BeatRoute Magazine BC Edition September 2018

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WITH DJ KOOKUM Written by Lyndon Chiang Cheyanna Kootenhayoo, or better known as DJ Kookum, is a Vancouverbased DJ and filmmaker, paving the way for Indigenous representation in music. DJ Kookum has worked with some of Canada’s biggest acts in Indigenous Hip-hop, including Mob Bounce, Drezus, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, to name a few. As a resident DJ at the Biltmore Cabaret, DJ Kookum mixes a diverse blend of Trap, Hip-hop, R&B, and EDM. In preparation for her big weekend at Skookum Festival, we caught up with Kootenhayoo to find out more about Indigenous Hip-hop, her upcoming performances and her community work with at-risk youth. What kind of music did you grow up listening to that shaped you the most? Was there one group or artist you can attribute to leading you down that path towards becoming a DJ/ producer? I basically went from listening to the Spice Girls to 2pac, then to techno and house. I remember being obsessed with Spice Girls and Alanis Morissette. Then I started going to an all native school and bought my first 2pac CD. I think when “Flat Beat” by Mr Oizo came out I started listening to techno, trance and house artists like DJ Alligator, Benny Benassi, Tiesto, and Marco V to name a few. What are the origins of your stage name DJ Kookum? Kokum means grandmother and is a word from the Cree tribes along Alberta/Saskatchewan/Manitoba. My friends and family back home started calling me kokum when I was 13, probably because I was wise AF? At the time I didn’t like being called ‘grandma’ and tried to stop it but they got the whole Rez (Indian reservation) calling me kokum. Back when I was DJ Annshay doing some of my first ever Hip-hop shows, I was rocking with LightningCloud. I told them my nickname story they were convinced I had to be DJ Kokum because the First Nations communities will dig it and because it had a better story behind it. So I went for it and added an extra ‘O’ to Kokum because I am not an actual kokum, let alone a parent yet. And now I love it, I own it. You grew up a member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and Cold Lake First Nations communities, do you feel a responsibility to represent or uphold your heritage through your music and art? Photo by George Lawson DJ Kookum is raising awareness on Indigenous issues through her art. It’s important to rep where I came from. I’ve had a lot of support in my career from both communities and I’m grateful for that. Every film project I’m involved with is either raising awareness on Indigenous issues or sharing our culture and history. A lot of the hip-hop artists I perform with are doing the same through the lyrics. It’s important to share our culture and history with the world so people know the truth. We are also breaking stereotypes through art. There are so many amazing First Nations people out there, I can’t believe some people still think we’re all just homeless, drunk or in jail. I love to share my peoples’ music. I put out a mix featuring all First Nations hip-hop artists called ‘Limitless Indigenous Hip-Hop Mix.’ You can find it on my Soundcloud (Soundcloud.com/DJkookum). I am going to put out more ASAP because there are so many amazing artists. Who are some must-listen artists in your music circles, and who should people watch out for? Horsepowa, Tchu_chu, Holy Sock Gang, Yellowsky, Mob Bounce, So Loki, DJ Shub, the Sorority, Missy D, Joey Stylez, Mamarudegyal, Status Krew, Dani & Lizzy, Emotions, JB the First Lady, Beaatz, Boogey the Beat, T-rhyme, Ekkwol, Kimmortal, LightningCloud, Drezus. I’m probably forgetting a whole bunch. You started out in film. How did you make the transition from filmmaking to DJ’ing? Are you still actively filming? I was influenced by my mother to work in film. We were film orphans as kids because our single mom was so busy making movies. Once I graduated high school in Edmonton, I moved to Vancouver to take the Indigenous Independent Digital Filmmaking program at Capilano University and became a videographer. I was actively working in the independent film industry right out of film school. I was crushing my goals. Then I realized if I can achieve those goals, I probably could become a DJ. So I taught myself how to DJ and became confident enough to play in front of people. I told all my film people that I was a DJ now and next thing you know I was DJ’ing at film screenings and film festivals. (Shout out Ostwelve and the VIMAF crew, those were some of my first gigs like six years ago). I still work in film on and off, doing a lot of video editing and coordinating. What’s the most memorable show you’ve