When 16-year-old Adrian Sutherland in the isolated Cree community of Attawapiskat borrowed a harmonica from an Elder, he fashioned a homemade harness using a coat-hanger, two sticks and elastic bands, and set out to learn Neil Young’s Heart of Gold. Little did he know that 26 years later, his own musical journey would come full circle with the release of a music video that not only pays homage to the song, but also the place where he learned to play it.

In October 2018, a production crew of three traveled to Sutherland’s home in Attawapiskat in remote Northern Ontario with 14 cases of gear and one ambitious plan: shooting two music videos in five days. Getting the job done in only four, they used the remaining time to shoot this fun little video for Heart of Gold. You could say it came together spontaneously, magically, and with a little help from some friends…

Heart of Gold was shot and directed by Vancouver-based motion picture cinematographer Cliff Hokanson, produced by Midnight Shine’s manager, RoseAnna Schick, with Sutherland as executive producer. The video was edited by first-time editor and college student Bethany Fontaine, with colouring and effects by Tony Wytinck at White Ink Digital Post in Winnipeg.

TIMELY NEW TAKE ON TIMELESS CLASSIC

Midnight Shine recorded Heart of Gold for their third album High Road. It brings a timely new take to a timeless classic, and is a song that means a lot to Sutherland: “Growing up in an isolated area, I listened to a lot of music, especially once I started playing guitar. Neil Young was one of my biggest musical inspirations, and Heart of Gold is still one of my favourite songs. We wanted to record it, but in a way that’s different from everyone else. That’s how we ended up giving it a little ‘shine’ of our own.”

Midnight Shine’s version honours the heart and soul of the original, yet is distinctly different, featuring heavy drum beat, slide guitar, pow wow singing, and a verse performed in Mushkegowuk Cree. With 2019 having been declared the International Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations, the timing couldn’t be better for a song like this cover.

Midnight Shine’s Heart of Gold continues to gain new fans across Canada, into the US, and internationally, with ever-increasing radio airplay and growing streaming numbers. Music critics are impressed, too, with several rave reviews, and accolades from Young’s own biographer: “Quite a fascinating version of Neil’s song. Love the First Nations’ feel of it. Very cool…” — John Einarson, Neil Young Biographer & Music Historian

Heart of Gold is written by Neil Young, with lyrics translated into Mushkegowuk Cree by Sutherland, and recorded with permission from Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. It was produced by Midnight Shine and John-Angus MacDonald (The Trews) at Jukasa Studios in Ohsweken, Ontario, with engineers Jill Zimmermann and Darren Magierowski, and mastered in Toronto by João Carvalho.

A FEW FUN FACTS

• Midnight Shine had to hire a drummer to come into the studio with them to record Heart of Gold, and was more than fortunate to end up working with an incredible talent in Chris Gormley (The Trews).

• Heart of Gold opens with Indigenous chanting and pow wow singing – both performed by Sutherland. He can also be heard on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica, and slide guitar.

• It turns out that translating the first verse into Mushkegowuk Cree was difficult to do. Here’s why: “There are Cree words for different types of rocks and minerals, so when we describe gold we say ‘money rock.’ But ‘heart of gold’ really means someone ‘good hearted’ so that’s how I translated it into Cree. A direct translation would have confused people in the Cree communities.”

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With Adrian Sutherland living in Attawapiskat, and Stan Louttit in Moose Factory, both band members have to fly out of their communities for every single Midnight Shine performance and professional opportunity.

We rely extensively on Northern airlines, and Air Creebec provides a reliable and comfortable way for us to travel to and from shows, while safely shipping their musical equipment along with us.

Oh, and they make good coffee, too! 

Air Creebec was established in June 1982, and today, is completely under Cree ownership. The airline employs employs over 350 people, and operates 19 aircraft registered with Transport Canada. Air Creebec is committed to providing top-quality airline services in Quebec and Ontario, and continue to pursue excellence in their field.

Thank you Air Creebec for your support!

