Supremely talented songwriter and musician Reb Fountain has today released her highly anticipated self-titled album. She’s also unveiled a stunning new video for single ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’, and announced re-scheduled tour dates.
Reb Fountain’s new self-titled record is her third long-player, and her first with Flying Nun. It’s available now through Bandcamp, which is again waiving its cut of sales to support artists. The website's next 24-hour campaign kicks off tonight (Friday, May 1) at 7pm.
The new video for ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’ stars, and is directed and edited by Reb’s talented daughter Lola Fountain-Best.
Reb Fountain Photo: Supplied
Her and her friends were shaving their heads to raise funds for Shave for a Cure NZ, and the video was a chance to share their experience.
“Identity is a complex beast,” Reb says, “The stories we tell ourselves about who we are give meaning that help us feel whole. But these narratives also interplay with power, with ego and self.
“‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’ is an opportunity to explore those themes and more importantly to experience them within.
“This video, in keeping with the song, creates an opportunity to experience a glimpse of what shedding one aspect of one’s identity might feel like, might look like, and what new meanings and connotations might emerge from such an act.”
‘Don’t You Know Who I Am’ was inspired by First Nation artist Benjamin Chee Chee, a member of the Ojobwe people of Canada and the northern Midwestern United States: ’’When I came across his piece ‘Three Flying Geese’ it totally resonated with me.”
Reb used the artwork as the cover for her 2017 album Little Arrows, and even had it tattooed on her forearm. It was during this time, talking to Benjamin’s estate lawyer, that she heard Benjamin’s story.
Reb Fountain - Little Arrows cover art Photo: Supplied
In the mid 1970s, Benjamin was a young artist on the cusp of success, but being ‘Indian’ in North America was harsh. While there were some groups fighting for indigenous rights, there was widespread racism and brutality.
“One night – true to the times – Benjamin got locked up for being ‘drunk and disorderly’; for being native. He was heard, a little tipsy and full of bravado, bragging that he was a famous artist, ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ a proud swagger amidst rampant injustice.
“The next day he was found hung in the cell; an apparent suicide ... his entire art studio was also found; completely empty ... all his works down to his paintbrushes were gone.
“'Don’t You Know Who I Am’ is about who we think we are, who we want to be, who we have become and who we have left behind. It’s a rallying cry to rise up, to unite, to fight the good fight. It’s a call to dig deep, wake up, open your eyes and beat your own drum. It bids you to holdfast, pick yourself up and keep on keeping on.”
Reb Fountain NZ Tour rescheduled dates
- Raglan - Yot Club - Fri Oct 23
- Tauranga - Jam Factory - Sat Oct 24
- Gisborne - The Dome - Sun Oct 25
- Hastings - Hawkes Bay Opera House - Fri Oct 30
- Wellington - Meow - Sat Oct 31
- Wairarapa - Cannon Heath - Sun 1 Nov
- Christchurch - Cassels Blue Smoke - Fri 6th Nov
- Dunedin - Port Chalmers Town Hall - Sat 7th Nov
- Queenstown - Sherwood - Sun 8th Nov
- Auckland - Wine Cellar - Fri 13 Nov
- Auckland - Wine Cellar - Sat 14 Nov
- Leigh - Leigh Sawmill - Sat 21st Nov
Tickets on sale from BanishedMusic.com
Follow Reb: Official Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / Bandcamp
