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Hailing
from the Akwesasne (Mohawk) Territory nestled between New York and
Canada, Nammy Award Winning,Singer- Songwriter
Atsiaktonkie (ah-jeeak-doon-gee-ay) is a charismatic performer who
invites listeners to embark on a spiritual journey through the power
of voice, music, and lyrics.
A self-taught musician who is
versatile in guitar, piano, harmonica, drums, bass guitar, hand
drum, and flute, Atsiaktonkie is the 2009 recipient of a Native
American Music Award (NAMMY) for Best Folk Recording for his CD
Four Wolves Prophecy (Strong Wind Records). He is also the
first Mohawk from the Akwesasne region to win a NAMMY, which is the
equivalent to winning a Grammy Award.
Atsiaktonkie is donating half of the proceeds from all CD sales to
the
Akwesasne Freedom School, which helps preserve the Mohawk culture
and language that is diminishing rapidly.
“The
children that attend Freedom School are the last chance for our
language, culture, and history to stay alive,” said Atsiaktonkie.
“Monies from CD sales will help pay teachers and make necessary
repairs to the school. If Freedom School closes, we could be faced
with our way of life being lost forever.”
Formerly the singer-songwriter of Native Alternative Folk Band
December Wind, Atsiaktonkie has managed to maintain a wide fan base
as a solo artist stretching the country nationwide especially in the
southwestern states and internationally throughout Canada.
He even
caught the attention of Neil Young who sent Atsiaktonkie the song
“The Treaty” to record.
“When
Neil Young sent me that song, I wasn’t spiritually ready to record
it,” said Atsiaktonkie. “However I did recently start working on
it, and I am very excited to hear what Neil Young thinks once it’s
finished.”
On his
award winning CD, Four Wolves Prophecy; Atsiaktonkie mixes
elements of folk, rock, country and Americana with poignant lyrics
and harmonious melodies. Media and fans alike have compared his
writing style to the likes of Bob Dylan and Leonard
Cohen, while his
vocals are reminiscent of Michael Stipe from R.E.M. and Neil Young.
Atsiaktonkie’s
superb musical style has garnered such comments as "The most
beautiful music I ever heard," "I simply must buy this CD," "Every
cut is a gem," "Just incredible,” “Absolutely worth a listen” and
“Top-notch,” making Atsiaktonkie one of the most admired industrious
trendsetters in folk music today.
Atsiaktonkie’s Four Wolves Prophecy CD can be purchased
locally on the St. Regis Mohawk reservation at CKON Radio, The
Bear’s Den, Nation Bookstore, Wild Bill’s, #9 Truckstop,
Kanienkehaka Fuels, as well on this website and
at
www.drumbeatindianarts.com. |