Indigenous musicians have always banded together to make their voices heard, whether the wider music industry was paying attention or not. For National Indigenous Peoples Day, we are giving the (metaphoric) floor to Indigenous artists to celebrate the special bonds they’ve cultivated with their peers.

In their own words, Amanda Rheaume, Aysanabee, Sebastian Gaskin and Shawnee Kish share the stories about the fellow Indigenous musicians who inspire and motivate them to push boundaries. 

“You hear this from a lot of artists, that they never grew up seeing people that look like them. It's very nice being in these spaces and to have that bit of kinship, you know, like someone who gets you for you,” said Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanbee in an interview.

If you’re looking to discover even more Indigenous music, check out our list of 5 Indigenous musicians to know in 2025.

How will you be celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day? Let us know!

Mae Martin shares the music, TV and films they’ve been loving lately

Comedian and musician Mae Martin stopped by CBC Music to share the last TV show they binged, the last song that made them cry, their decades-long connection to Alanis Morissette and more.

ICYMI: Kendrick Lamar and SZA shut down the Rogers Centre. Here are the highlights:

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National tour finally touched down on Canadian soil last week. It felt like the culmination of a year-long beef between Lamar and a certain Toronto rapper. Read the story above to get all the juicy details. Also, said Toronto rapper wasn't too pleased with federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s attendance at the show. 

Catching up with Aysanabee

In a recent chat with CBC Music, Aysanabee gushed about Toronto R&B singer Aqyila, his newly released second album, Edge of the Earth, and his Canada-wide tour in support of it. A fun heads up: he’s on the hunt for local Indigenous artists to open his shows in each city. 

Summer 2025 album guide: 15 new releases you need to hear

Summer 2025 sees the return of many artists we've come to love over the years — the Beaches, U.S. Girls and Bambii, to name a few — and the debut offerings from promising artists like Billianne, who we've had our eyes on for a while.

Whether it be Tami Neilson's stomping country, Kardinal Offishall's bold comeback or Isabella Lovestory's electroclash reggaeton, this summer promises something for all musical palates. Check out the full list above. 

It’s time to party as Reclaimed celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day and the summer solstice

On this episode, it's a three-tier celebration: National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day and the longest day of the year — the summer solstice. It’s become a Reclaimed tradition to commemorate the solstice with a dance party, and you’ll hear those vibes right through this episode. From house and techno, dub, breaks and bass music, to the electronic underground, get ready for an Indigenized array of dance music styles to boogie your way from Turtle Island to the world.

Arkells frontman Max Kerman shares his honest opinions on Drake, Doechii and more

In the latest edition of Jam or Not a Jam, Max Kerman gives his verdict on viral hits from Drake, Tate McRae, Doechii and more. 

Julianna Riolino's sunny Americana bop, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week

Over a boisterous mix of guitar, banjo, organ and tambourines, Juliannna Riolino's voice soars like a sun rising on a hot summer day on her new single, On a Bluebird's Wing. Check out more new songs you need to hear from Debby Friday, JayWood and Logan Richard. 

Wet Leg boots the Beaches out of the top spot while Aysanabee and Savannah Ré enter the Top 20

The jagged, death-disco insurgent indie rock single Catch These Fists (No. 1) from Isle of Wight band Wet Leg has delivered the knockout punch to Canadian band the Beaches, whose one-week reign at number one with Last Girls At The Party (No. 2) was short-lived. Entering the chart this week at No. 18 is Home, a bold new introspective song from Sandy Lake First Nation musician Aysanabee, as well as a smooth jam called Glory (No. 20) from the history-making Toronto musician Savannah Ré (she's a three-peat winner in the Juno category of traditional R&B recording, making her the only artist to ever pull off that feat.)

Thanks so much for joining us for this issue of Listen Up! If you loved it, feel free to let us know at listenup@cbc.ca — and use the same email if you have questions or suggestions. Please share it with your friends, family and even enemies via cbc.ca/listenup.