Say Magazine

DJ Krayzkree

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Inspired by the band A Tribe Called Red, Dallas Arcand, otherwise known as DJ Krayzkree–a nickname he earned in his youth for taking risks and making bold moves–is forging toward a new sound by blending the cultural influences of his mixed Indigenous and European heritage.

Arcand, whose traditiona­l name is “Dancing Buffalo Man” is from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Cree Nation near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and is a wellknown motivation­al speaker and storytelle­r. Since his youth, he has explored his artistic talents through pow wow, hip hop and Métis music.

A three-time World Champion Hoop Dancer, DJ Krayzkree is no stranger to the entertainm­ent industry, having performed at venues all over the world, including the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games’ and the London 2012 Summer Olympics Games’ opening ceremonies. Combining his cultural traditions, Indigenous dance and the growing popularity of electronic music, DJ Krayzkree is popularizi­ng Indigenous language and teachings within the music industry.

In 2017 DJ Krayzkree performed on a 13-city cross-country tour, celebratin­g Canada’s 150th via the CP (Canadian Pacific) Canada 150 Train alongside Juno award-winning country artist Dean Brody and country singer Kelly Prescott.

In 2018, prior to the release of this debut album Future Generation­s, he entered his song “Sokisimo Oonga Remix” into the CBC’s Searchligh­t contest. The song made it into the top 100, and eventually reached the top 12, where the song received an overwhelmi­ng response and support from the general public.

Last year DJ Krayzkree also made his debut musical performanc­e in Panama at the Tribal Gathering Festival to a worldly audience, who graciously accepted and danced to the musical vibes.

As DJ Krayzkree continues to navigate the music industry, one thing will remain–his work will always be influenced by his Indigenous spirituali­ty and traditiona­l teachings.

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