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My youngest can already fish on his own. His catch totaled 45 fish, a mix of char and trout – impressive for an 11 year old! They both got to see how traps were set, which is something that has almost completely died off in James Bay. It’s important for them to understand the past to help them see the path forward. This trip only scrapes the surface of what their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents would have endured on the land.

My son-in-law and brother arrived shortly after we turned back because Jr. was too cold to continue tracking fresh moose tracks. “We got two bulls!” said my brother with much excitement in his voice. All of us were happy to have fresh meat, so we hurried off to gut and skin the kill.

It’s not easy skinning a bull moose, and it’s twice as hard in winter when everything seems to slow down from the cold. The hide is almost an inch thick in some places and your blade dulls quickly. If you’re not careful to wipe the blood from the blade before taking it to a file, the file ices up and won’t sharpen a blade.

We’re also working against short daylight hours, and a little boss who keeps yelling at us: “When you guys going to be done, and what’s taking you so long?” Sometimes Jr. lacks patience and understanding at his age, so we work our butts off to please him.

Working my butt off has become the story of my life – not only on the land, and at home, but also in my work as an entrepreneur, and in pursuing a career in music. This has not been easy. We have been working hard on the new Midnight Shine album, and sending tracks to a few industry people to listen to. We are excited by the new music, but I’m feeling frustrated by what a few prominent radio trackers said.

Don’t get me wrong, like every other band, I, too, would like to have commercial success.  But let’s face it, if you’re not Coldplay or some other superstar that everybody already knows, it’s very rare that you’ll ever be good enough for a radio trackers’ ears, or for commercial radio to put your music into rotation.

I often to listen to Apple Music’s rock playlist, called ‘The A-List’, carefully studying the production, arrangements and lyrics. I do hear a difference in sound and style between artists, but a lot of it begins to sound the same to me. Something else I’m very confused about is how crappy songs get into regular rotation on commercial radio. It’s like they play the same artists, over and over, no matter if the songs are good or not. At the same time, they don’t want to give new artists a chance. Guess I’ll never understand that whole world.

I’m trying desperately to fit into the industry, but can’t help but feel like an outsider. Maybe it’s all part of building the brand, paying your dues, and starting at the bottom of the totem pole.

I’m chomping at the bit for the music to really take off, but keeping a positive outlook and believing that good things are on the horizon. With the third album mostly complete, I feel good knowing that all the hard work will eventually come to fruition.

It’s been an awesome experience meeting so many people this past year and being in the same company as great musicians like Jim Cuddy, Dallas Smith and Sam Roberts, and NHL greats like Daniel Alfredsson and Troy Crowder. Experiences like this have really boosted my confidence, and remind me that slowly but surely, we are gaining ground.

Looking back now, I can see just how far I’ve come.

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In the days leading up to Bluesfest, I felt pretty good knowing that I’d come all this way from nowhere. My home is Attawapiskat, a remote community in Northern Ontario on the coast of the James Bay. Being in Attawapiskat makes you feel far removed from the rest of the world sometimes. It can be a tough place to live, and an even tougher place from which to launch a music career.

Landing the gig at Bluesfest, I couldn’t help but think… not too bad for an Omushkego (Swampy Cree)! I felt proud, and wanted to play the best show we could, on what would be our biggest stage yet. I remember the first time playing a stage that came close to the size of the Bluesfest City Stage. There was so much space around me, I didn’t know what to do with it. The other guys in the band all seemed so far away. It was a strange feeling, being exposed in front of a crowd like that.

One great discovery though, about professional stages, is that the sound guys and stage manager are top notch. They are right on cue with everything, which helps to ease the nerves. Working with a professional crew sure beats having to fashion up a mic stand with duct tape and a yard rake – something we actually had to do once, for a show up north.

Finally, Bluesfest weekend arrived. Arriving backstage at the festival site early on Sunday afternoon was overwhelming to say the least. There were buses and semis and vehicles moving about, and all kinds of people running around doing their jobs. We felt like rookies back there, but the staff and crew were so nice to us, and treated us like an important band. On that day, in that space, I suppose we were.

