For generations, music has been an integral part of indigenous culture, but as we learn in this video, it goes far beyond flutes and drums. Today, as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let's learn a bit more about the influence that Indigenous music has on the music industry.
Host of the video, Cheyenne Bearfoot, explains that in many communities, traditional music is one way that indigenous people connect to their ancestors. She explains that everything starts with the drum. The drum acts as the “heartbeat” and is still a vital aspect of indigenous music as well as other genres, although Bearfoot notes that oftentimes the use of Tom-tom drums is misrepresented as an ancient or primitive practice. Furthermore, Bearfoot brings attention to the positive effects of traditional drumming and indigenous instrumentation on “hemodynamic, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems in the human body.” As music therapists, we know that music can have positive physical effects, something that indigenous communities have understood for centuries.
Bearfoot goes on to explain the impact of another traditional instrument in Indigenous music – the flute. Once again, the video cites a study explaining that flute vibrations had measurable positive effects on the human body, including lowered heart rate and increased brain activity associated with relaxation and sleep.
During an interview with Channing Concho, drummer of an all female heavy metal band, we begin to see the influence of Native music on other genres. Concho shares that she was initially hesitant to identify herself as an Indigenous woman as she worried her audience would assume her identity. As her musicianship has developed, she has become more open and now proudly shares her culture. Concho draws attention to the challenges she and other musicians face of balancing life in two worlds, “traditional society, and then the white-man’s society.” She uses her music to carry on culture and traditions to future generations.
The more you look, the more you are able to see the influences that Indigenous music has had across American popular music. Musicians everywhere draw on their cultural backgrounds to adapt the genres that they play. Bearfoot shares a curated playlist of music by Indigenous musicians that spans genres. She explains how meaningful it was for her to see Indigenous people represented among the music that made her feel seen and understood, like rock, folk, and even punk.
The “Indigenous Excellence” playlist is linked for both YouTube and Spotify in the description of this video, and is a great resource for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of Indigenous music!
Comments