#Iskwé

[zonetrente-trois]

Indie folk and ethereal pop merge convincingly on Waiting For The Laughter, the new single from Iskwé."

Iskwé

[diandrareviewsitall]

Diandra Interviews Iskwé: Putting The Art In Artist

Inspiration can come easy to an artist, but vulnerability is a different beast. A nature walk or Netflix binge can inspire an album, but whether or not it reveals YOU is up for grabs. Putting who you are into your work is not easy because it involves emotional process, progress, and transparency. Hence, why it might feel easier to write a protest song or even one about historical themes and woes,…

[onlyincanadayousay2]

Iskwé

i told myself long ago never forget to dance to my own drum always.

Photo: @mattbarnesphoto Dress: @lesley_hampton M/U: @smashspfx Cuffs: @robertaandersondesign

[agoodbookdrive]

Meet artist and musician Iskwé! Did you know she was recently nominated for a Juno Award for Indigenous Album of the Year? Indeed! Congratulations!

Iskwé is sharing When We Were Alone by David R. Robertson & Julie Flett.

What’s this book about?

“This is a story of friendship between a grandmother and granddaughter, with stories of experiences being passed down through the generations.”

What does she hope the next reader gains from reading this book?

“Some warm fuzzies!”

Do she still read as much as she did when she a kid? What kinds of things does she read now?

“I am constantly reading! I’m currently in university though, so I’m not always reading for pleasure. However, I love to learn through reading - whether it’s for school or for fun!”

Thank you, Iskwé!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

[eventides]

For evening walks and rainy mornings

[ivyinspace]

"Soldier" by Iskwé (Lyric Video)

Song from Carmilla Movie teaser trailer.

[sewluvli]

On my way to Folkfest to see #Iskwé. Channeling some serious summer vibes. #JeffreeStar #MiniBreaker #YouBetterWork https://www.instagram.com/p/B0XD61mnogF/?igshid=tw0d3034olj6

[ultranos]

8 songs / 8 people 

Got tagged by @bellatrixobsessed1 and thought “eh, why not”

Rules: answer 8 prompts with 8 songs, then tag 8 people! 

1. Your favorite song at the moment - I’m on a CHVRCHES kick again, so “Bury It”. (Plus the music video is fun)

2. A song you associate with a favorite character or ship - “The Mother We Share” by CHVRCHES is currently eating my brain as applying to the Fire Sibs, not only in “i don’t want to set the world on fire” but in general.

3. A song that could be about you - “Army of Lions” by Matthew Good. The song came out at a point in my life where I really felt like I was picking myself up and roaring at the world after it tried to grind it out of me.

4. A song you think is overrated - ugh, I haven’t listened to a Top 40 radio station in years, and those have always been hit-or-miss for me. This is probably going to get me in Trouble, but most of Taylor Swift’s discography registers as “pleasant background noise” at best.

5. A good song that reminds you of a specific memory - “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse will never fail to remind me of long hours in a notoriously hard lab class.

6. The last song you listened to - “Africa (Metal Cover)” - by Leo Moracchioli feat. Raeba Massaad & Hannah Boulton. I have no idea why this works so well as metal cover, but it might be one of my favorite versions of the song.

7. A song that makes you laugh - “A Complete History of the Soviet Union As Told by a Humble Worker” by Pig with the Face of a Boy. You wanted a history of the USSR in almost 7 minutes through the metaphor of Tetris, right?

8. A song you want your mutuals to listen to - more people should listen to  ​iskwé, so “The Storm”

Tagging: @youngbloodbuzz, @counterpunches, @sashacore, @patricia-von-arundel, @raksha-the-demon, @volando-voy, @splinteredstar, and @auguris since I think you might have fun with this. And anyone else who wants to.

[danviers]

𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐗.         01.  lavender bones  /  stand atlantic          02.  sane  /  meet me @ the altar          03.  slow dancing  /  aly & aj          04.  bros  /  wolf alice          05.  soldier  /  iskwé          06.  still into you  /  paramore          07.  raise hell  /  dorothy          08.  all through the night  /  cyndi lauper

[shemakesmusic-uk]

INTERVIEW: Iskwē

In a world where we are constantly defining the sum of our lives through the filter of another’s gaze, genuinely unchained artists like Winnipeg-bred Hamilton-based singer-songwriter IsKwé (pronounced iss-kway) are becoming a rare breed.

IsKwé (which means ‘woman’ in her native language) is fostering an unmistakable sound that weaves together her Irish and Cree/Dené roots with poignant politically charged lyrics, dark soulful R&B rhythms, electronic flourishes, and trip hop breakbeats.

Bridging cross-cultural aesthetics while exploring her own struggle to both fit into and breakaway from modern Western archetypes has been an important part of IsKwé’s artistic vision since the release of her self-titled debut album in late 2013.