They showed us to our ‘greenroom’ – a trailer in the backstage area. We noticed the sign on a trailer just a few meters away: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. They were going to be right there! It was hard not to want to wait around to see if we could catch a glimpse of them. But we had work to do.

Waiting backstage to do our sound-check… I couldn’t help but notice over on the side stage, a workspace full of guitars. There must have been 20 different guitars! I knew they belonged to Tom Petty, and I looked down at my only guitar – a J35 Gibson which I could barely afford to buy five years ago. I thought to myself, I wonder if I’ll be able to make it in this business and one day own that many guitars.

I would have loved to shake Tom Petty’s hand that day, and let him know how much he inspired me. When I was a kid, the jukebox in Attawapiskat had a Tom Petty song: Won’t Back Down. Any chance I got, I’d put my money in the jukebox and listen. It was a song of defiance, and gave me strength in some ways. It was also one of the first songs I taught myself to play on guitar.

We performed our best show for Bluesfest, and the organizers seemed very happy. So did the crowd, who clapped, cheered, and even shouted for an encore. We played in front of about 5000 people that day – our largest crowd yet. We had so much fun roaming around on the biggest stage we’d ever been on. I think we surprised a lot of people with our music and performance that day. We maybe even surprised ourselves a little bit.

Being from the far North can have its disadvantages in more ways than one. On the flip side, it has definitely helped shape who I am today. Knowing what it feels like to have very little can set you on a path of wanting more. It creates an insatiable appetite for kushki-ho-win (success). I’ve never been one to sit around and do nothing, and anytime I have extra time, I can’t bare it.

It’s kind of funny that colonizers once set out to break the Ininiw (Indian). Yet, by attempting to do so, they unintentionally created a hybrid Canadian who excelled – and excels – in Indigenous society, as well as in western society. Ultimately, we have learned to navigate the best of both worlds, which is now very helpful. Today, even more than ever before, I am driven for kushki-ho-win.

After our show, we enjoyed a special reception put on by Bluesfest organizers, and met many Indigenous people and leaders from the Odawa region. Afterwards, we sat back with our friends and family to enjoy Tom Petty’s performance. And what a show! I haven’t seen many concerts in my life, but if I had, I’ll bet this would have been one of my favourites.

As I watched Tom Petty playing up there on that gigantic stage, I couldn’t help but notice each time he changed guitars – the same guitars I had seen backstage. While we hoped to get the chance to shake his hand that day, we never did. And now with the news of his sudden passing, it would have meant even more to us, for that moment to have happened. But now, it never will.

I’m sad to know that the world lost Tom Petty. I’m also grateful that I once got to open for one of the greatest musicians of our time. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

The post Dream Come True: Opening For Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers appeared first on Midnight Shine.

As a boy in Attawapiskat, I started playing hockey in net on the outdoor rink – I wasn’t a good player and my skating was choppy, so I got thrown in net. The school would collect donated gear from the south and we each got what we could grab. My goalie pads were from the 60’s era, old faded brown leather pads, a glove and blocker. I only had a flimsy back-catcher chest plate for protection, and recall feeling intense pain after blocking each shot. One day I decided to reinforce the plate with layers of tape and cardboard and that seemed to do the trick.

We shared the rink with the older boys and men, and once you were in full gear you weren’t allowed to leave. The older boys would keep us in net, then the men would fire slapshots at us during their warm-ups. Then we’d stay in net for their game. By the end of the night my toes were numb from the cold -40 weather and my little body would be aching from all the shots. I’m not sure why I played in net all those years because I would describe the experience as painful! So my time in net was brief for obvious reasons!

I later became a player, and spent most of my hockey years skating backwards on defense, with a brief stint as a winger. I swear I owned all the books on hockey instruction, hockey plays, mental toughness, training, conditioning, skating, it became an obsession. Any coaching I did get was from the parents, and it wasn’t very organized. Most of the time all I could hear was yelling.  

