Manitoba Music
Talking Stick Music Video Series Highlights Indigenous Artists From Manitoba
Third Season of Genre-Spanning Series Premieres January 20 via YouTube and Facebook
Season three of the Talking Stick video series is set to premiere this month, featuring live performances of original new music by First Nation, Metis, and Inuit artists along with on-camera mini interviews. Produced through the Indigenous Music Development Program at Manitoba Music, the four-episode series kicks off its run on January 20 via Facebook and YouTube.
Talking Stick shines a spotlight on artists and new music from the local Indigenous music community. It also offers the artists a chance to add professional-filmed videos to their own marketing toolkits, which can be critical for career advancement and accessing new markets in a business that relies on exceptional live video more than ever.
Anishinaabe and settler singer-songwriter Ila Barker launches the new season on January 20. Coming up: country act Jerry Sereda on January 27, hip hop artist Stun on February 17, and Metis singer/songwriter and actress Victoria Turko on February 24.
Produced with Kejic Productions, a Winnipeg-based company owned and operated by Cree/Ojibway producer and director Erica Daniels, Talking Stick was filmed on location in the light-filled space at the Southeast Resource Development Council’s Wellness Lodge.
“We’re so excited to share a new season of Talking stick and support these four inspiring artists and their creative work,” says host and producer Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais, the Indigenous Music Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music. “We’re grateful to the artists, to Erica and the team at Kejic for helping bring this vision to fruition and of course to the funders for making this series possible.”
IMDP was launched in 2004 to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit artists and music companies develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. IMDP is supported by the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Film & Music.
Ila Barker
Watch January 20
With her soulful voice and lyrics that wash over the minds and hearts of audiences like waves, singer-songwriter Ila Barker is a force to be reckoned with. This Winnipeg based folk-soul artist of Anishinaabe and settler heritage, takes listeners on an introspective journey, inviting them to connect deeply with their own emotions. As an act of reciprocity, Ila mentors emerging Indigenous artists in AIRsessions, her self-curated music workshop series. Ila has taken the stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Regina Folk Festival, sākihiwē festival, and opened for Jeremy Dutcher’s sold out performance at the Indian River Festival in PEI. After the release of her self-titled debut album (2013) Ila took time to mindfully refine her artistry, embarking on a creative evolution, and emerging with a self-determine sound. Her newly released album Fool Under Water (2022) is an honour song to her metamorphosis into the powerhouse she is today and a promise that the tide will turn.
Photo by Rein Cabalquinto
Jerry Sereda
Watch January 27
Manitoba-based musician Jerry Sereda is a decorated Country artist who can't help but capture music fans everywhere he goes. With his gripping and energetic live performances, Jerry celebrates his Indigenous heritage by weaving personal stories and experiences into his delightfully catchy songs. Beginning his music career as the winner of a local music contest who earned the opportunity to record his first single, the 2010 Indigenous Music Awards Best New Artist has firmly established his roots in the Canadian Country music scene. Drawing comparisons to the vocal and live performance style of Country legends Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw, Jerry has shared the stage with prominent Country artists including four-time JUNO award winner Johnny Reid and Canadian Country Music Association award recipient Jason Blaine.
Stun
Watch February 17
Stun (known off stage as Winston Chubb) is a Winnipeg-based Indigenous hip hop artist who’s been recognized by #FirstUp with RBCxMusic, the International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards, the Indigenous Screen Awards, and more. Earning A spot in the top 5 on the IMC, with a lead single titled, “Indigenous”, Stun drove into the summer of 2022 with a fresh dose of indigenous excellence. Leading up to current events, Stun received “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” at the second annual International Indigenous Hiphop Awards show, followed by “Lifestylez of the Fresh & Indigenous”, the third instalment to the artists catalog.
Victoria Turko
Watch February 24
Victoria Turko is a Metis singer/Songwriter and Actress who travels from show to show with her guitar in hand and a passion for story telling. She regularly performs at social events and venues around Manitoba. Some of her more notable performaces are playing on the main stage at Winnipeg Pride Festival, Main Stage at Winnipeg Fringe Festival, Winnipeg Manyfest and Winnipeg Folk Festival. Victoria took part in the 2018 Manitoba Showcase as an Emerging Artist and has been launching her profesional career ever since.
Victoria recently released her two latest singles "House" and "18 Years clueless" which both climed the charts ans made it to top 10 of IMC top 40! She is working on recording her music, as she has many more originals to record and share. She recently acted in action/Comedy "Vandits"as a lead actress alongside co-stars Jan Arden and Trailer Park Boy Robb Well's. Victoria also apeared in one epiosde on new CTV comedies and Craves new series "Acting Good."