Skip to main content

Maverick Ad

Home

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Cover Stories
  • Features
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Cashbox Legacy Awards
  • Past Covers
  • Weekly Archive
Indigenous Singer/Songwriter Mike Bern Releases “no words for goodbyes” From Latest ‘Ancestors’ Album

Breadcrumb

  • Home
  • Indigenous Singer/Songwriter Mike Bern Releases “no words for goodbyes” From Latest ‘Ancestors’ Album
Mike Bern
Thu Apr 06, 2023
Cashbox Canada

Multi-award-nominated Indigenous singer/songwriter Mike Bern brings us his rooted indigenous folk rock sounds with his new album 'Ancestors' released on March 14.

Listen to “no words for goodbyes” on YouTube here:

Mike creates a sound that uniquely blends husky rock-style vocals and traditional folk acoustic melodies with hints of drawling Southern Gospel. He takes his inspiration from musicians like Frankie Miller, Chris Otepka, and Ben Schneider, which is evident in his music's pure and heartfelt sound and the stories in his lyrics. Whether it's the raw emotion from the words he uses or the way he harmonizes with the music, Mike's music captures a sense of pain and vulnerability that is both authentic and moving.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/5xjKtGCLIx8SBjL93ojL2U

 Hailing from Tobique First Nation' Ancestors' came about when Mike visited an Angel Reader – someone who communicates and receives an angel's vibratory words – after grieving a family member's death. At this moment, Mike wanted to give something back, dedication to the sacrifices of generations of a family whose shoulders he rests upon.

Mike draws on several sources for his music, and in particular, this new album, whose heart lies in his connection to his ancestors and the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Their absence is a constant reminder of what could have been and how things used to be. So he'll allow memories to wash over him and write out reflective melodies and musical ideas while contemplating his past and experiences on his deck.

His dreamy sonic-sounding electric guitars and close vocal harmonies are entwined through this album alongside his signature acoustic sound flowing like a river in the background. Gentle at times, Mike takes us on several journeys throughout this album.

'Ancestors' is the album's title track, which reflects Mike's connection to his forefathers, wanting to create an authentic and positive light to honour the people that went before him. And that journey that we all will take.

"Walk with me in the immortal sky
Star people awakening my oh my

On the mountain top
We hear your prayers
When we all die
We become the stars."

'Shine of Shirl' is based on a personal experience inspired by his late uncle's ashes which hang in his truck by the rearview mirror. Its upbeat bounce works in contrast to the melancholic undertone of the lyrics. It's a homage to the souls no longer with him, including his uncle.

"He always wanted to listen to music while here," Mike explains. "Now, when his favorite song comes on, I know he's with me."
"I know you're driving next to me
The feeling puts me at ease
I start swerving to the right
Someone grabs the wheel
I know you're here with me."

Other noteworthy tracks are 'Grateful Sun' and 'no words for goodbye'.

'Grateful Sun' is a nod to our fiery ball of warmth in the sky, known as the sun, and how it's there to pick us up and keep us warm when we feel lost and alone, as the world can be a dark place at times. Mike wanted to create a song of gratitude for life. Its indie vibe steps away slightly from Mike's usual indigenous folk-rock sound, which allows him to flex his metaphorical wings and step out of his folk-rock comfort zone.

With three straight Indigenous Music Countdown top 10s, Mike has an eclectic background. He has sung in award-winning bands Kickin Krotch and District Avenue, and opened for Seaway, The Trews, One Bad Son, The Motorleague, and more.

mikebern.com

Reviews
Album
Mike Bern
Month: Jul 2021
Rasta Phil Renowned Reggae Master & Producer Rasta Phil Spreads Big Love…
Alex Goupil Inspired by Lost Love & a Big Move Singer/Songwriter Alex Goupil…
Anaté Germany/Italy-Based Collaborative Pop Duo Anaté Release Brooding…
Conrad Bigknife Indigenous Artist of the Year Nominee Conrad Bigknife Says “Never…
Keegan Chambers Hell Hath No Fury Like Artist Keegan Chambers & Her Searing…
KingDow Welcome to the World of KingDow’s Awakened Mind…
ViVA Trio Award Winning ViVA Trio Sweep Audiences Away with Cinematic,…
Whatzername Canadian Rock Trio Whatzername Seize “Freedom” with New Single
The Golden Seals Power Pop Trio The Golden Seals Pose a Question in New Single: “To Be or Not…
Borrowed Thoughts It May Take Borrowed Thoughts, But It’s Time to “Decompress” Folk…
Alex Whorms Alex Whorms Delivers Stunning Rendition of Jann Arden’s Timeless…
Brooke Burgess Award Winning Creator Brooke Burgess Proudly Presents His Ultimate…
The Reckless Famous Treaty #6 Territories of Saskatchewan Alt.Rockers The Reckless…
Donita Large Indigenous Blues Singer/Songwriter Donita Large is “Going To Walk That…
The High Loves Alt. Rockers The High Loves Say Hey, “Call Me Back” Single Lands Ahead…

Pagination

  • First page « First
  • Previous page ‹ Previous
  • …
  • Page 41
  • Page 42
  • Page 43
  • Page 44
  • Current page 45
  • Page 46
  • Page 47
  • Page 48
  • Page 49
  • …
  • Next page Next ›
  • Last page Last »

CEO/PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF
SANDY GRAHAM

email:sandygrahamemg@gmail.com 

Canadian Journalists:

Contributing Journalist - Canada and Global
Don Graham
email: dongrahamwriter@gmail.com

Contributing Journalist - Canada and Global
Lisa Hartt
email: lisahartt87@hotmail.com

Contributing Journalist - Canada 
Michael Williams
email: greydread@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

International Journalists:

Contributing Journalist - Sweden
Malin Osth
email: malin@musicdays.se

Contributing Journalist - Sweden
Jonas Tancred
email: jonas@musicdays.se

Contributing Journalist - USA
Rob Durkee 
email: rockster2746@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Web Developer/Technical Support
Chris Wardman

email: info@chriswardman.com
website: chriswardman.com

Cashbox Cover Design and Graphic Artist
Jain McMillan

email: jainmcmillan@gmail.com

Contributing Photographer 
Tracey Savein - South Paw Productions
southpawproductions@rogers.com

 

 

 

Footer menu

  • Home
  • Features
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Cashbox Archive
  • Issue Archive
  • Past Covers