Because of my remote location (Attawapiskat is a fly-in community off the coast of James Bay) no opportunities ever came my way to play organized hockey, You’ll be glad to know that I made it all the way to the Attawapiskat Bush League! I did play a few seasons in Hinton, Alberta, for the Hinton Heat in the NCHL Sr. AA League – the highlight of my hockey experience, I suppose. At the age of 32, I finally got to play competitive hockey for the first time. 

It wasn’t easy getting my first taste of real hockey. I was nervous, because I’d never played contact before. The first game was much harder than I expected, and my heart was pounding when I was on the ice. I felt like I had no time to make a play. I got the snot knocked out of me that first game, but it was well worth it!

The coach was very encouraging, and had to keep reminding me that it’s okay to bodycheck. Any free time I had, I’d go to the rink and practice. Playing indoors was a real pleasure!  I wanted to improve my game, and feel like I was finally able to do that.

Today, I mostly play the odd pick-up game and tournament. My sons are not that interested in hockey, although my youngest is beginning to show more interest. One of my favourites things to do is stickhandle on the backyard rink. I’ve been doing that for years. It’s a real stress reliever for me, and kind of therapeutic I’d say.

As for the JUNO Cup, I’m excited to be on the ice with other musicians, and former NHL players, and see how I measure up. It’ll be a challenge I’m sure, but I think I’m ready for it. 

NOTE: The JUNO Cup is an annual celebrity hockey match in support of MusiCounts. The puck drops at 7:30pm at TD Place in Ottawa, on Friday, March 31. Hope to see you there!

The post The Good Ol’ Hockey Game appeared first on Midnight Shine.

Attawapiskat has been struggling with the suicide crises, and that’s only one issue among multiple problems that exist here. These issues are deep rooted and have been around for as long as I can remember, and have only gotten worse in recent years. But, we’re doing everything we can to change as a community. Today I witnessed something very encouraging, the youth committee meeting with Chief and Council to discuss a plan to deal with the issues. An understanding was reached and they are working closely together on a strategy to move initiatives along.

A month ago I felt compelled to do something, but didn’t know how to help. Besides, who am I to try to solve this very complex issue? So I decided to turn to music and invited ArtsCan to come do some workshops. I had no clue what to expect, and it was amazing to see the kids coming out to sing, and see the process of music production. We laughed, made music, and expressed ourselves through this beautiful art-form. I believe we accomplished what we set out to do, which was to inspire these kids, and show them that anything’s possible.

My highlight was when the kids were asked what song they wanted to sing, and they said James Bay. I couldn’t believe it! Of all the great artists and songs out there, they chose one of Midnight Shine’s songs. This really touched my heart, and words can’t begin to explain how I felt that night. Today, I’m happy to share with you Attawapiskat’s recording of James Bay:

The post Connecting With Youth Through Music appeared first on Midnight Shine.

It was an exciting week of rehearsals, doing some songwriting together, sitting down for lots of media interviews, and a live performance on national television with a return visit to Canada AM. CBC also contacted us after seeing a story about Midnight Shine in the Toronto Star, and we were fortunate to get to meet and have an interview with Wendy Mesley. In the end, we ended up with stories on CBC National News, National Post, Vice Daily, Nationtalk, Canada AM, and Toronto Star, and Canadian Press articles that ran in dozens of newspapers from coast to coast. It was quite surreal, and overwhelming. It was also pretty fantastic.

We got to perform two concerts during Canadian Music Week in Toronto — Thursday night at Boots & Bourbon, and Saturday night at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern, as part of United Talent Agency’s artist showcase. Both nights, our agent Ralph James was there to support us, and share his excitement and enthusiasm about our music. That really meant a lot to us, and it’s nice to know that he believes in us as much as we believe in him.

