ISHKŌDÉ RECORDS: SONGS FOR THE EIGHTH FIRE
NEW INDIGENOUS WOMEN-OWNED RECORD LABEL LAUNCHES ON TURTLE ISLAND
MEET FIRST ISHKŌDÉ RECORDS SIGNING AYSANABEE HERE
29 JUNE 2021 (TORONTO, ON) - Custodians of song and story, Ishkōdé Records officially launches today. The new Indigenous women-owned label is helmed by ShoShona Kish (Ojibwe, Anishinaabe) and Amanda Rheaume (Citizen of Métis Nation of Ontario), founders of the International Indigenous Music Summit, recently featured in the NY Times.
“Songs for the Eighth Fire,” Ishkōdé Records’ guiding principle, refers to the Anishinaabe’s Seven Fires prophecy. The prophecy heralds an epoch of eternal peace when Indigenous peoples and settler communities together build the eighth and final fire of justice and harmony. Ishkōdé means fire in Anishinaabemowin.
“For me, Ishkōdé Records celebrates our narrative sovereignty: storytelling is an expression of self-determination,” says Kish. “Our voices are powerful, they are grounded in our bloodlines and culture. We are in a time where our songs are needed. We all have a role to play in amplifying and creating space in the hope that someday we will light that Eighth Fire."
Ishkōdé Records is also pleased to announce its distribution deal with Universal Music Canada. “Since our first conversations, I have been deeply inspired by what ShoShona and Amanda are building – a vital new platform driven by artist-centred partnerships created to amplify Indigenous voices telling their stories through music. Universal Music Canada is honoured to partner with Ishkōdé Records to support, celebrate, and share this important work,” said Jeffrey Remedios, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Canada.
Looking ahead, Ishkōdé Records confirms its first official release will be a new single from Digging Roots on August 5, 2021. Expect details on new music from Aysanabee, an astonishingly talented songwriter, guitar player, saxophonist and producer, as well as label co-founder and solo artist Amanda Rheaume soon.
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About Ishkōdé Records
Ishkōdé Records is a new Indigenous women-owned label created to foster and amplify Indigenous voices. Ishkōdé Records arrives to advocate for Indigenous artists, songs and stories in the commercial music landscape. Led by artists, organizers and activists Anishinaabekwe ShoShona Kish (Digging Roots) and solo artist Amanda Rheaume, Citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario, Ishkōdé approaches the independent label operations through the lens of women and artist entrepreneurship, long-standing industry experience and cultural and ancestral processes. The word Ishkōdé means fire in Anishinaabemowin.
About ShoShona Kish
ShoShona Kish is an Anishinaabekwe community organizer, producer, activist and artist in JUNO award-winning band Digging Roots. Co-Founder of Ishkōdé Records, Kish is also the Artistic Director of the International Indigenous Music Summit and has curated and collaborated on projects with Canada’s National Art Centre, the Women of the World Festival and the Sydney Opera House. Kish’s work has been recognized with Folk Alliance’s Spirit of Folk Award and WOMEX’s Professional Excellence Award.
About Amanda Rheaume
Amanda Rheaume is a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and a singer/songwriter that has self-managed her music career over 15 years and five full-length albums. Keep a Fire was nominated for a JUNO Award and won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year. Rheaume is also the Director of Operations for the International Indigenous Music Summit, Co-Founder of Ishkōdé Records and Project Coordinator for the new National Indigenous Music Organization. Rheaume identifies as she/her and is an active and proud member of the LGBTQ2S+ community.