In this episode, I speak with Adrian Sutherland, an Indigenous Roots Rocker from Attawapiskat. I discovered Adrian’s latest album, Precious Diamonds, on Bandcamp and was immediately captivated by its freshness and depth of feeling.
As his website says: “One listen to Adrian Sutherland and you’ll know he’s unlike anyone else…he melds rock, roots, folk and blues, drawing inspiration from his life, the land, and his language and culture. Adrian’s sophomore solo album Precious Diamonds was recorded in Nashville with former GRAMMY winner Colin Linden, and released in 2024. It won Best Americana Album from the 2025 World Entertainment Awards in Los Angeles, is nominated at the 2025 JUNO Awards, and was selected one of the “Top 100 Albums of 2024” by CKUA Radio. It features two songs in Cree, making the first time Adrian is making music in his first language. Lead single Notawe (Father) reached #1 on the internationally recognized Indigenous Music Countdown, and was named one of the “Top 100 Songs of 2023” by CBC Music. Adrian is presently writing a book for Penguin Random House Canada about his extraordinary life in the North. One of the only professional recording artists who lives in a remote fly-in First Nation, he carries authentic and insightful first-hand perspective on many important issues. During this time of reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to walk together in love and respect.
Adrian and I cover a lot of ground in this conversation, touching on his rise in music along with the challenges he faced, what it is like to live on his ancestral lands while also having a recording career, and the many social issues Adrian is passionate about.
For more on Adrian Sutherland and to support his work, please check out the links below:
• Adrian Sutherland
• Track Premiere: Adrian Sutherland “My Rebel Spirit” – Americana UK
• Adrian Sutherland: Precious Diamonds, Cree Confessions – SOCAN Words and Music
You can also follow Adrian Sutherland on social media at @attaboyadrian on all platforms.
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