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Performer Kelly Derrickson joins us from Westbank British Columbia to talk about her new music
September 17, 2019
Kelly Derrickson on the “Eye On The Desert”, at CBS studios. Talking about her new single, “We Are Love” and her upcoming 3rd album.
Watch here https://www.kesq.com/video/eye-on-the-desert/performer-kelly-derrickson-joins-us-from-westbank-british-columbia-to-talk-about-her-new-music/1121832796

Kelly Derrickson Live On The Gerg Show
August 1, 2019
Get up close & personal with Kelly Derrickson on The Gerg Show!

Kelly Derrickson Drops New Summer Rock Anthem
May 29, 2019

Kelly Derrickson New Single Album Cover, We Are Love

KELOWNA, BC — Indigenous artist Kelly Derrickson, the Voice of Her Nation, has just released an explosive summer rock anthem.

We Are Love celebrates the life-giving power of women and the love of our Creator. It is an uplifting, inspiring, powerful tribute toyou! Check it out here.

If you were to blend the best elements of Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and a healthy dose of Shania Twain, you get Kelly.

Kelly is an accomplished musician who has been recognized for years at the Native American Music Awards for best female artist, best music video, best country recording, and many more. She was recognized there as Best Female Artist for two consecutive years, in 2017 and 2018. No other artist has repeated that honor in consecutive years. Her works feature issues of life, both hardships and joys experienced by indigenous people across North America.

She studied music and earned her degree at the prestigious Berklee College of Music for Music Business and Performing Arts. She won the 2015 Coachella Valley Music Award for Best Country Artist and won Best New Artist at the 2015 and 2016 Indigenous Music Awards.

Her single 40,000 Ft Over You from her Multi Award winning album Warriors Of Love is considered the Best of 2016 in North America on the National Aboriginal Music Countdown . Her new single I AM reached #6 on the charts. She was recently nominated for Best Country Artist for the second time by The Coachella Valley Music Awards. Her talent and accomplishments make her a natural heir to other great indigenous artists such as Buffy St. Marie.

Kelly is on in rotation on Sirius XM Radio on channel 165 and her music is played on over 1200 radio stations in North America. She is daughter of Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson . What her father has worked to accomplish through leadership and politics, Kelly has worked to accomplish through music. They have both spent their lives working to advance the interests and improve conditions for Canada’s indigenous people. An example of Kelly and her father’s leadership and concern for indigenous young people can be found in Suicide Song, co-written by both of them. I Am (Mother Nature) celebrates nature, but is a warning that it cannot be endlessly violated. Idle No More is pure activism, a musical rally against the pollution of Canada’s native lands.

Over time, she has developed a style called Country Tribal Rock, unique to her and never done before. She is versatile, even releasing a version of Amazing Grace, one of the best known Christian Gospel classics.

Kelly’s second album I AM was released in April 2017. It was recorded, co-written and produced by Kelly herself among top country artists in Nashville. She is the voice of her Nation.

She was named Best Female Artist for a second consecutive year at the Native American Music Awards. No other artist has repeated the honor in consecutive years.

Kelly delights in pleasing indigenous and non-indigenous fans alike. In September, 2018, she performed alongside The Killers and other top talent at Skookum, Vancouver’s premier music and arts festival.

We Are Love is a celebration of the Creator and the life-giving power of women. As stated on the cover:

Women are higher in the natural order of life. Women are creators, Life-Givers, Life-Bearers, Life-Nurturers, Self-Healers, Self-Purifiers and Life-Protectors. They go through a natural hardship based on a cycle, making them more vulnerable, which draws them closer to the Creator which then makes them stronger, more spiritual, and more intuitive. They are symbols of the Creator’s Love. Through this innate cycle, they go through a process of purification, making them more sacred. The Messengers of God in the East are men but the symbols of the Great Spirit in the true West were women such as in the Lakota Tribe. Their deity is a woman named White Buffalo Calf who is responsible for all of the First Nation’s Teachings such as the Medicine Wheel, Four Colours, and Smudging. We Are Love was born from The White Buffalo to celebrate all forms of universal Love.

