Listen to IsKwe's New Single, "Will I See"
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Cree/Dene singer IsKwé returns with a brooding, bold new single, "Will I See", written in response to the death of Tina Fontaine and dedicated to all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Indigenous artists are responding to the current crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls by giving voice to their frustration, sadness and outrage through music and song.
IsKwé's new single, "Will I See", is both a haunting tribute to the many lives lost and a stark reminder of the urgent need to transform our society, restore the broken unity of our families and nations, and bring an end to gender-based violence.
IsKwé was compelled to write "Will I See" following the recent murder of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine. As she told the National Music Centre in a recent interview:
“It was my tipping point…It felt personal, even though I don’t know her personally. And then I saw my community stand up against what was happening…I felt the same frustration, anger, and sadness. Then all of those things boiled over into this resurgence of community. Everyone came together, and was like ‘fuck this.’
Other prominent Indigenous musicians, like Tanya Tagaq, are also speaking out on these issues and addressing them in live performances and recordings. "It’s important not to be afraid to be political”, IsKwé says.
Music remains a potent force for reclaiming our presence, and with "Will I See", she joins a rising chorus of voices intent on honouring the lives of those who have been taken from us and, importantly, singing truth to power.
STREAM: IsKwé - "Will I See"
IsKwé's new album, The Fight Within, is scheduled for release in February 2015.
