About
Niska Napoleon
Instruments: Vocals, Guitar
details
With her powerful stage presence, heartfelt songs and guts out attitude, Niska is beginning to strike a chord with fans across Canada. Combining strong melody driven pop/rock with her soulful conviction explain why she is able to stop people in their tracks whether she is dancing on stage, playing the guitar or serenading someone to a simple hand clap. At the age of ten, Niska had already written and recorded her first song which ended up on one of her dad Art Napoleon’s albums. Having had a taste of show biz at an early age drove Niska to perform and create her own original music. She picked up the guitar at age twelve and soon began writing and performing all over Western Canada. At the age of sixteen, she was touring with hip-hop groups Red Power Squad and ReddNation. Niska’s song “Places” was then debuted on Red Power Squad’s second album.In the years since, Niska has gained the experience of the big stage, performing at several large events including “The Olin Kan Music Festival” in Mexico City, “The Dawson City Music Festival,” "Victoria's 10th, 11th and 12th annual SKA Fest" and the “The 2008 National Aboriginal Indigenous Games.” She also knows what it's like to travel across Canada in an overloaded van, sleep under the stars and busk for gas money proving her durability and diversity. Niska has opened for acts such as Buffy St.Marie, Kai Mani Marley, The Aggrolites and The Persuasions. She has also had the opportunity to collaborate with artists such as Terra Grimard, Noah Becker, The Pocket Kings, Hillside Hooligans and sang as a member of Sandy Scofield’s traditional women’s ensemble Iskwew, showcasing her tremendous range and sound.
As a front woman for Victoria-based ska band Rocky Mountain Rebel Music( RMRM), Niska has captured hearts across the nation. With two albums under their belt RMRM picked up honors such as 91.3’s Zone Band of the Month and Monday Magazine’s 2010 pick for favorite band.
Niska has been featured on “The Midday Show,” “Breakfast Televison,” APTN's "MY TV,” "The Mix,” "The New Canoe,”and CBC Radio, all without having a release of her own. With fans eagerly anticipating her first solo release, and more than enough tour experience under her belt, Niska is driven to make her mark as a solo artist. Be sure to expect to see a lot more from this indie/rock Canadian Cree princess.
“Since I began mentoring over the last five years, I occasionally encounter very developed songwriters with an intensity that stands out. Niska Napoleon has a rare gift for composing and delivering “classic” original material. I firmly believe she is one of Canada’s undiscovered gems.”
-Kinnie Starr, Singer-Songwriter
"Niska Napoleon writes original songs and is incredible vocally. She carries the torch as one of the best young Canadian female singer/songwriters out there. Niska is certainly a rare talent to watch."
-Noah Becker, Jazz Musician/Artist
“ Niska is a rare breed of artist where Auto-Tune would actually be a detriment. Her voice is the perfect paradox of vulnerable and strong, just as it is”
-Raziel Reid Xtra!
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