One listen to Adrian Sutherland and you’ll know he’s unlike anyone else. Born and raised in Canada’s Far North, the roots-rocker-with-heart melds folk, roots, rock, and blues into songs that draw inspiration from his life, the land, and his Cree culture, and ripple far beyond stages.

Adrian’s second solo album, Precious Diamonds, was produced in Nashville by Colin Linden. Lead single Notawe (Father) is one of two all-Cree songs on the album, marking the first time Adrian is writing and recording 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 from Attawapiskat. When The Magic Hits earned nominations at the 2022 JUNO Awards and 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards, while Magic Hits won Best Music Video from San Francisco’s 47th American Indian Film Festival.

In addition to being a musician and songwriter, 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.

One of the only professional recording artists who still resides in an isolated First Nation, Adrian cares deeply about many causes, with insightful and authentic first-hand perspective on issues like contaminated water, food insecurity, and mental health.

During this time of reconciliation, Adrian is hopeful for Canadians to walk together in love and respect.

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