Indigenous rock band Low Budget Rock Star has released its new single 'Cotton Candy' through Indigenous-owned New Sun Records, with a music video featuring Melody McArthur.

The band comes from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and The Pas in Manitoba, Canada, and is preparing to release a full-length album in 2027.

Led by Cree singer, guitarist and songwriter Kennie Henderson, Low Budget Rock Star uses music to encourage Indigenous young people to connect with their language, culture and community.

Henderson grew up on Opaskwayak Cree Nation, where music helped him deal with difficulties in his life.

"Growing up on the reservation, I used music as an outlet to help overcome the struggles of poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic family violence," he said.

Those experiences inform his songwriting and the band's aim to show Indigenous young people they can pursue their ambitions regardless of their circumstances.

'Cotton Candy' takes a different approach, with a focus on a singalong chorus and a brighter sound while retaining the personal themes found in the band's music.

The single follows several years of recording, touring and changes to the band's line-up.

Low Budget Rock Star formed in 2017 and released its debut single in 2019, building a following through pub performances and tours across Canada.

The current line-up includes Henderson, lead guitarist Marshall Bignell, bassist Harley Whitehead and drummer Terry Constant.

The band's name began as a joke about the financial pressures of touring, as Henderson and Whitehead travelled between shows with limited money for food and fuel.

It later came to represent their belief that making music did not require a large budget.

An early influence on the band was drummer Richie Cudmore, who had performed with members of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive.

Cudmore joined Low Budget Rock Star while living with cancer and helped shape the band's sound and approach to music.

His experience and support became part of the band's development during its early years.

After his death in 2022, the band released "More Than Ever" in his honour.

The song explored grief, resilience and gratitude, reflecting the members' relationship with Mr Cudmore and his contribution to their work.

Low Budget Rock Star signed with New Sun Records in 2023, joining Crystal Shawanda's roster of Indigenous Canadian artists.

The signing supported the band's efforts to reach audiences across Canada after years of performing in pubs and touring.

Its forthcoming album, produced by Mr Dewayne Strobel, is scheduled for release in 2027.

The record will combine the band's rock sound with stories from the north and continue its focus on music as a way to work through personal experiences.

'Cotton Candy' and its accompanying music video are available now.