Written by Adrian Sutherland 
Produced by Colin Linden
Recorded & Mixed by Colin Linden and Michael Stankiewicz 
Released & Published by Midnight Shine Music 

Adrian Sutherland ** Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Colin Linden ** Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bass
Jeff Taylor ** Accordion 
Jim Hoke ** Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Jerry Roe ** Drums 

Notawe (Father) -- pronounced Noh-TUH-wee -- is the debut single from Adrian Sutherland's upcoming second solo album, and the first song released by Sutherland that is written and performed entirely in his first language, Omushkegowuk Cree. 

“Notawe means 'my father' in my language and can also mean 'my Creator'. It's one of two all-Cree songs on the record, which is something I'm exploring for the first time. It's something I wanted to do for First Nations fans," says Sutherland. 

"Notawe is about fathers who have departed to the spirit world. It's not so much about the grieving process, but about finding the will to move on and live your life no matter how hard things get. It turned out to be a beautiful song, and I'm proud that it features my first language. When I play it back now, it is inspiring to me. I hope it will inspire others, too.”

CONNECT WITH ADRIAN SUTHERLAND  

www.adriansutherlandmusic.com
www.twitter.com/attaboyadrian
www.instagram.com/attaboyadrian
www.facebook.com/attaboyadrian
www.tiktok.com/@attaboyadrian 

© 2023 Adrian Sutherland d/b/a Midnight Shine Music

Precious Diamonds

Notawe (Father)

I'm Not Afraid

Written by Neil Young. Produced by Midnight Shine, John-Angus MacDonald. 2018 Midnight Shine Music.

Heart of Gold: "Growing up in a very isolated area, I listened to a lot of music - especially once I started playing guitar. Neil Young was one of my biggest musical inspirations, and Heart of Gold is still one of my favourite songs. I've performed it many times, so why not record it, and give it a little something of our own." --Adrian Sutherland

High Road

Heart of Gold (Cover)

DOWNLOAD THIS SONG FOR FREE ON SOUNDCLOUD.

I Need Angels: "This song is about depression. I know a lot of people who suffer from this. Being isolated in the far north can be very tough. It’s also about that inner struggle to keep positive and not give up." --Adrian Sutherland

Written by Adrian Sutherland, Zach Tomatuk, Stanley Louttit. Produced by John-Angus MacDonald. 2018 Midnight Shine Music.

I Need Angels

Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rock artist with heart from Attawapiskat on James Bay. He’s a singer, songwriter, author, advocate, entrepreneur, and the fascinating founder and frontman of all-Cree rockers Midnight Shine. He’s also a traditional knowledge keeper and respected cultural leader, fluent in Mushkegowuk Cree. 

After constructing his own recording studio inside a shipping container during the pandemic, Adrian worked remotely with producers Colin Linden (Nashville) and Tim Vesely (Toronto) to record debut solo album When The Magic Hits – earning nominations at the 2022 JUNO Awards and 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards.  

Adrian is writing a book for Penguin Random House Canada about life in the Far North. He cares deeply about many causes, with first-hand perspective about contaminated water, housing shortages, food insecurity, and mental health. At this time of growing awareness around Reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to better understand one another, and take further steps together.

I'm Not Afraid

Adrian Sutherland

Related tracks