As we prepare for the launch of REBEL MUSIC: Native America, I am so excited to share with the world this small glimpse into the lives of these young Native artists.
Growing up as a young Native kid in the 80′s when MTV was IT, I never imagined I would have a hand in bringing Native and Indigenous musicians to the MTV platform. I never saw my community on music television, much less any TV programming.
As technology changes and viewing habits evolve, traditional ratings are declining; this generation watches almost everything on the internet. Which is what makes this premier so special: MTV has chosen to launch this show online first, so this is a truly groundbreaking opportunity for viewers around the world to see and enjoy this episode globally and simultaneously.
When MTV World approached me as one of the directors on this 6-part series, I was frankly a little skeptical. But they told me they didn’t want to dwell on the stereotypical ways the Native community is often portrayed. Instead of an outsider’s perspective, they wanted to double down with the artists making the music and hear their voices ring out far beyond the borders of the reservation.
I was inspired by this opportunity to tell a story of hope and resilience, and was so glad I came on board. Each of the artists I had the honor of meeting and the joy of filming - Nataanii Means, Mike Cliff, Inez Jasper, and Frank Waln - profoundly influenced me – the way they connect with their fans and the tireless way they get their message out. They may be young, but they have such tenacity and drive. I wish I had been like that at their age. I maybe all grown up now but this Native is beyond thrilled that a young Native kid out there will soon see another Native on MTV. It’s time.
This couldn’t have been done without MTV World, Nusrat Durrani, Andy Ross Roe and the entire MTV World staff. They pushed to get this episode made and fought a hard fight to make it happen. The Nomadic Wax production team, Ben Herson, Stephen Richardson, and Sebastian Modak. These were the guys who stood by me and supported the vision of this project. The co-directing team, Eric Becker, Valerie Bischoff, and Andy. A wild five-month ride with an amazing group. Melissa Leal, Simon Moya-Smith, Andrew Hauser and the entire Rebel Music team.
But the biggest thanks has to go to Nataanii, Mike, Inez and Frank. It’s an amazing feeling to be a part of this journey and count each one as part of my family. Thanks to their work I know that this first episode of Rebel Music will inspire, change minds and help educate a new generation. If nothing else people will now know that Native music is more than just drums and flutes.
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