New formed Ten To Two Records recently announced their first international signing; North America’s Nahko And Medicine For The People. With the release of the band’s second album Dark As Night, the band have returned to Australia and are currently on the road touring as part of a stellar triple bill with Xavier Rudd and surf-folk superstar Donavon Frankenreiter.
We caught up with Nahko to chat about their current album, recording and touring in Australia.
Dark As Night is your sophomore release as Nahko And Medicine For The People. What significant changes exist between this and your debut On The Verge?
A lot technical things for sure. The first record was definitely a wild mash up of people and ideas, and this new one I took a lot more time on with what went where and how to structure the recorded versions as opposed to how we play them live. The flow of the album makes more sense to me this time around too. The stories are lined up in a way that helps me understand my process in telling them too.
After rousing such a success and touching so many hearts with the debut, was there any fear of not being able to achieve a similar outcome with Dark As Night?
Not at all! The music always carries where it needs to go. I never fear not being able to do better than the last record. If anything, this new record and the ones to come will go farther and be that much more powerful than the first. The music and us growing with it as we get older and wiser.
The video for ‘Budding Trees’ is utterly uplifting. Did you have a vision for this particular track when recording the visual?
Well, the movie in my head is definitely different than what we did, but I really think you can make more than one ‘official’ video for songs – so I love the way we were able to invite our community into this video – it really speaks to me and so many others on a level that excites to see so many make their own visual story of it.
The group’s stated mission is one of inspiration and motivation to promote causes such as Honor The Earth. Was there an initial issue or event that spoke to you as a driving force for this work?
In part, my native American heritage was a strong point in my direction towards working with honor. Winona has always been a hero for mine as an elder and guardian in the first nations activist community. Now, as a board member, working closer with her on heaps of environmental issues – I see a bridge growing stronger between the music community and the activist community. Also, I’m simply passionate about finding solutions to these environmental disasters and becoming aware of what is happening to our planet and spreading the word about how we can help.
Your work is proclaimed by many as “healing”, what do you believe that makes your music so cleansing?
The honesty. The depth of love. The basic human feeling…knowing its ok to make mistakes and become what you pray for. Stuff like that I think, too, I really make an effort at live shows to connect with people – eye contact – on stage. I feel like I’m singing directly into the hearts of everyone. It’s really powerful. If I believe I can do that, than I think everyone can believe in what they’re getting out of what I’m saying.
Nahko, your positive influence has drawn a growing sea of like-minded positivity wherever you go, did you ever think your message would grow in such a manner?
Not at all. I think for myself I definitely felt like I was healing my pain through constant mantra practice of poetry and sound. But, the older I get the more I realized that it’s all in my perception – if I choose this way of walking and believing then so shall it be. And I think choosing a compassionate, but take no shit attitude about living and activating for change is what really motivates me and inspires other to do the same. Be yourself. Be raw. Be weird. Be happy.
With such an emerging allegiance, is there a fear of being swept into the mainstream market “playing for the machine” instead of your cause?
Nope. I’m usually a pretty grounded person. This rocket ship at times has been daunting but I know what I’m here for and that’s what makes the difference. The elders and teachers in place are and will always check me and keep me focused on the spirit world and what our planet needs from me as an activist and troubadour. Rebels are always looking for ways to deconstruct – so the more into the world of ‘machines’ I get the, the more excited and powerful we become because our span of influence is that much greater – so walk with integrity and walk tall. The platform to merge environmental and social activists with music industry heads, vagrants, vagabonds, and home free vigilantes is large and we have a tribe growing that I think will be leading the charge on changing a lot of things.
How do you ensure that you’re not solely playing for the man?
How do I ensure that I’m not soley playing for any man? Who is this ‘man’ haha. I think that’s an irrelevant question since there are heaps of women I play for and the invisible corporate entity doesn’t exist in my mind at all anyway. What did bright eyes say? “I do not read the reviews…no I am not playing for you!” oh yeah, that’s the real shit.
Is there the thought that despite “playing for the machine” you can use such large platforms to reach more people?
I don’t play for a machine – but, the way it umbrella’s down in economics and industry standards it’s certainly not ideal. One day we’ll bring it back to barter and trade and fire side. Yes, weaving our way in to bring light into a dark place is really happening.
You’re sharing a tour with two of Australia’s adored sons Xavier Rudd and Donavon Frankenreiter, how have you found this experience and the two artists’ fans?
Perfect. I couldn’t be more pleased and honoured to be with these two ‘uncles’ of mine. Our joined forces is powerful.
Judging from your Twitter account it appears you’re having a brilliant time in Australia. Do you feel any form of spiritual connection to our country?
Big time. When I first came here in January I had a series of pretty far out experiences where I pretty much felt like I’d been here or lived here in a past life or my ancestors were from here somehow. Feel very at peace here and like I’ve returned somehow.
For a bit of fun, if you could curate your own festival for Nahko and Medicine For The People – what would it entail?
A large amount of peaceful protesting and a balance of useful suggestions for reclaiming and recovering out basic human rights and maybe a little bit of reforming democracy. Big prayers, music, bubbles, lots of dogs, some ponies for sure. Art war – a lot of reclaimed media concepts and compiling to take out off site and put in towns etc.
Are there any artists you’d wish to bill alongside you?
Tons. Conor Oberst, Alicia keys (you have no idea…solo tour with two grand pianos…gonna happen watch out), Macklemore/Knaan (oh, one day guys), Blue King Brown, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson, Coldplay…ummm Feist, definitely Fiona APPLE, Arcade Fire, The Head And The Heart, Of Monsters And Men…the list goes on.
Do you think these goals are entirely out of reach?
Not at all. I think anything is possible.
Dark As Night in Australia is out now through Ten To Two / Inertia.
Nahko and Medicine for the People Tour Dates:
Fri 4 Oct: Big Top @ Luna Park, Sydney NSW
Sun 6 Oct: Caloundra Music Festival, Sunshine Coast QLD
Mon 7 Oct: YAC Amphitheatre, Byron Bay NSW
Tue 8 Oct: Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane QLD
Tickets and info at: www.nahko.com