At the same time, we know that the interviews and media coverage coincided with Attawapiskat being in the news again with youth suicide attempts, We hope people understand that we’ve never said we have the answers to these deeply troubling issues, and that we care what happens to families, children, Elders and many others that are struggling in the communities. We felt pretty torn about celebrating our CMW success, while this news was (and still is) going on. We also feel hopeful that if our music can shine a positive light, and provide some happiness to people in First Nation communities in Canada, then that is a contribution we are happy with.

We know that songs, music and concerts can’t solve deeply rooted problems. The issues are very complex, and there is no easy solution. However, we also believe that creative expression may be an ideal way for youth and others to channel some of the emotions that are currently being experienced. Sometimes, all that is needed is a verse, a few chords, writing a poem, making a journal entry, or doing art, to help articulate an emotion — whether sadness, anger, grief, or even happiness.

Look for artists, singers, bands, books, films, and documentaries that inspire you, speak to your sense of the world, and help you identify what you may want to accomplish or succeed at. I will never forget what Elders in Moose Factory have said about having the will and strength to survive, and to never give up. We must remember that advice, as many Elders and their parents and grandparents lived thru immense hardships such as starvation, deprivation, and family separation. Many survived, but many also perished.

I also hear many Elders say that today, we are fortunate to have so much available to us. All it takes is for current generations to have the courage and will to live the lives they want to be living. For those who believe in themselves, and the opportunities that are out there, anything is possible.

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Weather has been wonky too. Most of this winter was mild and I don’t recall one snowstorm at all. I guess you can’t always have perfect conditions for the spring hunt, but it certainly makes things better.

Our trip into hunting camp took two days of travelling by snowmobile – three snowmobiles to be exact – along the west coast of James Bay on sea ice. It was a pretty uneventful drive, except for my eldest son who is 12 becoming ill the first day. But we continued on, and finally made it to our destination!

Our camp is the furthest from the village, many miles north on the Opinnigau River – the traditional territory of my family. I’ve been going there since I was a teenager and can’t get enough of it. Knowing you are the furthest camp from home can be a little nerve-wracking at times, but I have faith in the Creator. He is our protector and gives us strength and courage.

The kids had loads of fun. They got to shoot geese, experience world-class trout fishing, snare rabbits, and a whole whack of other things. It made me feel so proud, watching them grow into the little hunters they are becoming today, and knowing that I have been their teacher. When did I become the Elder?? It feels strange to now be the one teaching others. The transition was seamless because I don’t remember how I became a teacher.

I have mixed feelings about this and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because most of my Elders have already passed on. I really do miss them and the stories they shared with us. My hope is that I can live up to their expectations: keep practicing my culture, taking the kids out on the land, using my language, and respecting and acknowledging nature.

I am forever grateful for the little things in life, especially clean drinking water – something most Canadians take for granted.

I’m also grateful for the ability to go hunting every spring and fall. That means the world to me, my family, and community.

In the North, it’s our way.

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But times are changing. Many people are fleeing south for a better life, winters are getting shorter and our world is melting around us. This threatens the James Bay Cree way of life. As a young man, I could hunt by snow-machine along the James Bay’s west coast until mid-may. These days, we’re lucky to have sea ice safe enough to travel on in April.

I think today, the James Bay Cree have the best of both worlds – one foot in the past and one foot in the here and now – and must take full advantage of this. Preparing for the winter months in the far north is a lot of work; we must fill our freezers with meat and fish for the coming cold months and make sure we have enough firewood to last. Waiting for freeze-up is the most difficult time for a remote community in the north, but once the land is in a deep freeze, it ends the isolation for its inhabitants. People can visit relatives in other nearby communities. We can harvest fish, caribou, rabbit, partridge, trap for furs, and roam free.

Not everyone prefers to live the old ways. With Attawapiskat being host community for Ontario’s first diamond mine, many of our members are now turning to employment and business opportunities that the mine offers. While the mine itself brings us very little benefit, it gives our members a chance to make a decent living.

It’s difficult to know what lies ahead for us, but I know for sure we must ensure the survival of the culture.

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