The Red River Ramblers released their album, Métis Fiddle Music on January 4, 2020. Check out the album below, or go here to get your own copy!
We had a chat with Douglas Richard Sinclair, so take a few moments to find out more about the band via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Douglas Richard Sinclair. I am a citizen of the Métis Nation and a musician. I play banjo and guitar in a band called The Red River Ramblers. We perform Métis Fiddle Music.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I envisioned a sound that would revive Manitoba Métis Fiddle Music. Métis Fiddle Music encompasses the rhythmic spirit of First Nations peoples blended with Scottish and French fiddle. I developed my own style of Métis banjo and guitar that drifts between rhythmic and melodic. My long-time friend Stephen Dayfoot joined the band on hand drum, spoons, and a variety of percussive instruments that carry the heartbeat. I recruited Pierre Arsenault on fiddle to weave the music together with timeless melodies.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
We will perform at The Red Harp in Acton Ontario on February 22nd, The Midland Cultural Centre on March 7th, at Banjo Fest in Guelph Ontario on March 8th, and Terra Cotta Maple Syrup Festival on April 4th and 5th. Our live performance features high energy Métis Fiddle tunes with complex and catchy rhythms. We perform listenable music loud enough for the audience to tune in but not too loud to cause damage to their ears.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
I would recommend listening to Louis Riel Reel.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
We like Andy DeJarlis, The Dirty Nil, The Lonesome Ace Stringband, Exco Levi, Colter Wall, A Tribe Called Red, Kacy and Clayton, and many more.
Connect with The Red River Ramblers:
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