performed at? I recently played a hip-hop show with SNRK at the Darwin Festival in Australia. Then I played a set at the festival’s Club Awi later that evening. Traveling to the other side of the world to do my thing was the coolest. Looks like you’ve got quite a jam-packed schedule at Skookum, performing with Mob Bounce, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and the afterparty at the Imperial. What makes this festival different from others? The amount of diversity of this festival makes it different. From big name bands to local artists. Can you tell us a bit about the Whitefish Lake Youth Conference, and what youth empowerment means to you? Whitefish Lake hosted a fiveday youth conference on their reservation in August. Artists from all different backgrounds traveled to the community four hours north of Edmonton to participate, facilitate workshops, and perform. I facilitated a DJ workshop during the day. Youth empowerment is important especially in Indigenous communities where there are high rates of suicide and addiction. I use to be an at risk youth so I can relate. And I just really want all the youth to know that as much as nothing seems possible, everything is possible. Catch DJ Kookum Thursdays at Granville Room, Fridays at the Biltmore Cabaret and at Skookum Fest After Dark at the Imperial Sept 8. 4 September 2018
CITY BRIEFS! Vancouver Aids Walk Book of Mormon Fran Lebowitz Telepresence The Radicals SKOOKUM AFTER DARK September 7 at Rickshaw Theatre The after party of Stanley Park’s inaugural music festival celebrates local music with late night live performances at downtown music venues. This one features performances from Little Destroyer, Matt Mays, and Bad Animal at the Rickshaw. TELEPRESENCE September 28 at Integrated Motion Studio, Emily Carr University Part of ‘the possible-impossible-thingof-sound’ — an installation series created by artists Nancy Lee and Kiran Bhumber, with trumpeter JP Carter, that explores both real and imaginary sounds — Telepresence is a virtual reality experience relayed through a live performance and an octophonic speaker system. ON THE TABLE September 13 at 2405 East Hastings BeatRoute is hosting its own On the Table talk right here in our office. Come, listen, and weigh in on a discussion about community and local music, from a publishing perspective. Our editors will be on site, talking about how you can engage in your music community in a huge variety of ways, even if you don’t play music yourself. THE RADICALS September 20 at Museum of Vancouver This inspiring documentary follows a group of snowboarders and surfers who become immersed in a journey of activism and resistance as they travel across BC’s west coast. VANCOUVER AIDS WALK September 23 at Sunset Beach This annual 2.5 kilometre walk, which first began in 1994, benefits Positive Living BC in their support of people living with HIV/AIDS. This year’s walk also marks the return of Joe Average, the longtime and beloved face of the event. CLARKWALK September 29 on Clark Dive Inspired by Clark Drive, this DIY art project asks participants to walk along Clark Drive from 6th Ave to Powell Street, take photographs, and listen to a curated playlist of local music, and document it with the hashtag #ClarkWalk. Then, on September 29, the crossroads will feature an exhibition and live music performance. FRAN LEBOWITZ September 27-28 at BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts The iconic writer, social commentator, and humourist is the first guest at Capilano University’s new speaker series that celebrates their 50th anniversary. Lebowitz has often been named a modern-day Dorothy Parker for her smart and satirical views on contemporary culture. TOM HSU Until September 22 at Burrard Arts Foundation Tom Hsu’s photography exhibition – Here, under our tongue – focuses on what remains in the camera frame after a picture has been taken. Intimate, unexpected, strange, and beautiful. BOOK OF MORMON September 25-30 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre The hit musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone is back in town for another run. The multi awardwinning comedy follows an odd couple of missionaries as they travel across the world to preach the message of Mormonism. GREATER VANCOUVER FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL September 16 at Concord Pacific Featuring more than 20 different food trucks, the Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival’s focus this year is bringing a diverse assortment of cuisines. Don’t miss out on local favourites like Tacofino, Rocky Point Ice Cream, and Big Red’s Poutine. September 2018 5
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