In episode 83 of Red Hoop Talk, we welcome Carly Harvey, descendant of the Eastern Band Tsalagi and Tuscarora, known as DC’s Queen of the Blues! Carly brings a unique blend of Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Indigenous American styles, creating a powerful fusion she calls "Native Scat"—an improvisational style that combines traditional Jazz scat with Native vocables.

Carly Harvey, based in Washington, DC, has made significant strides in the music industry. In July 2018, she was featured in Big City Blues Magazine as one of the youngest Blues artists to watch. She is a three-time winner of the DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands and was crowned DC's Queen of the Blues in 2016 by Dr. Nick Johnson of WPFW Radio. Her talents were further recognized in 2021 when she received seven nominations and won the WAMMIE award for Best Blues Artist.

Carly believes that the Blues not only stem from the African American experience but are also deeply influenced by Indigenous minor pentatonic melodies and Stomp Dance songs. Through her master classes, Carly educates others about the diverse roots of the music she loves and takes pride in, celebrating her Afro-Indigenous heritage.

During this episode, Carly shares her personal journey as an Afro-Indigenous musician, openly discussing the pressures she faced from both the community and the music industry. She reflects on her decision to fully embrace her identity and offers insights into the history of modern music, exploring the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples and enslaved Africans. Carly even gifts listeners with a special demonstration of “Native Scatting,” showcasing her innovative fusion of genres.

Carly credits much of her success and inspiration to deep listening to her ancestors. By following their wisdom and melodies, she brings their stories to life in her music, providing audiences with a deeper appreciation of the roots of modern music. Carly also introduces her new album, Kamama, named after her Tsalagi name, which means "Butterfly." She explains how the album seamlessly blends Native American vocables with Blues, creating a rich tapestry of sound that includes Folk, Funk, and Blues Rock, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.

For those interested in learning more about Carly's work or attending one of her master classes, visit her website at CarlyHarvey.com. You can also follow her on social media @carlyharveymusic and stream her music on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, and other platforms.

This episode wouldn’t be possible without the Association on American Indian Affairs and the support of our community of donors and volunteers. Yakoke!