'Indigenize', the latest album by The Spiritual Warriors featuring the single "Brothers and Sisters," is now available on streaming platforms.
Led by the talented father and daughter duo, Leroy and Daisy Joe, the band skillfully blends Indigenous chants with modern roots, rock, and reggae, capturing the essence of life in the coastal mountains of the Lil'wat Nation (whose lands are near Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada).
The Spiritual Warriors captivate listeners with their seamless blend of English and U'cwalmicwts (Lil'wat language) lyrics, set to a reggae style beat.
This unique fusion of culturally significant musical styles showcases the band's remarkable ability to merge Indigenous drumming and chanting with the rhythmic cadences beloved by reggae fans.
On the brand new single "Brothers and Sisters", the band takes on social issues endemic to Canada's many Indigenous nations.
Leroy and Daisy lament the countless Indigenous brothers and sisters who end up homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or working on the streets.
"This song is to let them know that they are still welcome home," Leroy says,
"That there is a fire waiting for them to keep them warm and that their grandmothers, grandfathers, and ancestors have not abandoned them."
During live performances, Leroy notes he often gets a lump in his throat while thinking of friends and family members who ended up on the streets, some never making it back home to Lil'wat Nation.
"I pray and sing for those trying to make it back home," he says.
"The song was so hard to write. I kept weeping while writing it."
The Spiritual Warriors' latest release, "Brothers and Sisters," is a follow-up to their recent single, "Oh Ama Sq'it," which features lyrics written in Leroy's native St'at'imcets language from the Lil'wat Nation.
These tracks are part of the album Indigenize, recorded at Studio Downe Under and produced by Andreas Schuld, Leroy's long-time collaborator. Inspired by Truth and Reconciliation and the Missing Indigenous Women and Girls campaign.
Indigenize is comprised of eight tracks, penned by Leroy, with a purpose to instill hope within his community and foster understanding among non-Indigenous individuals regarding the challenges faced by First Nations people today.
The album also features contributions from composer Russell Wallace, a longtime friend and original band member, who co-wrote two tracks and arranged vocal harmonies. Noteworthy musicians such as Norm Fisher, Rich Brown, and Geeta Das contribute to Indigenize, alongside special guest rappers Geo the Voice (George Ignace, Secwepemculucw) and Ostweleve (Ronnie Dean Harris, Stō:lo/St'át'imc/Nlaka'pamux).
Spiritual Warriors took out four Native American Music Awards (NAMA) nominations in 2019 for their album Ancestors. They triumphed in the category of Best World Music Album. Previously known as Kalan Wi, the group secured a NAMA in 2013 for Best Historical/Linguistic Recording with their album Celebrate.
The band, driven by Leroy Joe's dedication to preserving and promoting his language and culture, continues to create vital and culturally significant music.
