Best Native American Rock Bands
Redbone opened many doors for other Native musicians but got little acknowledgment because Native musicians were not really accepted in the mainstream at the time. Most people don't even know how much their music influenced other musicians.
In their own right, each one was a great musician, and together they were unbeatable. Lolly's song, "Come and Get Your Love" is still played on the radio and covered by other musicians today. They still have many fans and are still garnering new ones after all these years. They simply are the best.
Blackfoot is an American Southern rock musical ensemble from Jacksonville, Florida organized during 1970. Though they are primarily a Southern rock band, they are also known as a hard rock act. Although they were pegged as southern rock, these guys could deafen ears with their hard stuff too. Check out "Good Morning" off their Marauder album. Ricky Medlocke, the lead singer, now plays with Skynyrd.
Jakson "Thunderfoot" Spires sadly passed away a few years back, but the name keeps going, and so does their music. Their top album Strikes spawned their two biggest hits, "Train, Train" and "Highway Song." Take a listen - you won't be disappointed.
Grew up listening to these guys! Some members were in other bands before this... I don't know their names right now, but my kids and grandkids all love listening to The Mountain Album. Rock on!
I love this band. Punk rock/Native American tones/metal. Great message in the lyrics, especially with songs like Downfall, How Can We Confess, It's Not Over, and Silence as a Weapon.
They were found by Joey Ramone before his death and were on the Vans Warped Tour in 2004. Buy their CDs now! (Laugh out loud - I did.)
Blackfire is a band that is very important to me. They helped me find my identity, both as a Native and as an individual. If it wasn't for them, I think I'd still be at war with myself.
BLACKFIRE, composed of Dine (Navajo) Benally brothers and sister (Klee, Clayson, and Jeneda), is the best Native American rock band I've listened to so far. Their music, lyrics, and blood-and-guts vocals - whether in their punk rock or traditional style - carry a lot of power in delivering their message.
Also, watch out for SIHASIN (Clayson and Jeneda Benally) and for Klee Benally's solo songs. Both are really good too!
I saw and heard Indigenous in Boston 12 years ago, and they were TOTALLY AWESOME. They did a bunch of Jimi's music and blew the house away.
I love their smooth style. True until the gods call us home, where we give thanks for all of the great music they shared with us.
The best sound coming out of America! Mato Nanji and group are amazing and totally original!
- 1998: Band first formed
- 2006: Minor change in band - original drummer parts ways
- 2007: Debut 10-song album recorded in East Vancouver
- 2008: Nominee for 'Best Rock Album' at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards in Toronto, replaced 'The Johnnys' scheduled performance at Rogers Centre (aka Skydome) in Toronto
- Music currently available through iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, etc.
- 2011: RED disbands
- 2013: Studio build commences
- 2013-2016: Writing new material begins
- 2018: Rehearsal on new and old material starts. Three of the original members work toward Indigenous Day performance - first successful show in 7 years (unplugged)
- 2019: Announce 2020 release date for the long-anticipated follow-up album. Two dates announced: 1. Indigenous Day (June 21st @ Trout Lake) 2. Fusion Festival (July 20th in Surrey). Studio build complete, songwriting continues for upcoming album, music recording currently in pre-production
An absolute gem from La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Canada. Breach of Trust released two albums: Songs for Dying Nations in 2000 and a self-titled album in 2004. Standout tracks include the singles "Who Am I?" and "Edge of Summer." Highly recommended for any fans of hard rock.
One of the best bands ever! Love Tom Bee's voice.
"Reservation of Education" all day.
The first Indian rock band, and no other Indian rock band in North America comes close.
In my professional opinion, this group needs a strong manager and a budget to get them where they should be. A very refreshing dose of what music used to be. Kudos, Smooth Reign!
This band has a style of their own. They definitely stand out.
Definitely not your typical Native band.
Just saw them again at the GrassRoots Festival in Trumansburg, NY. They are SO AWESOME! I feel every note, every wail, every hit, and stomp... Right down to my soul! They should be higher on the list - like #2, ok?!
The song "NDN Car" makes me happy and feel young. It reminds me of Oklahoma, with dirt roads, Blackjack trees, family, and friends. Stomp dances and powwows. Long live my gray war pony, "The Grey Ghost."
Coupstick is one of the MOST influential Native American bands I have EVER heard! Check them out! They are badass!
Uniquely amazing. That something that's missing in rock today can be found in Coupstick. And my God!... What a message.
My two Native brothers' band, they taught me a lot about life and always treated me as one of theirs, even though I'm a whitey... Love those guys big time, they are totally badass.
Give my brother a listen and vote for him!
This band is seriously awesome. Such amazing talent and sound! The bass player is an original member of Indigenous and has created this new trio that has explosive lyrics and a heavy blues/rock sound.
The songs so far are a mix of some ground-shaking originals and some blues you may already know, but a lot heavier. I definitely give this hot Nakota bass player two major thumbs up!
North Dakota's longest-standing Native crust band. If you enjoy some crusty thrash, YouTube them!
Awesome Industrial-Hip Hop-Metal Rock group.
Wikipedia says, "Corporate Avenger is a Native American band from Southern California. The style of their music has varied over time, ranging from electronica and industrial to rap to rock. With each change, the subject matter has always remained the same: political matter, knowledge, and spirituality."
The group is great with some controversial and radical songs.
Love this band. You won't find a much more offensive band, but they talk about truth, and yeah, it hurts...
Navajo metal band from Northern Arizona. They have been around since 2008. They've released a few demos and an EP, but they are definitely worth checking out. The musicianship is there. I've seen their new stuff on YouTube - they're amazing!
Not 100% Native, but mixing Asian, Polynesian, and Native American elements (all arguably having ancient connections) with all kinds of mind-crushing psychedelic noise and rock. I'm only a tiny bit Native, but when I heard this, something stirred in me...!
This band is totally awesome. They write all their own music and have 2 albums out. Jir Anderson is the lead guitar player and frontman. They are out of Albuquerque, NM. His guitar playing is out of this world. Check them out.