< >Richard McKay
Introducing Richard Steve McKay, also known to many as Walking Buffalo. Richard originated from Crane River, a small Metis fishing community situated right along Lake Manitoba. The Metis Singer/Songwriter was the first born to his very proud parents Anita Neault and Henry Richard McKay Jr. on November 17th, 1981. Both of Richards parents played guitar and both sang at family functions which turned Richard on to music at a very young age. The sweet sounds of the guitar and his family's heartfelt singing were evident many times through his young life. However, Richard was the most captivated when he would hear the voice of his talented mother. Richard sincerely believes his mother is the back bone for his successes.
Ancestry: Metis
Language: English
Albums
Biography
Introducing Richard Steve McKay, also known to many as Walking Buffalo. Richard originated from Crane River, a small Metis fishing community situated right along Lake Manitoba. The Metis Singer/Songwriter was the first born to his very proud parents Anita Neault and Henry Richard McKay Jr. on November 17th, 1981. Both of Richards parents played guitar and both sang at family functions which turned Richard on to music at a very young age. The sweet sounds of the guitar and his family's heartfelt singing were evident many times through his young life. However, Richard was the most captivated when he would hear the voice of his talented mother. Richard sincerely believes his mother is the back bone for his successes.
Music played a big part in Richard's childhood and his upbringing. He was first influenced to pick up a guitar at the young age of 10 after watching his mother perform with her band called DNA. Richard, anxious and eager to learn, would constantly bother his mother to teach him how to play his favorite songs from his favorite musicians that varied from Guns & Roses to the Aboriginal musicians of that era, Errol Ranville from the C-Weed band and Freddy Mitchell from the Free-Bird Band. Being surrounded by music through his youth enabled Richard to learn quickly and the music flowed through his veins with much passion. Richard knew then what his path was to be and that he was destined to pick up the guitar and follow in his mother's footsteps as a guitar/singer. Anita, whom Richard considers to be the back bone for his success and has contributed to his talent by teaching him how to play guitar, is very important to Richard's approach to song writing. Richard has natural capabilities when it comes to creating music and writes from his personal life experiences both from his past and his present.
Richard and Anita are a mother and son team which is unique in Aboriginal music. Anita sings on all Richard's material; the connection that they both have for one another can be felt though the music. It's truly a beautiful thing. Richard's style can be described as country rock, folk and acoustic. His music is heartfelt and it can be felt a mile away. It's known to make people cry when they hear it for the first time which is a form of healing for some. Richard feels happy to know that his music is being heard and most importantly being felt by others.
Richard's path was not an easy one as his parents broke up when he was at an early age. Richard grew up without his father and this separation was always a thorn in Richard's side. Not knowing how to deal with his issues and with the ongoing problems at home and school, it side-tracked him at the age of 12. Richard decided to leave home and with nowhere to go he lived on the streets. He learned how to survive on his own and witnessed first hand the problems our Aboriginal people experience such as gangs, drugs and violence. Richard was a gang member himself and spent some time in jail. However, the experience he gained through all the negativity, the abuse and the racism on the streets, helped to mould the man that he is today. In spite of his struggles he found that the creator had another plan for him. Richard found a way to deal with his issues and his hurt. He found his spirituality. Through this he gained a sense of pride and Richard found his identity. Richard writes his own material and all his material is written from his heart. He believes that his music uplifts his spirit and makes him feel proud of who he has become.
His spiritual teaching taught him to be humble and balanced himself to be a down to earth individual. Richard proves to be a man with vision and integrity and he fully understands his role in the communities is essential to youth and their positive growth. He takes time to volunteer at a local drop in centre. He displays his success to prove to youth that anything is possible if you want to change your life. With a little hard work and dedication and a dash of faith, anyone can make their lives more meaningful.
