The Sound of Native American Contemporary

“The Sound of Native American Contemporary” highlights a wide range of Indigenous voices blending traditional and modern sounds. This playlist mixes folk, rock, blues, hip-hop, indie, and spoken word with lyrics rooted in heritage, activism, storytelling, and personal reflection. From the protest rock of Blackfire’s "No Control" to the laid-back groove of Redbone’s "Come and Get Your Love," the collection spans decades while staying connected to culture and identity.

The playlist features artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie and John Trudell, whose socially conscious lyrics paved the way for newer voices like Raye Zaragoza and Kelly Derrickson. It also includes genre-bending tracks by Sihasin, Mato Nanji, and Neon Nativez, showing how traditional influences continue to evolve. Whether it's the heartfelt storytelling in Jim Boyd and Sherman Alexie’s "Father and Farther" or the meditative poetry of Joy Harjo, each song adds to a complex and ongoing narrative.