Remember to honor both women and men in our lives and let’s join together and raise each other up!

Let’s be in love, let’s live in love, and let’s give love. Even in negative times let’s be the light in the darkness. We truly are the voices of the nation standing in solidarity. White Buffalo is on her way

Derrickson collaborated with her father to produce the song, as well as Derek Miller who produced, co-wrote, performed the song with her, along with Benny Cancino, Jr. on the drums and percussion.

The We Are Love bundle can be pre-ordered here. For more information, visit www.kellyderrickson.com , or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

http://www.kake.com/story/40552345/kelly-derrickson-drops-new-summer-rock-anthem

In Focus | Kelly Derrickson
March 21, 2019

Meet Kelly. Kelly was born and raised here in Kelowna! She enjoys being outdoors, connected to nature and all of its beauty. Kelly is extremely passionate about music and hopes to inspire others with her songs.

<who> Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Westbank and Kelowna. I have lived in Kelowna all my life but I am a bit of a wanderer and free spirit and like to explore the world. 

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend makes me super happy and spending time with my family and friends is my favourite thing. I like it when we are all together. There is so much to learn in all the complication and relationships of families, bonding and unconditional love.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Valoroso Foods is my favourite local store because of its warmth, high-quality products and fresh foods. I love to eat in or take home and prepare something amazing for my friends and family.

<who> Photo Credit: Kelly Derrickson


Describe yourself in one word.
LOVE

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hawaii is my happy place. I love the ocean, the natural beauty of the land and how they take care of it with so much respect for mother earth and all her gifts. Hawaii is pure peace and it activates all my senses.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love swimming in Okanagan Lake and local creeks, skiing up at Big White and hiking in our gorgeous mountains.

<who> Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I wrote a song called “Idle No More”. After the video was released, I received a message from a man who told me he was deeply depressed and was planning to end his life. He told me after listening to “Idle No More”, it awakened something in him to get up and fight. He said he had hope for the first time. This man is the reason I do what I do.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up in Westbank on a street called “1st Avenue North” we had a farm with cattle, horses, bunnies, chickens, roosters, dogs and cats. I wrote a song called “1st Avenue North” on my most recent record “I Am”. The song is a reflection of all my most favourite childhood memories. Roaming around like a barefooted tomboy with my dog Duke, my brother always watching over me and teasing me, the gentleness and purity of my mother, learning everything on the farm from my dad and bailing hay with him, grandma cooking amazing dinners for us and baking fresh pies, grandpa and uncle Kelly playing their fiddle and banjos, visiting cousins across the creek, climbing cherry trees all day, and riding our bikes through the neighbourhood until the sun went down. I lived in a less complicated world and felt a bigger sense of freedom.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Every year at Christmas time, my dad, brother and I hand out cash to the homeless community and anyone who needs a little extra money in their pocket. All year round, we round up clothing and food for those that we know are in need. Our family contributes to many reserves across Canada like the Women’s Shelter, SPCA and The Gospel Mission, WFN our elders as well as the churches.

<who> Photo Credit: Kelly Derrickson

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

To stop the abuse to every animal, child and helpless person. I believe in love and kindness.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Straight to the lake, at the lake, on the lake or in the lake. In the Winter I’m up at Big White!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I strongly believe we all need to do more to protect Kelowna’s natural beauty, the land and our sacred grounds. We need to compost, recycle, reuse and not waste. Plastic is a huge problem and the streets are full of it. We need to clean up this gift we call the Okanagan. Respect the lake, the mountains and have pride in where we live.

<who> Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage


What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beauty of Kelowna is all her natural resources. The lake, creeks, mountains, cherry, apple, pear, plum, berry and grape trees, we are surrounded by so much natural beauty.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?

1. Open a Rescue Sanctuary for homeless/abused animals with trained vets and rehabilitation experts to find them forever homes.

