Nahko And Medicine For The People have returned to Australia after their enormously successful national tour earlier this year, which included two main stage performances at the Byron Bay Blues Festival.
The band played Bluesfest earlier this year, as part of a national tour. How was Nahko And Medicine For The People received by Australia?
With Flyin Colors it seemed we had thousands of people show up for our Bluesfest gig – it was a really big surprise and an honour to be welcomed like that.
What was your favourite memory of that trip down under?
Going to Uluru. We camped out for four nights in our swags and watched the stars. Perfect!
The remainder of 2014 since you left Oz, what else has occupied your time?
Constant touring. Getting the message out there. It's time!
Your life story is remarkable... When you were looking for your birth mother, was music already a part of your life?
Yes. Music has been in me since I was six-years old.
Once you learned your family history, did music become the focus of your career?
No. Music was not a focus of a ‘career’ until a few years ago.
Social, political, humane rights... activism is a major aspect of your life, right?
Yes. I am passionate about all these things because they effect my life and my purpose.
Giving voice to the voice-less... how critical is that to you as a performer?
There's a lot to say for doing it for my own expression. To hope it inspires people is a start. By doing my thing and telling my story, it allows others to free themselves and create their voice. Powerful!
The power of music to heal... how much joy does performing to others bring you?
So much – it's pretty much half the fun and reward.
The music you produce crosses a myriad of genres: folk, reggae, rock etc – how do you bring so many different types of sounds together to create the music of Nahko?
Based on the music I was raised on and how I don't like writing music that bores me... that's how it all went down.
Festival shows compared to your own, headlining performances... do you prefer one more than the other?
Not at all. They all have their purpose.
You're headed to Australia again, very soon. Are you packing any new music for the trip?
Definitely. Can't tell you, but always it will be flowing.
When you are touring, do you like to immerse yourself with the local culture?
All the time. I have aunties and uncles that show up and teach every time. It's wild.
Nahko & Medicine For The People Tour Dates
Tue 18 Nov - Byron Bay BreweryWed 19 Nov - The Hi-Fi (Brisbane)
Thu 20 Nov - Byron Bay Brewery
Fri 21 Nov - Sol Bar (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 22 Nov - Tanks Art Centre (Cairns)
Sun 23 Nov - Mullum Music Festival
Tue 25 Nov - The Hi-Fi (Sydney)
Wed 26 Nov - Cambridge Hotel (Newcastle)
Sat 29 Nov - Queenscliff Music Festival
Tue 2 Dec - The Gov (Adelaide)
Thu 4 Dec - Settlers Tavern (Margaret River)
Sat 6 Dec - Fly By Night (Fremantle)
