One of the special things about producing the show “What is Tribal Sovereignty?” was choosing the music. I wanted music I could return to again and again while thinking about editing an interview or while writing a script. I wanted music that was at once critical of the colonizer, tied to the Spirit, and, well, fun.
The songs “Ketchup Potato Chips” by Mato Wayuhi (Lakota) and “Black Belt Eagle Scout” (Swinomish/Iñupiaq) are stars in their own right. (Mato is famous as the composer for the award-winning TV show, Reservation Dogs. Black Belt Eagle Scout’s guitar-driven music has made her popular in the indie scene for years – her song “Soft Stud” has more than five million downloads on Spotify alone.) But the combination of the two on the chill “Ketchup Potato Chips” track had me pushing repeat again and again. And Black Belt Eagle Scout’s guitar solo in the song threw me off guard emotionally. It’s that arresting.
But, for me, the highlight of this playlist is Supaman’s anthem (and I have no other way to describe it) called “Alright.” He is a member of the Apsáalooke Nation and a renowned traditional Native American dancer. He wants his music to be a message of pride and resilience. “Alright” pulls that off in spades. What do you think?
I hope you enjoy the playlist. Share it with a friend if it touches you. Because that’s why I’m sharing it with you.
– Charles