These are two songs from our upcoming album "Nehiyaw Nikamonak: Oyoyowin ohci Nanaskomowin" (Cree Songs: Howls for Gratitude). All 14 songs from the album will be available for free on June 21st.

02 — Nisakihtan Kiya Kisoskatowin — The Johnnys

People, Planet, English as an Additional Language Education, Cultural and Linguistic Anthropology, Musician

The Johnnys, a multi-award nominated group known for their high-energy performances, now feature an expanded sound with the addition of a second lead guitarist and two backing vocalists, and a set list punctuated with funk and blues alongside its traditional hard rock anthems.

Veronica Johnny - a First Nations artist of Cree & Dene heritage - is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of The Johnnys, a high-energy rock’n’roll band she founded with drummer and husband Dave Johnny.  

In their trademark leather and sunglasses, power duo Veronica and Dave Johnny have blazed trail through the national music scene with their rowdy, rocking anthems – a mix of catchy riffs, cheeky lyrics and up-tempo grooves – since meeting in 2002.

They’ve played across Canada, been featured on TV and film and shared stages with such music luminaries as Geordie Johnson (Big Sugar), Bif Naked, Stevie Salas, Bruce Cockburn, Jonny Lang, Keith Secola, Crystal Shawanda and Kinnie Starr.

The Johnnys brought the house down at the Hard Rock Café in Toronto in 2013 with the release of their third album ROCK, which pays tribute to varied musical influences while honouring their connection with the land. 

“When writing the single “ROCK” we took descriptive elements of molten rock and rock'n'roll and applied them to a powerful female force,” says Veronica. “The song is about Mother Earth and how strong she is.”

ROCK garnered nominations for Best Rock CD & Best Group or Duo at the 2013 Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards with “Time to Shine” reaching #2 on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown Charts.

Splitting their time between Toronto and Manitoulin Island, The Johnnys have been influenced by the earthy rhythms of rural living, shaping ideas they want to express regarding culture, politics and the environment. 

“It’s inspired us to focus more on natural elements and traditional First Nations cultural themes in our songwriting and lifestyle,” says Veronica, also a traditional hand drummer and singer. 

Their previous two independently released albums (Louder Faster More Fun, 2010 and I Like It A Lot, 2007) have received a combined six nominations for various national music awards.

The Johnnys also facilitate music and inspirational workshops for schools, festivals, organizations and individuals, with particular emphasis on artist promotion, rock music and inspiring creativity and passion for music in youth.

They perform live as both a two-piece act and full band backed by lead guitar, bass and backing vocalists, based out of Toronto, Ontario.


“Arbor Live favorites The Johnnys return to the show with a live performance on episode 7 of season 3.” And on the “Best of Arbor Live” episode 13 -  Arbor Live TV, 2012
” 
“They stay true to their album name Louder Faster More Fun” NXNE review in Xtra! 2011

“... enduring live sets, an incredibly sexy front-woman, and the music that confines you to keep the record playing track after track.” Indie Seen, Echo Weekly, 2011

“Real, rebellious, swaggering rock and roll. Makes you want to #*@% or fight. Or #*@%. Then fight. Then #*@%again.” Sled Island Festival, 2010

“The Johnnys were clearly a crowd favorite!” GO! Music Festival, 2009

“…it’s The Johnnys that deliver elements of freedom, satire & swagger in their music… you feel a shameless sense of rebellion…” Harmony Rice, Spirit Magazine, 2008

“Just when I thought I’d never get another fix of Ramones rock’n’roll, along came The Johnnys and I knew that the spirit of rock’n’roll wasn’t dead.” Keven Kanten, 2008

 “Raging hard out of the Great White North, The Johnnys come at us like a runaway freight train with a sound that has been likened to Joan Jett meets The Donnas…” 
CD Review by Jamison Mahto, Indigenous in the News, 2007


VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/thejohnnysrockon
Website: https://www.thejohnnys.com 
EMAIL: thejohnnysrock@gmail.com

02 — Nisakihtan Kiya Kisoskatowin — The Johnnys

NWT Cree Language Program