Coming from the wide prairies of Treaty 6 and 7 Territory, The North Sound comprise Forrest and Nevada Eaglespeaker, and bring with them a glorious celebration of love and raw storytelling, in the form of their new album, ‘What It Takes’.
You can stream and download ‘What It Takes’ here.
Indigenous folk rhythms, underpinned by Americana vibes, ‘What It Takes’ is an unflinchingly honest examination of the highs and lows of the duo’s shared journey in both life and music. Opening track, ‘Til The Love Runs Out’ sways from the outset with its indigenous inspiration, while second track, ‘Hard Way, Easy Livin’, brings clear influence from Dwight Yoakam and his country shuffle sound. This song came about during a hot summer road trip the couple took in 2023, accompanied by their two young children and Forrest’s brother, Jaden. The trip took in festival performances, playgrounds, swimming holes, and a hospital visit – along with the blistering heat and eight hour drives in the van. Backstage at one performance, a friend made an off-the-cuff remark, backstage on a day which hit the 33 degrees C mark – “this sure is a hard way to make an easy living” – and thus was sparked the song.
‘What It Takes’ had its genesis four years ago, and is filled with life experiences and memories from the couple’s life, with lyrics crafted by Forrest, and lifted by Nevada’s striking vocals.
The North Sound came together in 2014, and their sound is rooted in Forrest’s Blackfoot heritage. With an unguarded vulnerability they navigate inter-generational trauma, while inviting others to join them in singing along, thus forging a connection between artist and audience, which lingers long in the minds of listeners, and promotes healing for all.
The ten-track album was released on May 23 this year, via Nashville’s independent Indigenous label, New Sun Music, and sees the pair narrate the couple’s lived experiences, no less so than in the track, ‘Hard Way, Easy Livin’, which is accompanied by a striking music video, seen below.
Find out more about The North Sound and their music online on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and Apple Music.
