Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rocker with heart from Attawapiskat in Canada’s Far North. His music draws inspiration from his life, the land, and his Cree culture. Adrian is fluent in Omushkegowuk Cree, and is a respected cultural leader and traditional knowledge keeper. On his latest song “Precious,” Sutherland deftly incorporates the celebratory defiance of Black culture with pow wow songs to create a protest song that rocks, rolls, and inspired.
“The song also pays homage to Mother Earth and her land protectors in its declaration ‘this land is precious,'” he explains.
In our Q&A, Sutherland explains how he got started with music and where it’s taking him. Sutherland’s album Precious Diamonds will be available everywhere on March 15th.
Tell us about the first song you wrote?
It was about a girlfriend when I was younger, still in my late teens. My goodness, I can remember how cheesy it was, too! I couldn’t stop singing it, and my poor sisters had to listen to me play it for them all day long. My repeated questions to them were like ‘how was it’ and ‘what do you think of it’. Like any song writer, you gotta start somewhere.
What have you not missed about touring?
I don’t miss the airports, to be honest. At one point I’d get anxious before having to step into airports. It’s a very stressful thing for me to go through. Policies seem to be different at every airport and among different airline employees, about what you can and can’t carry-on the plane. There is no consistency in how they treat instruments either, and I know other musicians who have had airlines issues, too. So it all just adds stress. But it’s necessary, so I do things to help calm me.
How do you kill the long hours in the van?
When I’m driving I like to listen to music. I’ll put on playlists of songs I like, or set-lists I’m working on. I also like hearing new artists I’ve never heard of. Podcasts and audiobooks are another thing I like to do because it helps kill time. I can also talk someone’s ear off. You’ve been warned.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
I always start off with music first because it helps set the mood and tone for the song. For me, it usually starts with a simple melody, and I’ll start strumming on acoustic guitar. Lyrics will usually come after that.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Fans can best support me by buying music and merchandise right from my website, coming out to shows, sharing my music and videos with others, adding songs to your playlists, and by following and engaging with me on social media. It all makes a difference, and I appreciate it all!
Adrian Sutherland’s album Precious Diamonds will be available everywhere on March 15th, 2024
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