Some rock stars are known for their style, and in the Aboriginal community that is no exception. Winnipeg’s Bruthers of Different Muthers won the best rock CD last year at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards for the album Speakers of Tomorrow, which is still charting singles. Three of the four members tour as Buffy Sainte-Marie's backup band and begin a European tour on Aug. 3 in Lorient, France.
In this ongoing series, Accessory to Music, CBC Aboriginal takes a look at artists and their ornaments. Bruthers of Different Muthers rock their look with black leather and silver chains. But their most eye-catching accessories are the rings all the boys sport.
We asked Bruthers of Different Muthers what their rings mean to them. Here's what they had to say.
Jesse Green (lead guitar): "I wear a lot of skull rings because of their meaning in the Mayan and Aztec cultures. They are a source of human power and energy and also a way of honouring the ones who have passed on. I also wear turquoise to honour my native roots and silver of because it looks way better than gold and diamonds any day!"
Leroy Constant (bass player): "I wear four rings on my right hand. The one on my index finger is a turquoise horseshoe with a diamond in it – I wear this one for guidance. The one I wear on my middle finger is a solid turquoise stone with silver. This one, I find to be the dominant one so it gives me strength. The one on my ring finger is a bear paw with a mini turquoise stone in it, and it gives me motivation. The one I wear on my pinkie is a chief’s head with headdress. This one represents our ancestors, which I am very thankful of everyday."
Michel Bruyere (drummer): "I wear skulls, too, as well they remind me of what’s to come and to live life to the fullest."
Donovan Bruyere (lead singer): "In this photo I am wearing a ring Leroy just gave to me. I'm blingless, really. I do wear a turquoise one my father gave to me and a copper Aztec one my brother Michel gave to me. I wear them religiously onstage, to remind me of the love they have for me."
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