Allison Russell — poet, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, activist, and co-founder of Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago — embarks upon her next chapter in The Returner, a body-shaking, mind-expanding, soulful expression of Black liberation, Black love, of Black self-respect. Written and co-produced by Allison along with dim star (her partner JT Nero and Drew Lindsay), The Returner was recorded over Solstice week in December 2022 at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. It features Russell’s Rainbow Coalition, a band of all female musicians, along with special guest appearances from the legendary Wendy & Lisa, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, and Hozier.

In less than a year, Aysanabee has gone from releasing his debut album, the powerful interweaving of generations, memory, and storytelling of Watin, to arriving centre stage in his career. From making history as the first Indigenous artist to reach #1 on Canadian Alternative Rock Radio, to being shortlisted and performing at the Polaris Music Prize Gala, Aysanabee has travelled an impressive distance from unsigned artist to internationally touring, award-winning breakout. Among his many accomplishments, Aysanabee was nominated for a 2023 JUNO Award for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year, won three Indigenous Music Awards, a Jim Beam Indie Award, and a Folk Music Ontario Award for Recording Artist of the Year.