The moccasin gaze genre is gaining popularity
The music genre known as shoegaze has always been a bit elusive in its definition. Originating as an alternative rock subgenre in the late ’80s and early ’90s, shoegaze is characterized by its emphasis on big walls of sound and instrumental distortion rather than melodic or lyrical storytelling. However, a new wave of Indigenous musicians is now adopting this genre, adding their own unique twist and labeling it as “moccasin gaze” music.
In anticipation of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Cree radio producer Kaitlyn Swan, nêhiyaw musician Marek Tyler, and Anishinaabe writer Riley Yesno sat down with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the emergence of moccasin gaze within the shoegaze genre. They delved into topics such as the latest album from Anishinaabe artist Zoon and the exploration of Indigenous indie-rock artists in experimenting with the juxtaposition of noisy yet soothing sounds that define moccasin gaze.
One of the main talking points was the appeal of shoegaze music to younger audiences. Kaitlyn Swan pointed out that for the Gen Z demographic, there is a sense of nostalgia and rediscovery in embracing old music genres like shoegaze. The resurgence of ’80s and ’90s culture, fashion, and music has found its way back into mainstream interest, with platforms like TikTok playing a role in popularizing older tracks like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” This renewed interest in shoegaze can be attributed to young people’s curiosity and the allure of immersing oneself in a wall of sound.
When examining the overlap between shoegaze and Indigenous music, Riley Yesno drew parallels between the genre’s resistance to strict definitions and the experiences of two-spirit individuals and Indigenous communities. By rejecting conventional boundaries, shoegaze mirrors the fluidity and complexity of Indigenous identities. Additionally, the use of vocables in powwow music, where the focus is on the feeling and mood created by sound rather than explicit storytelling, resonates with the atmospheric and emotional quality of shoegaze music.
Overall, the conversation highlighted the evolving landscape of contemporary Indigenous music and how artists are incorporating elements of shoegaze to create a distinct sound. As the moccasin gaze genre gains momentum, it offers a fresh perspective on traditional musical genres and showcases the creativity and innovation of Indigenous musicians.