About CerAmony |
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Born of the silenced voice of the Cree Youth in 2002 (due to *La Paix Des Braves) CerAmony’s founding members Pakesso Mukash and Matthew Iserhoff have quickly become ambassadors to the Cree people of the James Bay. The first song they wrote became an instant hit in the Cree Nation, especially among the Cree Youth. The song was entitled First Son, and its lyrics were aimed directly at those in power (Cree and otherwise) at the time, and it became the anthem of that generation. Since then, CerAmony have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Cree world of music. Pakesso Mukash  Pakesso Mukash, born on Fort George Island and raised equally in Whapmagoostui and Montreal, Quebec, forged his philosophy from his spirituality that had been instilled in him since birth. His name, Pakesso, is an Abenaki name, and also happens to be his spirit name. It was due to this spirituality that Pakesso was able to avoid the struggles that befell many of his peers in the realm of alcoholism and drug use. And it is this spirituality that is reflected in the lyrics he brings to the songs of CerAmony, lyrics that speak of grandeur and standing up for one’s self and one’s people. Lyrics that started in angst, as presented in First Son, have since wisened and offered words of hope and awareness in CerAmony’s biggest hit, The Last Great Men. Inspired by the likes of The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Guns N’ Roses respectively, Pakesso would find his musical brother-in-arms (and brother-in-law) in Matthew Iserhoff.  Matthew A. IserhoffBorn in 1979, Matthew A. Iserhoff ‘s vocal talent was immediately evident on a cassette recording that was done when he was 3 years old. As he completed his rendition of “Ticket to Ride” with his mom, he quickly shuffled impatiently to hear the playback before they could even finish the recording. A passion was ignited. Over the course of his childhood and teens, Matthew rapidly became aware of the spiritual relevance of music; how it had the power to influence, how it gave a voice and how music could propel massive positive change in the world. He would submerge himself into all avenues of musical styles (including Indigenous) that would later influence the global sound of CerAmony. During this time his philosophy in music was born, in that, music unites and any artist shouldn’t feel limited to one genre. Whether his vocals are soaring through the chants of First Son or whispering in Ghost, his versatility and exploration of styles are unequivocal. His life philosophy has always reverberated through the realms of his free spirit and continues to do so through the birth of melodies created in CerAmony. The band name, CerAmony (in which the A is represented by a sacred ceremonial tent) came to Pakesso upon waking up from a dream one day. Both members agreed that it was a perfect name in the universal aspect that every race, religion and creed have ceremonies. The logo was designed by Pakesso’s sister (and Matthew’s wife) Natazia Mukash. Unshakeable and unwavering, CerAmony’s ambitions have since been aimed at a global appeal. The purpose? To spread the message and identity of the Cree people of James Bay in the wake of the threat that is the modern day. To inspire those that still speak the language and live the culture, to continue to do so, and do so proudly. This pride and message can also be shared with CerAmony’s brothers and sisters from other indigenous nations worldwide. CerAmony’s music is designed for the masses. From arena anthems like Looks Like Change (To Me) and Our Guns, to the light-hearted songs like Live Again and Round N’ Round, the band’s sound isn’t rooted in one genre, but is spread across many genres. It is this variety that brings together not only fans of all genres, but also fans from all walks of life. And when a band can excite a crowd of many colored spirits and have them sing with one voice, then they have truly achieved what all ceremonies are designed to do; Unify. *La Paix Des Braves was an agreement signed by Quebec and the James Bay Cree. It offered 3.5 billion dollars to the Crees over a 50 year period, in exchange for 2 of the Cree Nation's mightiest rivers. |
