Started in 2017, the Indigenous Artist Spotlight series was created to foster greater awareness and understanding of the strength and diversity of Indigenous artist in Canada.
This month, we spoke with Chuck Copenace, a trumpet player, storyteller, and composer based in Winnipeg, MB. He is keeping busy on a collection of new music, working on an immersive multimedia experience based on his album Oshki Manitou, and being a dad.
Chuck's Links: Instagram • Spotify • Website
Roots and Formation
I’m Chuck Copenace, a trumpet player, storyteller, and composer from Kenora, ON. I’m Anicinabe, with my roots in Animakee Wazing 37 and Onigaming First Nation.
Home is Kenora, ON. It definitely shaped me and my approach to music. It’s a beautiful place and gave me a strong connection to nature, but it’s also a place that has a history of racism towards Indigenous people.
I started playing trumpet in Kenora and found approval and distraction from my often inexplicable negative feelings. At first, playing was just kind of like a funny trick I could do — I was always seeking attention in some way (mostly negative). I recall finishing a solo in front of community members who enjoyed classical music, a lot of older non-Indigenous people. I got a standing ovation and a lineup of older people waiting to shake my hand after. Some even said, “That’s so good for an Indian.”
I think this made up my mind that there was something else going on here. I had a lot to iron out for years and years, but it really shaped who I am.
Music carried me through life until I found a way to live and be at peace with myself and others. Now, I cherish the ability to perform and share my story, and I hope to pass this gift on to my kids.
Artistic Practice and Sound
In three words, I describe my music as evocative, captivating, and ethereal.
My music is how I express my reactions to life and how I connect to others and share my story. I hope audiences connect to something I say and learn about my story as an Indigenous person. I also hope that my music reminds them of something good in their life. I’m told that people often don’t expect personal storytelling and humour to be such a big part of my performance. People often respond to the fusion of electronic music and jazz, and the way the music creates a rich sonic soundscape.
Performance and Community
I think my most meaningful engagement with an audience was in Wikwemikong, ON. The whole production was amazing, and I found it was my most spiritually connected show. An elder sharing with the band and smudging us before the show was amazing.
My ideal audiences include younger people. I hope I can inspire them to follow a path of healing through creativity. The act of creating gives room for the emotions and mind to rearrange themselves as needed.
Current Projects
Right now, I’m partnered with a production company and Cree artist Peatr Thomas to create an immersive multimedia experience based on stories from my album Oshki Manitou. I’m also creating new music on an ongoing basis and exploring solo performances in the future. ∎