Breach of Trust wins big at CAMA

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The third annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards ceremonies were held at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ont., Nov. 26.

It was a christening event for the casino's new entertainment centre, and as you walked in the positive energy was contagious. Some of Canada's best and brightest Native singers and musicians gathered for a night of celebration. The awards honored their efforts in keeping alive the most expressive gift Native people were given-the gift of song. And sing they did, well into the night.

One of the many bands performing at the awards was Breach of Trust. If you haven't heard of them yet, you will. Hailing from La Ronge, the band clinched three of the 18 of the prestigious awards, winning Best Group or Duo, Best Songwriter for "Complicated" and Best Rock Album.

Marty Ballentyne, a former general manger of Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation in La Ronge and former vice-chair of APTN, is lead vocalist and guitarist for the band. Bill Aubut brings 20 years of experience on drums to the mix. Colin Cheechoo, son of prominent Native songwriter Vern Cheechoo, plays guitar and provides backup vocals. And Zane Kryzanowsky, a seasoned musician of the prairie bar scene, plays bass and provides backup vocals.

The band originated in 1993 under the name Ugly Sisters, a cover tune band playing rock and alternative across the Prairies, opening for acclaimed Canadian bands including The Kentucky Headhunters, Nazareth, April Wine, and Trooper. Slowly growing their fan base across the Prairies, they were able to raise $10,000 towards recording an album. The band added this amount to the $90,000 they had received from various organizations and family members and recorded "Songs for Dying Nations."

The band then went on tour, covering 6000 miles across Canada and the United States to promote their album, headlining such classic music halls as the Whiskey a Go Go in Los Angeles, where The Doors first got their start.

After falling through the cracks of the Canadian music industry for six years, following the release of their album Breach of Trust was courted by 20 different record companies wanting them to sign before they made the decision to sign with EMI. However, Ballentyne said he is not hardened by the experience.

"It took us a while to write good songs and learn how to play...it takes a while to develop your craft."

By signing with the EMI label Ballentyne said the band is able to reach more people without having to spend a lot of money. When asked for words of wisdom for bands cutting their teeth in the Canadian music scene Ballentyne modestly replied, "Just keep playing what you love."