Featured Artist:
sto·ic (ˈstōik)
The following CAROUSEL feature focuses on the debut work of Canada’s STOiK, a group of Indigenous artists & warriors led by Toronto’s Gidochige (which translates in Anishinaabemowin to He plays music); they create upbeat electronic dance music, which they describe as “Indigenous EDM, with a hint of Pow Wow Techno” on their Facebook page.
STOiK‘s first album release, Pareidolia (2019), features 18 tracks blending futuristic electronic music with the compelling rhythms of traditional Indigenous music. The back story for the album: “In 2042, Earth becomes uninhabitable and humans are forced to evacuate. Some refuse, most of them Indigenous, and move underground. Their descendants survive into the distant future, anchored by ancient knowledge and practice.”
Throughout the recording, rhythms meld seamlessly with an insistent electronic pulse; the band is inventive in finding new ways to shape the sound in each song — it’s consistent but never repetitive. Guest appearances on Pareidolia reveal a strong connection to community, and include contributions from artists Drezus, Aleah Belle, Plex and Jah’kota — many of which you can find at TR1BE Music, the first Afro-Indigenous owned, profit-sharing, music streaming platform!
Below, we present two future-forward music videos: Rod Crowhop (a mesmerizing track where the pounding of the drum and jingling of the bells is the constant underneath a cacophony of voices and electronic noise) and Behold a Pale Horse (an anthemic tribal banger featuring killer vocal contributions from Jah’kota, Plex & Drezus) — both tracks appear on Pareidolia; you can hear all 18 tracks from the album by visiting STOiK‘s YouTube channel
Official music video for STOiK‘s debut single Rod Crowhop (2019)
— from the LP, Pareidolia
— Director: Henry Alexander
Official music video for Behold a Pale Horse – feat. Jah’kota, Plex & Drezus (2020)
— from the LP, Pareidolia
— Director: Henry Alexander
