News

December 31, 2007

2007 IN REVIEW

As the Bannock Burns

by Art Napoleon

Many indie artists know how tough it can be to make a living in music, especially with the volatility of the recording industry and over-saturation of the music market. It seems festivals and other venues are bombarded with requests and artists are scrambling with constant self promotion just to keep their names alive. These days we have to be versatile, willing to reinvent ourselves and able to live off clubhouse sandwiches for days at a time. Despite this scenario we are blessed to be invited into communities to bring a bit of fun, joy, inspiration and hopefully even some raw and sinful ideas.

My band mates Aaron and Marty (the Soggy Bannock Boys ha…) have had the privilege of being able to connect with audiences of all types from young to old, right-wing rednecks to left-wing yuppie wing nuts…we love em all, well… most of them anyway. Marty and I toured the Caribou in the heart of winter in a Rent-a-Wreck that kept freezing up but man did we share a bundle of stories and sing a lot of Beatle tunes. And holy smokes were the mountains and remote towns ever beautiful! Last summer I not only got to play with some of my songwriting heroes like Guy Clark, Verlon Thompson, John Mann and John Boutte, but heck, I got to lead some of them in workshops! From Washington to Laguna Beach, Memphis, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Thompson, BC and Inuvik, every gig is special in its own way and every audience is unique. It’s been a helluva slice.

A special thanks to all the festival organizers, CBC and other media contacts who continue to believe in my music as I know you certainly don’t have to. Thanks to the New Canoe and all my associates and loved ones for another great year of music, travel, learning and adventure. The New Year has just started and already the new kid’s Cree language CD Môcikan is selling like hot frybread! The New Canoe is gearing up for another season. Things should be exciting.

My life is blessed with a big extended musical family and I hope the circle keeps growing. May I live up to the year’s challenges and responsibilities and may I always be able to share from the heart. Hope our crooked little trails cross soon. Nanâskamon.