2. Create a First Nation University.

3. Win a Grammy.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I’m kind of a loner.


How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
https://www.facebook.com/kellyderricksonmusic/

https://www.instagram.com/kellyderricksonofficial/

https://www.youtube.com/user/kellyderrickson

https://www.kellyderrickson.com 

Why did you get into/start this business?
All I have ever wanted to do is sing, it is my passion and music bleeds through my veins and awakens my soul.

What is the goal of your business?
My goal is to reach every heart and open it, to inspire people through my music. Whether that is making them cry, smile or go out and make a change that will better their lives or the world.

<who> Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage


What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
As artists, we are full of eternal heartbreak. My heart truly breaks for the human condition. It’s our job to share it with everyone, communicate through our hearts and soul into the universe by means of lyrics, notes and pure energy.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change anything, not that I wouldn’t want to, but life is about learning and there are no mistakes. Sometimes that hurts but we never stop growing and learning and I’m trying to learn to be more patient.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Always be of love and always rise above.

<who> Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage


Tell us your best piece of life advice.
“Live life to the fullest like each day is your very last. Be kind and fall in love..again and again.”

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I’ve spent time with many celebrities, artists and famous people. That is not the point. I would spend my day with someone who just needs someone to be kind to them or just listen to them. Someone who is hurting deeply so I can try to give them hope.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is helping others. When someone tells me they decide to live because of music instead of ending their life, that to me, makes it all worth it!

<who> Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage

Photo Credit: Suzanne Lestage


Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My nephew Matthew Derrickson. He is a strong, talented hockey player but yet has a sensitive, generous and caring heart. He is only 13 and helps people less fortunate than him and stands up for kids at school that are being bullied because he has a giant heart!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Matthew Derrickso, we need to focus on our youth!! 

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I love making music and I live to make a change that will truly impact our lands, hearts and minds through lyrics and song. When we speak about our planet and the earth …don’t you want to continue to live in freedom and see, smell and feel the beauty and magic of nature? As we continue to deplete it, like anything you abuse, it will eventually die of a broken heart. Mother Nature is strong but she is connected to each human being on this planet like a vein. She needs us to wake up, connect and protect her. It’s time to plug into each other, every living cell, animal and mammal on this planet and nourish the universal soul.

Kelly’s latest album “I Am” was recently nominated for Country Album Of The Year at the Indigenous Music Awards 2018 and won Best Female Artist at the 2018 and 2017 Native American Music Awards.

https://www.kelownanow.com/good_stuff/good_people/news/In_Focus/In_Focus_Kelly_Derrickson/#fs_72299

Nammy Winners Announced: For the 18th Annual Native American Music Awards
October 17, 2018
The 18th Annual Awards Gala was held Friday, October 12th at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Kelly Derrickson wins Best Female Artist at the 18th Annual Native American Music Awards

Annie Humphrey, Ojibwe, a musical artist that hails from the Leech Lake reservation, took home artist of the year in the wake of her well-received album, The Beast and The Garden. Humphrey was one of several celebrated artists at the Nammy Awards. Other Native musical artists awarded included Kelly Derrickson for best female artist, Randy Wood for best male artist, Twin Flames for group of the year and Michael Bucher and Paco Fralick’s ‘Women and Water’ was awarded song of the year.

The Eighteenth Annual Native American Music Awards Show took place this Friday, October 12, 2018 as part of the United Southern & Eastern Tribes conference at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls in New York.

According to NAMA president Ellen Bello, there were over 200 music recording submissions for the Eighteenth Annual Native American Music Awards. Bello says it was a special night celebrating Native music.

“It was a beautiful night…from Saginaw Grant & the drum group for Don’t Let the Drums Go Silent to Connor Chee with is a 95-year-old grandfather, to the fun of YMCA and Zippin up my Boots with Felipe Rose and Tracy Lee Nelson’s dedication to MMIW. It was all very special including winner Paco Fralick talking about Michael Bucher and the Pine Ridge Flute Society and Annie Humphrey honoring those who served in the military (like herself) — those were among the most poignant wins of the evening,” said Bello.

