NADJIWAN Releases New Single “Not Undone”

The year 2024 marks the 30thanniversary of NADJIWAN, the musical project andalter ego ofMarcMeriläinen. During that time, the Toronto–based singer/songwriter, guitarist and producerhas amassed an impressivebody of work that reflects his heritage asamember of theChippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Cape Croker, along withhis love of alternative rock in its various forms.

The milestone will be marked with a new album,The Mission,with the first taste being offeredin the form of “Not Undone,” a slow–burning single that once again showcases the trademark NADJIWAN sound rooted in traditional Indigenous vocalsand Meriläinen’s dynamic guitarplaying. The combination of ancient and modern approaches is what has always set NADJIWAN apart, and for the new record, Meriläinen and his crew went further than ever before in bridgingthose two worlds.

“My long time collaborator, friend andco–producer Ron Skinner suggested we record in New Mexico,” Meriläinen says.“We both have connections there; I’ve performed at various festivals and events in New Mexico over the years andRon hasbeen working with a studio based in Clovis. Also, the landscape andscenery is breathtaking,which is very inspirational when itcomes to recording.We set up a makeshift studio in a century–old church—St. JosephMission—on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.”

Once the logistics were worked out, Meriläinen says that he spent a month working out thematerial to record, some of which consisted of older ideas that he had yet to expand upon. Butthe album’s overriding vision was to capture the wonder of the New Mexico landscape, whichwas achieved, in some cases, with cinematic splendour.

Still, many of the songs retain personal connections for Meriläinen, specifically “Not Undone,” ashe explains. “It was inspired from my mother’s experiences while in the residential schoolsystem. I originally wrote this song many years ago andonce performed it live with my motheras part of a special concert honouring residential school survivors.

”That commitment to telling the stories ofIndigenous peopleshas been the guiding force behind NADJIWAN’s output, ason the acclaimed 2023 albumThe Great Sea, recorded in Meriläinen’shometown, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and the ambitious 2021 albumStar Nation, which combinedprog–rock with Indigenous mythology. Moreover, Meriläinenhas produced many other notableIndigenous artists, including the late Kelly Fraser,while most recently he teamed up with theinnovative world music outfit Sultans of String, touring with them in support of their albumWalking Through The Fire.

It’s all contributed to Meriläinen’s musical evolution, and the ever–expanding NADJIWAN sonicpalette. “Not Undone” begins the latest phase, with The Missionsoon to follow.

Meriläinensays, “As an artist I’vefound that everytime I make a newrecord I learn somethingnew.It’s this constant learning process that makes music and life interesting.I’vealso come tothe realization I’m more like a scientist experimenting with sound ratherthan a musician writingsongs.Each new record presents new challenges.It’s thesechallenges that help us grow.I feellike I still have lots to learn andI am looking forward to continuing the journey.”