Digging Roots' ShoShona Kish and Amanda Rheaume have announced the creation of a new record label. The two songwriters will helm Ishkōdé Records, which officially launches today alongside news of a distribution deal with Universal Music Canada.
The word "Ishkōdé" means fire in Anishinaabemowin. A press release explains that the label's guiding principle, "Songs for the Eighth Fire," refers to the Anishinaabe's Seven Fires prophecy, which "heralds an epoch of eternal peace when Indigenous peoples and settler communities together build the eighth and final fire of justice and harmony."
Ishkōdé Records' first official release will be a new single from Digging Roots, due to arrive August 5. Further details on new music from both Rheaume and inaugural signee Aysanabee will follow.
"For me, Ishkōdé Records celebrates our narrative sovereignty: storytelling is an expression of self-determination," Kish said in a statement. "Our voices are powerful, they are grounded in our bloodlines and culture. We are in a time where our songs are needed. We all have a role to play in amplifying and creating space in the hope that someday we will light that Eighth Fire."
"Since our first conversations, I have been deeply inspired by what ShoShona and Amanda are building — a vital new platform driven by artist-centred partnerships created to amplify Indigenous voices telling their stories through music," Universal Music Canada chairman and CEO Jeffrey Remedios added. "Universal Music Canada is honoured to partner with Ishkōdé Records to support, celebrate, and share this important work."
The word "Ishkōdé" means fire in Anishinaabemowin. A press release explains that the label's guiding principle, "Songs for the Eighth Fire," refers to the Anishinaabe's Seven Fires prophecy, which "heralds an epoch of eternal peace when Indigenous peoples and settler communities together build the eighth and final fire of justice and harmony."
Ishkōdé Records' first official release will be a new single from Digging Roots, due to arrive August 5. Further details on new music from both Rheaume and inaugural signee Aysanabee will follow.
"For me, Ishkōdé Records celebrates our narrative sovereignty: storytelling is an expression of self-determination," Kish said in a statement. "Our voices are powerful, they are grounded in our bloodlines and culture. We are in a time where our songs are needed. We all have a role to play in amplifying and creating space in the hope that someday we will light that Eighth Fire."
"Since our first conversations, I have been deeply inspired by what ShoShona and Amanda are building — a vital new platform driven by artist-centred partnerships created to amplify Indigenous voices telling their stories through music," Universal Music Canada chairman and CEO Jeffrey Remedios added. "Universal Music Canada is honoured to partner with Ishkōdé Records to support, celebrate, and share this important work."
