PREMIERE: Stream Mariame's Debut EP, 'Bloom'

Listen to Bloom, the debut EP from rising Cree R&B singer Mariame.

After premiering her infectious lead single, "As Long As You Are Here", last week, we're happy to bring you an exclusive album stream of Mariame's debut EP, Bloom, released today on N'we Jinan Records.

Bloom is a dynamic introduction to the rising Cree/Algerian singer's accomplished take on contemporary pop and R&B that weaves well-crafted hooks, airtight production, and Mariame's assured vocal presence throughout the EP's six songs.

Opener "Now You Know It" is a confident statement about coming through heartbreak stronger than ever, while "Electric" amps up the energy into a dancefloor-ready club anthem.  "All For You" is a lovestruck ode to remaining true to yourself and "staying afloat / even when times get rough"—a recurrent theme of optimism and strength that runs throughout the album.

Halfway through Bloom, however, the record drops into one of its most emphatic statements: a decidedly 21st century take on Indigenized pop music. "Native" spins a tale of cultural recovery, renewed strength, and love for her people, and it features expertly chopped vocal samples and a fire verse from the legendary and multitalented Apsáalooke hip-hop artist Supaman.

"Vulnerable" traces a moving story of a young girl's experience confronting past experiences of abuse and violence—but moving above and beyond them. Concluding the EP, "As Long As You Are Here", Mariame's impassioned lead single, closes the album with power and poise.

Picking up the Indigenous pop/R&B torch lit by the likes of Inez Jasper, Mariame is a young artist blazing her own way into popular music consciousness.  And, at 24, she's just getting started.

STREAM: Mariame's Bloom EP

Download Mariame’s debut EP, Bloom, on iTunes.

Download the Powerful New Single from Cree R&B Singer Mariame, "As Long As You Are Here"

Download "As Long As You Are Here", the lead single from rising R&B singer Mariame's new EP.

Already being hailed as the 'Cree Rihanna', Mariame is an emerging Indigenous artist who is exceeding all comparisons.

Her debut single, "As Long As You Are Here" is a potent slice of pop music perfection that arrives polished, powerful, and fully formed. The production is tight, her vocals come correct, and the songwriting is instantly memorable. Exactly what good pop music should be.

But the 24-year-old Cree and Algerian singer doesn't need RiRi references to stand her ground artistically and aesthetically.

If "As Long As You Are Here" is any indication, Mariame's debut EP Bloom is going to bring the fire with many more radio-ready pop and R&B gems.

Mariame is the first artist signed to Montreal hip-hop artist/producer David Hodges' new label, N'we Jinan. The label builds on the success Hodges and his team have had working with Cree communities throughout Quebec on music outreach and education—an inspiring, collaborative creative effort that recently yielded the release of their first compilation, N'we Jinan Eeyou Istchee - Volume 1. 

With deep roots in the community, and their sights set on the world, Mariame and N'we Jinan are leading a rising generation of Indigenous artists making power moves: not just to be heard, but to take over.   

DOWNLOAD: Mariame - "As Long As You Are Here"

Mariame's debut EP, Bloom, will be released worldwide on May 26, 2015. 

DOWNLOAD: Madeskimo - "Alaskan Highkick" & "Somers"

Geronimo Inutiq, aka Madeskimo presents an original take on independent electronic music, synthesizing his Inuit heritage and metropolitan life experience. This is evident in the song Alaskan Highkick where he combines traditional Inuit throat singing with messy break beats. Madeskimo currently resides in Montreal where he still performs and produces tracks for the world, posting regularly on Soundcloud and continuing to push the envelope; working with smooth synthesizer tones, otherworldly sound effects, syncopated rhythms, and ephemeral sound samples. DOWNLOAD: Madeskimo - "Alaskan Highkick" alaskan highkick by umati

DOWNLOAD: Madeskimo – "Somers"

Somers by umati

STREAM: Elisapie Isaac - "Moi, Elsie"

Daring and darling Salluit native Elisapie Isaac has been making waves with her first solo album There Will be Stars. Perfectly trilingual, Elisapie sings on the album in Inuktitut, English and French. This track, with French lyrics written by Quebec singer-songwriter Richard Desjardins, showcases Elisapie's velvet voice at its raw best. It whispers in your ear and touches your heart. STREAM: Elisapie Isaac - "Moi, Elsie"

Moi, Elsie by vegamusique