Indigenous folk-rock singer-songwriter Mike Bern enters a new creative phase with the release of his single “Into The River.” Building on the acclaim of recent projects including “Echoes” and “We Are The Stars,” Bern continues to define his voice as both a storyteller and a cultural innovator. His latest track reflects the momentum of a career steadily growing in recognition, marked by multiple appearances on the Indigenous Music Countdown and performances across Canada.
Mike Bern is a Tobique First Nation folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music bridges cultural storytelling with modern soundscapes. Known for his powerful voice and emotive songwriting, Bern has achieved multiple #1 singles on the Indigenous Music Countdown and continues to build a career that connects heritage, resilience, and forward momentum.
“Into The River” demonstrates Bern’s ability to merge reflective lyricism with contemporary energy. The track carries forward the artist’s reputation for creating songs that resonate widely while remaining grounded in his roots and community.
Raised in Tobique First Nation, Bern grew up along the Tobique and Wolastoq rivers, where music often echoed through family gatherings. Captivated by his late uncle’s guitar playing and private jam sessions behind closed doors, he taught himself acoustic guitar more than three decades ago. These early experiences fostered a passion that continues to guide his work today.
A turning point in Bern’s life came during rehab, when a counselor recognized the poetic, song-like quality of his writing. That moment affirmed his path as a songwriter and performer, setting the stage for a career that blends folk and rock with an unshakable sense of identity and purpose. His catalogue, including albums ‘Waponahkew’ and ‘Ancestors,’ showcases his dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation.
“When I wrote ‘Into The River,’ I was reflecting on how love can drift, change, or flow onward, much like the water that defines our territory,” Bern explains. “The river has always been a part of my life and my community—it carries history, memories, and renewal.”
He continues, “I wanted the music to feel both nostalgic and hopeful. The retro energy of the track brings balance to the bittersweet story, reminding us that even in change, there is movement toward something new.”
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2O1ETfU9YxVWKPoIsZiOtQ?si=aaf996ee9d9b45f6&nd=1&dlsi=9124d199619c4740
The song’s lyrics capture this theme of love and impermanence: “I have you in my hand, watching the trees and sand, I hope our love will float into the river, I hope it does.”
Echoing through the refrain, “Round round round round she goes, no one know where she goes,” Bern demonstrates his evolving ability to frame deeply personal feelings within poetic, universal imagery.
“Into The River” also reflects Bern’s commitment to creating music that is both personal and collective. His recent work shows a clear trajectory of growth, drawing on cultural memory, natural landscapes, and lived experience to create songs that continue to reach wider audiences.
By blending his acoustic roots with evolving production choices, Bern ensures that each release marks another step forward. With “Into The River,” listeners are invited to experience not just a song but a reflection on connection, movement, and hope.
“Into The River,” solidifies his place as one of today’s most compelling Indigenous folk-rock voices. The release signals not only his ongoing growth as an artist but also his commitment to carrying cultural traditions into new creative territories. As he continues to perform, record, and evolve, Bern’s music flows forward with both strength and clarity.