activism on and off stage.
I am influenced by nature in all its forms. By the wicked and by the just. By the tides and the sickness of man. By the beauty and joy within the breath of life.
What is the significance behind the artwork for your new album Dark As Night?
I’m a horsemen. What you see here is a spirit horse. A representation of a warrior. Of transmutation and transcending beyond earthly form. The messenger. The night rider. Within the moon is the flower of life which is tattooed on my head. A symbol of ancient language and infinite truth.
What has the reaction to the album from both critics and the public been like so far?
Over all, pretty good. It was a stretch for some of our old listeners to hear a more polished sound, but they came around to it. And the new listeners are more than stoked on getting the lyrics and the studio versions available for daily mantras.
What’s the story behind the video for your latest single “Budding Trees”?
The video idea was inspired by our first official video “Manifesto”. I love including our family in our visual work. It creates a bond and a magic that is priceless. And with a song like “Budding Trees” which is all about the opening and closing of human relationships and the doors of love – it felt only right to invite people to tell us their version of the story.
This won’t be your first visit to Australia, how did you find your previous visit?
Quite magical, really. A little intense, actually too, as I was greeted by some seriously old information regarding past life stuff and came to realize what an ambassador for my country I am.
As a few moons went by during my previous visit, so did many lessons and hard earned validation from this country’s music legends. The land greeted me with open arms, the people took a healthy dose of our action and got hooked faster than I could have ever dreamed. The empowerment movement began in full force.
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming Australian tour?
Being surrounded by people I love. Knowing the folks that come to these shows are ready to receive a message that for some is too heavy.
Xavier is my elder and the wisdom he bestows on me is priceless. We’re all clowns, too, so I’m anxious to laugh and make light of some serious issues we both keep close to our hearts.
Time with the ocean and good time spent with new members of our tribe are just a few of the things I am focusing on manifesting on this trip.
This won’t be your first time touring alongside Xavier Rudd, are you looking forward to getting back out on the road with him?
Yes. He’s so funny. And we “get” each other. Our bond is unique and our spirits are strong together. Our ancestors are proud of us. The sons are back together and this time on Xavier’s turf instead of my first nations turf. I am here to stay humble and present and of service as an opener and as the new guy.
What can Australian audiences expect from one of your shows?
A full on melt your face shredding heart opening foot stomping good time.
What does the rest of 2013 hold in store for you?
After this tour we head back to the east coast of America to tour again with a band called Soja. Amazing fellas shredding reggae. 12 days of that and we’re back in our stomping grounds for a Hawaii tour through just before thanksgiving.
My good brother and fellow musician Trevor Hall and I will tour for two weeks through the beginning of December in California and Colorado… finally getting to do some solo stuff which will be good for my heart and practice.
Then off to Bali for two weeks with Trevor and Michael Franti to support a birthing center in that region and a really rad alternative school.
NYE in Portland Oregon where I was born and raised and then we’re moving everything from Hawaii to California for studio space, surf, mountains, rehearsal space, etc. etc. etc. by January 1st we will take off for recording our 3rd full length record. We’re excited!
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Nahko and Medicine for the People‘s second album Dark As Night is released Friday 27th September through Ten to Two / Inertia. Whilst the tour kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday 25th September at Adelaide’s Thebarton Theatre. Full tour dates below:
WEDNESDAY 25 SEP – THEBARTON THEATRE, ADELAIDE SA – All Ages
SATURDAY 28 SEP – 3 OCEANS WINERY, MARGARET RIVER WA – 18+
SUNDAY 29 SEP – FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE, FREMANTLE WA – 18+
WEDNESDAY 2 OCT – FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC – 18+ *2nd show
THURSDAY 3 OCT – FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC – 18+ *Sold Out
FRIDAY 4 OCT – BIG TOP, LUNA PARK SYDNEY NSW – 18+
SUNDAY 6 OCT – CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, SUNSHINE COAST QLD – All Ages
MONDAY 7 OCT – YAC AMPITHEATRE, BYRON BAY NSW – All Ages
TUESDAY 8 OCT – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE QLD – 18+
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