Unafraid to challenge the convictions of her detractors by honouring her heritage, standing steadfast in her viewpoints, and embracing her sexuality, IsKwé’s artistry knows no bounds. Blending soulful, breathlessly delivered lyrics that are coloured by the many shades of human nature with a sonic palette that takes its queue from the shadowy atmospherics of the 1990s Bristol sound, IsKwé’s music revels in her strength of self and that is her true rallying cry.

IsKwé has just released her new album acākosīk and we had a chat with this incredible artist all about it as well as what kinds of things she takes inspiration from, her creative process and much more. Read the interview below.

You have just released your new album acākosīk. What can you tell us about the record?

"This record is a journey. It was written as a narrative meant to take us through a passage of time, lyrically, and sonically, showcasing some of the roadblocks, while highlighting so much of the beauty I feel exists within the indigenous community. Some of the songs do touch on tough conversations, as this is still the reality we live in, but when you peel back the layers, there are stories of the sky people, stories of love and friendship, as well as self-discovery."

acākosīk is your third album. How does it compare with your first two, iskwē and The Fight Within? How has your sound evolved?

"This album is definitely leaning more on the alternative and traditional sonic influences, with the electronic vibes being more in the secondary role. I'm not entirely sure how/why this shift evolved this way - but it naturally fit with the narrative and sentiment as I was creating, so I ran with it!"

Please take us through your songwriting/creative process.

"This is a tricky one to answer, as I don't feel I have any one particular process. There are times songs seem to fall from the sky and use me as a conduit - where I blink and the song is written, sometimes with me not have a clear memory of the process, while other times I can sit and work on a tune for months, massaging and trying new sounds, etc. It's a bit of a crap-shoot, in terms of which way presents itself each time I sit down to write!"

You have such a unique and mesmerizing sound. What/who do you take your inspiration from?

"Well thank you! I pull inspiration for all sorts of people and places. I find sonically, I'm inspired primarily by orchestral sounds paired with crunchy, inorganic synthy bass type sounds. I love the blend of classical with grit - so artists like Björk, Portishead, Nine Inch Nails. But then I'm also drawn to my love of 90s grunge/alternative, and the melancholic sounds of vocalists like Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) and finding ways to subtly reference these influences. Honestly - I pull from so much. I grew up listening to EVERYTHING, and feel no need to limit myself to any one particular sound."

And how do you incorporate your atmospheric soundscape into your live show?

"I try to keep it ever shifting and evolving, so that folks get to be excited at the start of each show and think "what is she going to do THIS time?". This can range from what sort of orchestration I include on that tour (sometimes I have powwow singers, sometimes I have string instruments like violins and cellos, etc), but I'm always looking to build on what I've done in the past!"

Is there anything you like to do outside of music that contributes to your musicality? For example a hobby you turn to in order to rejuvenate your creativity?

"Ah! Well, actually - I was a dancer before I ever went into music as a career, and I really LOVE this art. It is such a passion of mine, and even though I'm not as strong at it as I once was, I make sure to get myself to class from time to time, and to always let music move me - whether in my kitchen, on stage, or if I go out dancing with friends! I also love to cook, which is my best stress reliever. I'll put on some delicious jazz or classical music, and dive in. Yumm!!"

If there was one thing you could change about the music world today, what would it be?

"I'd love to see the art of the album come back into rotation - when we got excited about an artists release because we hadn't heard from them in a while, as they were taking their time writing and creating in order to release an album with a ban! The constant need to pump out new material every few months in order to stay "relevant" is taxing and feels a bit oversaturated, so I'd really love for us to venture back to the idea of anticipation and delayed gratification!"

You collaborated with the brilliant Tanya Tagaq on the song 'The Unforgotten' last year. Is there anyone else you would love to collaborate with in the future?

"I'm going to shoot for the stars and put it out to the universe...I'd love to work with Trent Reznor next!!"

Now that is a collaboration we would love to see! Finally, what would you say has been the biggest highlight of your career so far and what are you looking forward to in the future?

"Oh jeeze - I've been lucky enough to have a whole wack of really cool things happen along the way for me so far! I'd say the most current highlight would have been performing some of my songs alongside the National Arts Centre Orchestra for the Golden Gala 50th Anniversary of the NAC. My songs had been arranged for the orchestra, so it was just me and the orchestra - and it felt incredible! There was a moment, when I was standing on stage looking up to the huge spotlight shining down, hearing the musicians build up a big moment in my song 'Little Star,' that I thought to myself - oh! This is like that moment in ALL the movies!! It was total magic."

acākosīk is out now.

[thepressocean-blog]

#CBC: "How Lights, IsKwé and other women are making change in the Canadian music industry - Entertainment " #Toronto #Montreal #Calgary #Ottawa #Canada

#CBC: “How Lights, IsKwé and other women are making change in the Canadian music industry – Entertainment ” #Toronto #Montreal #Calgary #Ottawa #Canada

[ad_1]

As the Canadian music industry gathers in Vancouver to celebrate the Juno Awards this weekend, inclusion, gender parity and the #MeToo movement will undoubtedly be topics of conversation.

