Adrian Sutherland
Born and raised in Canada’s Far North, Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rocker-with-heart from Attawapiskat First Nation. His melding of rock, roots, folk and blues draws inspiration from his life, the land, and his Cree culture, with songs that ripple far beyond stages.
“Precious Diamonds,” Adrian’s second solo album, was produced in Nashville by Colin Linden, and mastered in New Jersey by Greg Calbi. Lead single Notawe (Father is one of two all-Cree songs on the album, marking the first time Adrian is making music in his mother tongue.
Adrian and Colin first worked together in 2021. Cut off from the rest of the world during the pandemic, Adrian constructed a recording studio inside a shipping container to record his debut solo album remotely. “When The Magic Hits” earned nominations at the 2022 JUNO Awards and 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards, while title track _Magic Hits_ won Best Music Video from San Francisco’s 47th American Indian Film Festival.
In addition to musician, Adrian is a respected cultural leader and traditional knowledge keeper who is fluent in Omushkegowuk Cree. He is writing a book for Penguin Random House Canada about being born and raised in Attawapiskat.
Adrian cares deeply about many causes, with first-hand perspective on issues like contaminated water, food insecurity, and mental health. At this time of reconciliation, he is hopeful for Canadians to walk together in love and respect.