Debut Artist of the Year, Calvin Standing Bear, sent an email to Indian Country Today regarding his album Fly Eagle Fly.

Standing Bear said a song came to in a dream in the Lakota language to honor the Eagle Nation. “The words have been translated into English. The song speaks for itself as you will feel yourself soaring with the eagle. The eagle flies the highest to carry our prayers to the Creator.”

Standing Bear said he wants to thank his mother, Neva Standing Bear, Light in the Lodge, who helped him translate this song from a dream into reality. Neva has since gone to the spirit world.

DEBUT GROUP OF THE YEAR
Dreamwalker Suite
People of the Star Orchestra

BEST FEMALE ARTIST
Kelly Derrickson
I Am

Read the full list of winners here:  https://newsmaven.io/indiancountrytoday/news/nammy-winners-announced-for-the-18th-annual-native-american-music-awards-bhEcEM9cjkSq04lNmvzCNA/

SKOOKUM Festival
October 12, 2018

From Juno Award winners like Buffy Sainte-Marie and William Prince to up-and-comers like Snotty Nose Rez Kids and Ta’kaiya Blaney, Vancouver’s inaugural SKOOKUM Festival featured a TON of Indigenous talent. Here’s a highlight reel of the wet but wondrous weekend.

watch the video below

Source: http://digitaldrum.ca/tag/kelly-derrickson/

Local singer at Skookum fest
October 11, 2018

Westbank singer Kelly Derrickson recently performed at the annual Skookum Music Festival in Vancouver.

Derrickson, who calls her music country tribal rock, was named 2017 Best Female Artist at the Native American Music Awards and her 2017 album I AM was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2018 Indigenous Music Awards.

Derrickson has recently been nominated in multiple categories at the Native American Music Awards. The singer is up for Best Female Artist, Best Country Recording, Best Dance Song, and Best Music Video Recording.

The Native American Music Awards will be held on Friday at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino.

 

 

Source: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/entertainment/article_d6049bc6-cd9c-11e8-bc35-ebf15ac5900c.html

First Nation Singer Kelly Derrickson Garners Multiple Music Award Nominations
October 9, 2018
Posted: Oct 09, 2018 12:34 AM EDT
Updated: Oct 09, 2018 12:34 AM EDT

Derrickson nominated in four categories at the Native American Music Awards

Niagara Falls, NY – October 8, 2018 /MarketersMedia/ —

Kelly Derrickson, daughter of West Bank Grand Chief Ron Derrickson, has recently been nominated in multiple categories at the Native American Music Awards. The famed singer is up for Best Female Artist, Best Country Recording, Best Dance Song, and Best Music Video Recording. The Native American Music Awards will be held on Friday, October 12th, 2018 at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino.

The music of her album, “I AM,” covers important themes of First Nation issues such as broken treaties and environmental degradation. However, she quite beautifully weaves images of the comforts of love and home throughout her songs, resulting in a diverse and very popular portfolio of music.

Founded and incorporated in 1998, The Native American Music Awards is the music industry’s largest and only membership-based organization for the advancement of Native American music initiatives and expressions around the world. N.A.M.A. celebrates the rich cultural heritage and promotes cultural preservation of the nation’s first people, aiming to raise the awareness level and appreciation of Native American culture to the public at large, both nationally and internationally. An extraordinary and unprecedented celebration of today’s best contemporary and traditional music, the annual awards program features over one dozen mesmerizing and dynamic performances by leading Native American artists along with 30 awards presentations.

What Kelly Derrickson’s father has worked to accomplish in the political arena, Kelly has worked hard to accomplish through her music. They have both spent their lives advancing the interests and improving the conditions for Canada’s indigenous people, and it’s such an honor to have this work recognized. Kelly’s voice bleeds with passion each time she sings about her family and her people, and we are excited for all that the future holds for her.

