Day 9. A Tribe Called Red: Indigenous EDM

On Day 9 of our 30 Days of Honoring Native American Heritage Month Through Music, we turn our attention to A Tribe Called Red, a group that has redefined the intersection of traditional Indigenous music and modern electronic dance music (EDM). With their groundbreaking sound, A Tribe Called Red has not only revolutionized the music industry but has also provided a powerful voice for Indigenous identity in contemporary culture. Their music is a celebration of Indigenous heritage, resistance, and resilience, fused with the beats of EDM to create an unforgettable sonic experience known as “powwow step.”

Revolutionizing Indigenous Music
A Tribe Called Red, now known as The Halluci Nation, formed in 2008 in Ottawa, Canada. The original members, Bear Witness, Tim “2oolman” Hill, and Ian “DJ NDN” Campeau, sought to create a space where Indigenous people could come together and celebrate their culture. Their sound blends traditional powwow drum rhythms and vocals with modern EDM, dubstep, and hip-hop elements, creating a genre that resonates with Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences alike.

This fusion of styles is not just a musical innovation—it’s a cultural statement. A Tribe Called Red’s music speaks to the complex and often painful history of Indigenous peoples in North America, while also offering a vision of Indigenous pride and futurism. Their music is a celebration of Indigenous identity in the face of colonization, making it both an artistic and political act.

Powwow Step: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
At the core of A Tribe Called Red’s music is the powwow step, a unique genre that incorporates traditional Indigenous drum songs and dance with the driving energy of EDM. Powwows are central to many Indigenous cultures, serving as gatherings for community, spirituality, and celebration. By incorporating powwow songs into EDM, A Tribe Called Red reclaims and modernizes these traditions, making them accessible to new audiences and blending them with global music trends.

Tracks like “Electric Pow Wow Drum” and “Stadium Pow Wow” exemplify this hybrid sound. The powerful beats of traditional drumming are combined with electronic bass drops and synthesized melodies, creating a sound that is at once ancient and futuristic. These songs not only get people dancing but also invite listeners to reflect on the ongoing presence and relevance of Indigenous cultures in the modern world.

Amplifying Indigenous Voices
A Tribe Called Red’s music goes beyond the beats—it’s a platform for raising awareness about Indigenous rights and social justice. Their tracks often feature vocal samples from Indigenous activists and speeches about Indigenous sovereignty, justice, and cultural reclamation. Their song “We Are the Halluci Nation” features a collaboration with John Trudell, a legendary Indigenous activist, whose words set the tone for a movement that is both spiritual and revolutionary.

The group has also been outspoken about issues facing Indigenous communities today, including the fight against cultural appropriation, the importance of respecting Indigenous sovereignty, and the ongoing effects of colonization. Through their music, they have reclaimed spaces that were often exclusionary to Indigenous people, transforming dance floors into places of resistance and celebration.

Cultural and Political Impact
A Tribe Called Red has had a profound cultural and political impact. By creating music that unapologetically centers Indigenous identity, they’ve challenged stereotypes and misconceptions about what Indigenous music can be. Their use of contemporary electronic music to share traditional stories and rhythms helps break down the barriers between the past and the present, showcasing Indigenous culture as vibrant, dynamic, and evolving.

The group has received widespread recognition for their contributions to both music and activism, including multiple Juno Awards, Canada’s highest musical honor. Their success demonstrates the growing influence of Indigenous voices in mainstream music, and their trailblazing efforts have inspired a new generation of Indigenous artists to experiment with new genres while staying connected to their cultural roots.

A Tribe Called Red, now The Halluci Nation, has transformed what it means to be an Indigenous artist in the modern world. Their music challenges, inspires, and moves us to think about the intersections of tradition, modernity, and identity. By infusing electronic beats with Indigenous rhythms, they have created a powerful genre that celebrates Indigenous resilience and futurism while inviting us all to the dance floor. As we honor their contributions today, let us remember the role music plays in reclaiming culture, sparking dialogue, and inspiring change.

This inspiring Ted Talk blends traditional powwow drums and vocals with hip-hop and electronic music, the DJ collective tells stories of the First Nations in beats and images — expanding on the concept of the “Halluci Nation,” inspired by the poet, musician and activist John Trudell at (https://www.ted.com/speakers/a_tribe_called_red).

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Join us throughout the month of November as we celebrate these remarkable achievements, creating space for reflection, joy, and growth as we listen to the voices of Native American musicians past and present.

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