He has been called one of the most important, vital new voices of the First Nations roots music scene in Canada. In truth, Sumner could be categorized as one of the most important, vital new voices in the entire Canadian roots music scene!
One of the most popular performers at the Vancouver Island Music Festival, Leonard will grace our Bella Coola stage this year with his ‘country,blues,hip-hop’ music, unlike any other artist we have heard!
Leonard is an Anishinaabe MC from the Little Saskatchewan First Nation, located in Interlake Region of Manitoba. He provides perspective from a voice often unheard and over-looked in the traditional music communities: truthful, insightful, and providing a new sound straight from ‘the Rezzy’.
His music is best described as a fusion of Hip-Hop, Country and Rhythm and Blues. His lyrics are both intricate and honest, combined with his heart, message into a raspy flow that growls with the bittersweet existential angst of Reservation Indian. On stage, he captivates crowds with a guitar slung over his shoulder, singing and rhyming to the beats, allowing his style to be enjoyed by people who typically ‘aren’t into rap.’
Leonard also has a close connection to Bella Coola. He was named after his uncle Leonard, who lived in Bella Coola and married local Karen Anderson, and he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his family while here for the Festival. You can catch Leonard’s unique musical style at the Bella Coola Music Festival on July 20 and 21, 2013.