Photo courtesy of: Peterborough Musicfest
Making your way in the music business is extremely tough, but if you’re an Indigenous artist it can be a much harder path.
Canadian folk and country singer-songwriter William Prince of Peguis First Nation has travelled the long and winding road to success with several awards to his name, hit songs and an appearance at Peterborough Musicfest this past summer.
Prince says like in most facets of life, he believes Indigenous artists have to work 50 to 75 per cent harder just to breakthrough.
Changing perspectives and stereotypes is another challenge for performers like Prince, but he says being able to share stories and histories is something essential to Indigenous culture and art.
How does he believe the music business can change for the better? Prince says exposure and a commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices is key.
Prince’s career trajectory is marked by numerous accolades and milestones, including tours with The War and Treaty, Yola and Katie Pruitt, two Tiny Desk sessions, a debut at The Grand Ole Opry and a Newport Folk Festival debut as the recipient of the “John Prine Songwriter Fellowship.”
Northumberland residents may also recall Prince performing in Port Hope in recent years.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
