These Northern Men Are Ready to Shine at Canadian Music Week

Midnight Shine has been wowing audiences since their self-titled 2013 debut album. This foursome, from the James Bay region of Northern Ontario, creates a sound that seamlessly mixes roots, classic and modern rock. The title track to their 2014 sophomore album, Northern Man, is a tribute to the band’s northern home and Cree culture, driven by a catchy rock beat, heavy bass, and traces of pow wow stylings. Take a listen below and let us know what you think!

I especially loved the lyrics in the first part of the song.

I know this land like the back of my hand
I don’t own the earth but it’s who I am
I might get lost but I’ll find my way
To where the home fires burn
Where I know you’ll be

Sit with you by the fire
Underneath the trees
Beneath the stars
I am a Northern Man
One foot in the past
One in the here and now
On this sacred ground
I am a Northern Man

Northern Man
By Midnight Shine
© A. Sutherland and D. Romanow

Beautiful right?

Let's get to know a little bit more about the men behind these beautiful lyrics and catchy beats.

Adrian Sutherland, lead singer, hails from the northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat and draws upon his experiences in his songs. “Some of the music is about who I am and where I come from,” he explains. “I’ve always wanted to share some of my background and beliefs through the platform of music. Everybody has a story and I think it’s important for First Nations people to shed positive light on our culture and values.”

George Gillies, drums, was born and raised in Fort Albany First Nation, on the shores of Western James Bay. He learned to play guitar early on in his life and the drums a few years later which became his main instrument of choice. After honing his skills on drums he began joining bands with friends and eventually formed Midnight Shine.

Stan Louttit, bass, is a Cree man and self-described bassist guru, humanist, secular-spiritualist, jazzist, environmentalist and Aboriginal rights advocate. Most importantly, he believes in living life according to his parents’ teachings and values. Stan was born in Wemindji, Quebec and raised in Moose Factory, Ontario. He is a performance graduate in Bass/Jazz Studies from Humber College, Toronto.

Zach Tomatuk, guitar, was born and raised in Moose Factory, Ontario. Zach began playing guitar at the age of 14 and spent any free time learning his favourite rock and metal songs which may have included musical influences such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Thin Lizzy and Pink Floyd. He attended the Cambrian College Music Performance program and received an advanced diploma from the college in 2013.

If you're in the Toronto area you can catch Midnight Shine perform during Canadian Music Week! The band will play twice as part of the Canadian Music Week festival – first at a general festival showcase, and second as part of the United Talent Agency featured showcase:

Thursday May 5 @ 10:00pm
Boots & Bourbon Saloon
Canadian Music Week showcase

Saturday May 7 @ 9:00pm
The Horseshoe Tavern
United Talent Agency showcase

Midnight Shine will also appear on national television during Canadian Music Week, with a live performance and interview on Canada AM being scheduled for May 5 (time TBC).

Midnight Shine frontman Adrian Sutherland is pleased to be heading to Toronto: “Being selected for Canadian Music Week and our first showcase is very exciting. It will be our first conference, too, so we’re excited for the opportunity to learn and network.”

“It will also be great just having time together in Toronto. All four of us live in different places in Northern Ontario, so we appreciate any time we can spend rehearsing and performing, and songwriting together.”

For more information on the band, including videos and links to original music, please visit http://midnightshineonline.com/.