In the wake of sexual misconduct allegations against EDM DJ Datsik and Jacob Hoggard, the frontman of pop rock group Hedley, as well as lingering concerns over the…

[cushydiet-blog]

How Lights, IsKwé and other women are making change in ... - https://wp.me/p8XyML-mz6 - #Change, #IsKwé, #Lights, #Making, #News, #Women

[therevue]

We go globetrotting on #TheMatinee, filling the mini-playlist with nine songs by artists/bands from nine countries. Click the homepage link in profile to hear new tunes from: Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes, Yune, Kat Frankie, Hanne Kolstø, Iskwé, Two Cartoons, DRÆMINGS, New Candys, and Machine translations. ... Supporting labels: Spunk Records, Fuzz Club, Jansen Records, Grönland Records, Rama Lama Records ... #newmusic #indiemusic #SteveBuscemisDreamyEyes #TwoCartoons #Yuneband #KatFrankie #HanneKolstø #Iskwé #DRÆMINGS #NewCandys #MachineTranslations #alternative #altrock #altpop #dreampop #indierock #synthpop #synthrock #newmusicalert #newmusicdiscovery #pressplay #takealisten

[dear-indies]

hey cuties! i see there is a list with fcs that have limited icons, but i find that a lot of rps expect gifs to be used verse the ivons. do y'all have a plan to make one for gifs too? thanks for all your hard work and have a wonderful day!! 🌻

Hey anon - our directory��has options for those with under 150 resources and another for gifs! Most of the faceclaims on there at the moment have icons because that’s what I focused on first but I will add more people with gifs too. 

Some people I’d really like to see gifs of though!

Gil Birmingham (1953) Comanche - actor. 

Ma Dong-Seok (1971) Korean - actor.

Buck Angel (1972) - adult actor and motivational speaker - trans - bisexual. 

Kirsten Vangsness (1972) - actress - queer. 

Keala Settle (1975) Māori - actress and singer.

Haaz Sleiman (1976) Lebanese - gay - actor.

Mustafa Shakir (1977) African-American- actor.

Emilio Insolera (1979) - actor - deaf.

Angelica Ross (1980) African-American - trans - actress) 

Karamo Brown (1980) Jamaican - TV personality - gay.

Viviane Porto (1981)  Afro-Brazilian - actress.

Jordan Raskopoulos (1982) comedian, actress and singer - trans.

Olivia Jackson (1983) - actress and model - spinal injury and arm amputee. 

Aidy Bryant (1987) - actress and comedian.

Nicola Coughlan (1987) - actress.

Marycarmen Lopez (1988) Mexican - actress.

Sharon Rooney (1988) - actress.

Daniela Vega (1989) Chilean - actress - trans.

Jessica Kellgren-Fozard (1989) YouTuber - lesbian - deaf. 

Lewis Tan (1987) Chinese / Irish, possibly English - actor, model and martial artist.

Harnaam Kaur (1990) Punjabi - model, anti-bullying and body positive activist.

Iskra Lawrence (1990) - model.

Laura Harrier (1990) African-American / Rusyn, English, German, Swiss-German - actress and model.

Lauren Potter (1990) - actress - has down syndrome. 

Tabria Majors(1990) Black - model.

Ryan Jamaal Swain (1991) African-American - dancer and actor - gay. 

Nyma Tang (1991) Sudanese - YouTuber. 

Dominique Fishback (1991) African-American - actress.

Moko (1991) ¾ Ghanaian, ¼ Chinese - singer.

RJ Mitte (1992) - actor and model -has cerebral palsy.

Rodolfo Valente (1993) Brazilian - actor. 

Raini Rodriguez (1993) Mexican - actress. 

Ryan Cassata (1993) - singer and actor - trans. 

Sean Berdy (1993) actor - deaf.

Riley Carter Millington (1993/1994) - actor - trans. 

Chris Veres (1994) - actor. 

Shady Srour (1995) Egyptian - actor.

Bree Kish (1996) ¼ Spanish ¼ Irish ¼ Dutch ¼ African-American - model. 

Khoudia Diop (1996) Senegalese - model. 

Greyson Chance (1997) - singer - gay.

Ryan Jacobs Flores (1997) Mexican - YouTuber - trans. 

Micah Fowler (1998) actor - has cerebral palsy.

Georgia Rankin (1998) YouTuber - has dwarfism. 

Iskwé (????) Cree, Dene, Metis, and Irish - singer - queer.

Vaneza Oliveira (???) Afro-Brazilian - actress. 

Sam M'Pele (????) Black  - actress. 

If you’d like more recommendations on who to make resources for feel free to send us another message - also include specifics if needed like age, gender, ethnicity or even occupation! We also have a tag of underused fcs here too! -C