Let’s get a little heavy to start with. In 2008 you released your song/video entitled “Living Proof” which spoke to the suffering and intergenerational legacy the Indian Residential Schools caused our people. What was the message you were trying to get across?

I wanted to show the world the impact the Residential Schools had on our people. In highly populated Native areas where Residential schools were common we have the highest statistics in suicide, incarceration, gang & violent crimes and so on. When someone’s sick if there is no diagnosis there cannot be a cure. So I feel that the Residential Schools are the sickness, now part of the healing is educating the non-Natives as well as other peoples.

How do you think the legacy of the Residential Schools is affecting our generation? How are you overcoming and breaking down these negative affects and turning them into something positive?

Well truth be told hate is a strong emotion, sadness is also a powerful emotion so if we find a way to harness this energy for good like making songs, practicing basketball or doing our homework so you can be a doctor than it can be a good thing. There are different channels then the ones that plague our people.

Your recently released your Album “The Blackstar” I understand that this was named after your grandmother who was a traditional plains Cree woman. How has her life and her teachings affected you and the direction you are taking your life and career in?

She taught me so much about having faith. I have never doubted my Creator or doubted myself because of the strength she has. She is the biggest inspiration in my life and she is getting so old it scares me. She is the last of her kind from the old ways.

Your music and music videos are very diverse in style how would you describe Joey Stylez style? What do you see for the future of your music and art?

I am just going to continue to let life and my craft come to me. Evolution is natural so let is occur. Feed my soul before I care what anyone thinks of me. Music is my crutch away from the harsh realities of our world, so if I try to conform to what people want it takes that healing power away which I cherish.

There are many great Aboriginal role-models out there. Name a few of your favourite and what makes you admire them?

Well, like I mentioned my grandmother. But besides that Geronimo for his fearless warrior spirit! I idolize that about him! Take no prisoner mind frame he lived with. I also really look up to Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph for their great leadership. Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont for holding their grounds in 1885 and the people of Oka for standing up for themselves.

What is your message for young Aboriginal people who aspire to be a Creative music artist like yourself? What steps can they take to make it real?

Never take no for an answer and no one is going to give you anything so get it by any means necessary! Keep your eyes on the prize. Hunger can get you skills, but skill can’t get you hunger.

In a few weeks you will be coming to Calgary and the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy right in the middle of the Stampede mix? What are you expectations of your tour in Calgary?

I am looking forward to it a great deal as I have yet to do a show their as weird as that sounds! The last Canadian city for me to perform in so I promise I am there to put on a show. So come out I promise you will not be disappointed.  

Everyone Native has a crazy “Indian Car” experience. Anything funny or interesting you have to share on that subject?

Haha! I just shot a music video for the “Indian Car” remix of Keith Secola’s legendary song with my brother Shawn Bernard and Keith himself. In my time I’ve must of had at least 30-40 Indian Cars and I heart them all the same!!! See you guys soon and have a good one!