This multi-generational band is just in its infancy. Formed in the summer of 2022, Bloodline includes two brothers and their sons. The Williams brothers Chris (guitar and voice) and Gregory (multi-instrumental) and their sons Jett (guitar) and Kyrin (drums) come from a very musical family. Chris and Gregory were in a band called Kilsli and their father, Ron “Wow” Williams, a local HlGaagilda Skidegate resident, was a lead singer in rock and RnB bands. Their mother was in a Ukrainian band and recorded songs with her sisters. “We grew up with music”, says Chris, “Our parents and other relatives (including Percy, Shelley and Terry Williams) were a huge influence to us playing music and contributed to countless music events on Haida Gwaii.” The four of them started listening to the same types of music – heavy metal and rock – and they all ended up on the same page via different routes and timelines.

"Being on stage with the three family members has been a highlight out of anything else I've ever done. Four days later, I was still on stage in my mind." - Chris

Bloodline mostly plays music that they have composed, Chris is the main songwriter, while Gregory and Kyrin dictate the rhythm of the song and have contributed a few tunes as well. “We play folk/country rock. I have been writing songs for about 20 years. We review the songs I’ve written and come up with the music together,” says Chris.

“I’ve always read lots of books and see writing music as an art form that speaks to me. When I write, the creativity just flows though me, I don’t even have a choice, it comes about almost a finished product. I’ll be going about my day, and it’ll just come to me and need to be expressed. My favourite place on earth is sitting on North Beach with my guitar, by a campfire. Inspiration comes easier there – any cares or worries just disappear.”

"I play because I enjoy the music and like doing something different with my dad, cousin, and uncle. I have three guitars now and am taking lessons." - Jett

Gregory and Chris are both set up with home studios and they are trying to determine which songs to record right now. With Chris and his family living most of the year in Vancouver, their project to record some of their original Bloodline songs will take some time. In the meantime, Chris is starting his first solo album with about 20 years of songs to choose from. He is aiming to be done by the spring. Then, Bloodline is planning to do live shows throughout the spring and summer.

“I have been playing with my father for a little while now and really enjoy it. On stage, I just get to zone out and I like that. I’m in another band on Haida Gwaii called One Hit Wonder.” - Kyrin

In other music news, the next HG Coffeehouse at the Community Hall in Daajing Giids is on November 18. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a community meal. Please bring a dish, spoon, and your own drink. Open mic starts at 7 p.m. followed by the feature performer, Alanah Mountifield, around 8 p.m. Entrance is by donation.

“I love all music and I find inspiration to write my own from time to time,” writes Alanah. “My style is a mix of folk, country and, I like to think, rock and roll. Inspiration strikes me randomly and I follow that creative spark where it wants to take me. I hope you can join me at the Haida Gwaii Coffeehouse in November!” In the meantime, check her out on YouTube @ AlanahChannel.

And Tycoon has just released an instrumental LP called Strike Down from his home Carving Shed Studio in HlGaagilda Skidegate. You can listen to it online on Spotify or Bandcamp/William “Tycoon” Russ. “This album has been in the works for some time now,” says Tycoon. “Many of these beats will eventually feature lyrics on them but I wanted to release a project that showed my range as a producer. I have West Coast, Boom-Bap, Radio Friendly, Trap and Futuristic Beats throughout the project.”