Mali Obomsawin (Abenaki Nation, Odanak) is an Oscar-nominated musician and composer recognized for her broad body of work in avant-garde, noise and indie rock. Her interdisciplinary practice is rooted in Indigenous storytelling, incorporating layers of visual media, film, and multiple languages.

In 2024-2025, Mali’s score for the film Sugarcane was recognized by the Academy Awards and nominated for best original score from the ADAA and Cinema Eye Honors. Her music was featured prominently in Reservation Dogs (2023), and her albums Sweet Tooth (2022) and Greatest Hits (released under the alias ‘Deerlady’ in 2024) have brought her to prestigious festivals and stages including Big Ears, Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Kennedy Center. Her work has garnered critical acclaim from Stereogum, KEXP, Jazz Times, NPR, and The Guardian.

In 2025, Mali collaborated with Cannupa Hanska Luger for a performance in Times Square. She has composed for and performed with Esperanza Spalding and Yo-Yo Ma. She also had work at the Metropolitan Museum via "ENCODED: Change the Story, Change the Future," an unsanctioned exhibition which featured 17 Native artists and won two 2026 Webby Awards.

Mali’s film work has also included writing and narration for Lokotah Sanborn’s “Otherworld,” scoring for Princess Daazhraii Johnson’s “Two Old Women,” and acting in Jared Lank’s forthcoming “Forerunner.” Alongside a busy touring schedule, she is an active member of her community.

photo by Luxienne

Select press:

Stereogum: Heavy Listening at Big Ears 2026

Talk House: Black Belt Eagle Scout and Mali Obomsawin conversation

Stereogum’s 2024 Band To Watch: Deerlady

Live Concert Review: Jazz Times on Mali Obomsawin at Lincoln Center

BDN: A Wabanaki Musician composed the score for this Oscar-nominated Documentary