Khu.éex’
Khu.éex’ is a indigenous Jazz and Funk/Rock band that utilizes English, Tlingit, Haida, and Y’upic languages through an improvisational style. The Tlingit, Haida, and Y’upic languages are spoken throughout Southern Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Their songs focus on storytelling, bringing Native Alaskan folklore in conjuncture with the main issues that face indigenous folk today, as well as all people.
The members of the band come from a variety of native backgrounds, with some being raised in traditional native settings and others being brought up in urban indigenous environments. Despite the difference in their upbringing, they all maintain connections to their culture and strive to cultivate their languages and customs through their music.
They have released a double album as well as a triple LP since they began making music in 2013: The Wilderness Within” and triple LP “They Forgot They Survived” in 2013, and the triple LP “Héen” meaning water in the Tlingit language in 2018.
The song linked below, “Sunrise Song,” has the traditional feels of a Jazz song with added inspiration from a Native Sunrise tribute. The song starts and finishes with a mesmerizing native chant, with a saxophone as the focus for the middle of the piece.
Their latest work, the triple LP “Héen,” focuses especially on Native issues with the first song in the album, “Song to the Water Protectors,” focusing on recognizing those defending the native land being encroached upon by the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The song begins with inspirational words and a calming message for those listening; a message of unity and peace that recognizes those protesting and less fortunate.
I highly encourage any readers to check out their work and tune in. They’re not only an amazing band musically, but their work holds important messages as well. Check them out at their website! https://www.khueex.com/
Works Cited:
Hua, Vee. “Indigenous Band Khu.Éex’ Uplifts Alaska Native Culture with Genre-Defying Fluidity.” South Seattle Emerald, South Seattle Emerald, 19 Jan. 2023, southseattleemerald.com/2023/01/17/indigenous-band-khu-eex-uplifts-alaska-native-culture-with-genre-defying-fluidity/.
Khu.éex’. “Song to the Water Protectors – Khu.Eex at Town Hall.” YouTube, YouTube, 16 Dec. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b2c1ZgL4Ew.
Khu.éex’. “Sunrise Song – Khu.Éex’ at Seattle’s Town Hall.” YouTube, YouTube, 9 Mar. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL5y0i33q_4.
Khu.éex’. “The Band: Khu.Éex’.” Khu.Éex’, www.khueex.com/the-band. Accessed 27 Jan. 2024.
I love how Khu.éex’ represents many native backgrounds: the Tlingit, Haida, and Y’upic languages. Pole to Pole emphasizes that there is no one group of Indigenous people; it is crucial to recognize and celebrate this diversity, especially as Western perspectives often homogenize Indigenous groups. As you explain, the band members’ ability to maintain their cultural connections despite diverse upbringings is reflected beautifully in their music. Listening to “Sunrise Song,” I felt relaxed and happy while enveloped in the lively, improvisational rhythm. Watching the sheer passion the band members have for their instruments while jumping around onstage and bobbing their heads in unison puts a smile on my face. In “Song to the Water Protectors,” the band’s message of resilience and connection to their ancestors shines through. The repeated phrases, “While you are here, you are okay,” and “We are the result of the prayers of our ancestors,” welcome the audience early on. Similarly, my chosen artist, Snow Raven, brings in a traditional Sakha shamanic sound that embodies her ancestors. Ultimately, both music artists/groups, though they have drastically different styles, recognize the importance of and connection to their roots.
I was surprised when listening to Sunrise Song that the beginning was so contemporary, and that jazz music was a strong focus of the work. I’m curious to learn more about their song dedicated to the Water Protectors, specifically if there is a call-to-action or place to donate or volunteer.
I am glad that both of our artists, Khu.éex and Sofia Jannok, have had involvement with the #NoDAPL movement. As we have learned in our Pole to Pole class, the Indigenous groups of the polar region hold great diversity and ways of being that do not ascribe to colonial borders or concepts. Water is no different.
In learning about Khu.éex, I saw that some fans have called out their name (which translates to potlatch in Tlingit) for its ceremonial and sacred meaning. Similarly, Sofia has faced controversy for using traditional spaces for her contemporary music. I believe it is important to let Indigenous people decide how to share their culture and give cultural elements meaning.
I also recognize the backgrounds of certain artists in the group: Bernie Worrell has played the keyboard for the Talking Heads!