Cast your vote for Kelly Derrickson’s First Nation, I AM, Country Tribal Rock album on the official Native American Music Awards ballot today at nativeamericanmusicawards.com.

 

Source: http://www.wandtv.com/story/39252448/first-nation-singer-kelly-derrickson-garners-multiple-music-award-nominations 

West Bank First Nation Singer Kelly Derrickson to Perform at Skookum
August 29, 2018

VANCOUVER, BC– Skookum, Vancouver’s premier annual art and music festival between September 7-9, will feature Kelly Derrickson in the music lineup. Derrickson has long performed as a country “tribal rock” singer and is the daughter of Westbank Grand Chief Ron Derrickson.

Derrickson was named 2017 Best Female Artist at the Native American Music Awards and her 2017 album I AM was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2018 Indigenous Music Awards.

 

 

Kelly Derrickson Delivers ‘Country Tribal Rock’ Music With A Message
April 30, 2018

Since dropping her debut album in 2013, Kelowna’s Kelly Derrickson has been turning heads and opening ears with a singular style she dubs “Country Tribal Rock.”

While the niche genre is named for her diverse taste in music, it came about as a response to the unwanted labels she faced earlier in her career.

“I hated, hated, hated being pigeonholed,” Derrickson says. “I’ve had record deals before where I had to say, ‘You know what? Here’s your money back. I can’t do this.’

“I didn’t want to be known only as a pop-rock singer, or a country singer. I want to speak about my people and my politics, but I also want to sing about love and I want to sing about having a good time on Friday night. If we can’t be ourselves, we’re never gonna grow.”

But whether she’s rocking out or honouring her Indigenous heritage, Derrickson’s sound is always secondary to her message. Touching on everything from Idle No More (Idle No More) to youth suicide (Suicide Song) to Mother Nature (I Am), she writes and sings about important issues in a “non-angry way that hopefully opens people’s eyes and hearts.”

“I’ve always wanted to play music and sing, but at some point you have to ask yourself why you’re doing it,” she says. “I don’t think doing it for fame or fortune is enough. My grandmother always told me, ‘You’re only as good as what you give.’ So I don’t care if you’re a cook or a nurse or a trash man or you work at A & W, you’re only as good as what you give in this life. If we’re not giving, it’s pointless for us to even be here.”

By giving back to the community with her gift of music, Derrickson hopes to not only raise awareness about Indigenous issues, but heal pain, inspire change and create meaningful connections.

“I’ve won awards and met a lot of celebrities and things like that, but none of that’s important to me,” she says. “The most important thing is when people reach out and I get Facebook messages from people. I got a message one day from a guy who had been planning to kill himself, and he said when he listened to Idle No More he changed his mind. He realized there was somebody out there who cared.

“If you write one song and it affects millions, that’s wonderful. But if it affects even one person on that kind of level, I know I’ve done my job.”

Judging by her mainstream success and ever-growing social media following, Derrickson is most definitely doing her job.

Since the release of 2013’s Warriors of Love, she’s rolled out a number of music videos, won multiple awards and dropped a second album. Featuring her trademark mix of “upbeat fun stuff and more political stuff about what’s going on in my community,” I Am (2017) is nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2018 Indigenous Music Awards. This summer, Derrickson will embark on a Canada-wide tour and perform at Vancouver’s inaugural SKOOKUM Festival, which will showcase fellow Indigenous artists like Crystal Shawanda, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, William Prince, Buffy Sainte-Marie and others.

But if Derrickson has anything to do with it, she’s just getting started. While she’s noticed an increased awareness about Indigenous issues over the past few years, she says, there’s plenty more work to be done.

“We can hide behind a keyboard, or we can really connect and really encourage each other,” she says. “Through my music, I hope to spread the message of my people and try to help our people. Until our people are full of strength and confidence, I’m not going to stop writing music.”

 


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