Consisting of husband-and-wife duo Raven Kanatakta and ShoShona Kish, Digging Roots is a JUNO Award-winning band that combines a strong social message with elements of folk-rock, pop, blues and hip-hop. They are a band that strongly believes in the transformative power of music and its healing effects, much like the traditional medicine in which their name is derived.

As was the case with many artists over the course of the pandemic, the duo spent their time in lockdown crafting the songs that would eventually serve as the basis for their fourth studio album. Their latest release Zhawenim – a Anishinaabemowin word meaning “to love unconditionally”- marks the duo’s first album in eight years.

The new LP serves as a distillation of their values and perfectly encapsulates their ethos of truth and love. With messages ranging from connection to the land, residential schools, gun-related violence and the climate crisis, the songs featured in this latest album all share a strong message of change, while ultimately aiming to inspire people to move together.

In this episode of CKUA’s Hidden Track podcast, music and life partners Raven and ShoShona bring us a behind-the-scenes look at the inspirations behind their long-awaited Zhawenim album.