Northern Canadian Roots-Rocker and First Nation artist Adrian Sutherland has released his second solo album, Precious Diamonds. Arriving via his own label, Midnight Shine Music, the album was recorded in Nashville with Colin Linden as Producer. 

Precious Diamonds features 10 tracks with contributions from Mickey Raphael, Jim Hoke, and Linden. Sutherland will be going to Ottawa for a show at the NAC Fourth Stage on March 22nd, 2024.  

Album single “You Are Left Behind” is out now, inspired by “challenging situations” regarding mental health that Sutherland often witnesses in his isolated home location.

Sutherland explains:

Mental health is a real struggle for many people in remote First Nation communities. It’s sometimes very difficult for those struggling to find the help they need. I’ve seen this first-hand, and it’s heartbreaking to see so many slip through the fragmented services. “You Are Left Behind” is about acknowledging those who are struggling in life, and validating them as human beings who are having a hard time.

Four singles were released leading up to the album, including Adrian’s first-ever Cree song “Notawe (Father),” the semi-autobiographical “My Rebel Spirit,” and two tracks  “Precious”  and “Diamonds” that, when combined, make up the title of the album. 

Sutherland says about the album:

Making another solo album brought me so much pleasure as an artist. My music has been inspired and shaped by so many artists I’ve listened to in my life, like the legendary Gordon Lightfoot who was a brilliant songwriter, and who shared such timeless music about what it means to be Canadian. Making this new album gave me the chance to share some of the stories of my people cinematically through music.    

Writing and recording two full songs in my language makes me feel proud. It’s not every day you get to hear songs in Cree or any native language, and it feels kind of exotic to me. The feedback I’ve been getting has been so wonderful, and it means a lot to be able to share my language in this way.

Colin Linden shares about working on the album:

I’m honoured to have worked on this album. Adrian is so free… free of pretense, free of constraints, and free of limitations on where his music could go. His life experience and genuine musicality shine through in every note. He is really one of the best and most honest artists anyone could work with.