Native America Calling runs down some of the standout Indigenous tracks from the past year. We get expert recommendations from The Mainstream‘s Brett Maybee (Seneca), Indigenous in Music’s Larry K (Ho-Chunk), and Sounds of Survivance’s Tory J (Quinault) from KEXP. They give us a wide range of selections that include rock, folk, jazz-fusion, soul, and more, in addition to the insightful stories behind the music. We wrap up the 2024 Native Playlist with music you don’t want to miss.

Break 1 Music: Aster and daffodils (song) THRONE (artist) Singing Bear Speaks (album)

Break 1 Music: Ridin’ Out the Storm (song) Samantha Crain (artist)

Top five artists and songs of 2024 picked by guests and staff:

Larry K’s 2024 top artists and songs:

1. “Ocean Child I Am” by Khu.éex’


2. “Strawberries and Champagne” by Indian City


3. “Ista Nts Ali” by Nuxalk Radio


4. “Bay City Blues” by The Bloodshots


5. “Movimento” by Jalmy

Tory J’s 2024 top artists and their songs:

1. “In My Way” by Liv Rion


2. “Purity” by Indian Giver


3. “Seeing Two” by Deerlady


4. “Glass in The Sage” by Under Exile”


5. Carefree” by Wyatt C. Louis

Brett Maybee’s 2024 top artists and songs:

1. “Reservation Road” by Nadjiwan


2. “Bounce, Boogie & Bump” by C.W. Ayon


3. “Ridin’ Out the Storm” by Samantha Crain


4. “Sugarcane” by Mali Obomsawin


5. “FEE FI FO FUM” by Mato Wayuhi (feat. Black Belt Eagle Scout)

Honorable Mention: “Ocean Child I Am” by Khu.éex’

Shawn Spruce’s 2024 top artists and songs:

1. “Who’s Your Favorite Indian” by The Jir Project


2. “Thunder Medicine” by Geneviève Gros-Louis


3. “Growing Pains” by Sage Nizhoni


4. “Last Call” by Melody McArthur


5. [Posthumously] “Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne (featuring Jesse Ed Davis)

Andi Murphy (producer) 2024 top artists and songs:

1. “COME TO LIFE” by Toni Heartless


2. “Everyday” by Celeigh Cardinal


3. “We Up” by Barkaa


4. “KALEIDOSCOPE” by Snotty Nose Rez Kids feat. Travis Thompson


5. “Warriors” by Black Braid

Sol Traverso (producer) 2024 top artists and songs:

1. “Dirt Roads” by Tia Wood


2. “Brown Fool Eyes” – Hataallii


3. “Alpha and Omega” by The Zonies


4. “Slash and Gash” by Red-209


5. “RESIDENT EVIL” by Toni Heartless