Tanya Tagaq

 

So much has happened to Tagaq since the release of her debut CD Sinaa (meaning ‘edge’ in her ancestral language of Inuktitut) in 2005. The Nunavut-born singer has not just attracted the attention of some of the world’s most groundbreaking artists, they have invited her to participate on their own musical projects, not just singularly, but repeatedly. Tanya has recently recorded once again with Björk (specifically on the soundtrack for the Matthew Barney film Drawing Restraint 9) having already appeared on Björk’s Medúlla CD in 2004 and accompanied her on the Vespertine tour. In 2007, another monumental collaborative project came to fruition when the world-renowned Kronos Quartet invited Tanya to participate—as co-writer and performer—on a project aptly titled Nunavut, which has been performed at select venues across North America, from its January 2008 debut at the Chan Centre in Vancouver, BC through to New York’s Carnegie Hall. Acclaim and respect has followed Tagaq on her solo ventures as well: Sinaa was nominated for a Juno Award (Best Aboriginal Recording) and won in three categories at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, including Best Female Artist.

With Auk (meaning ‘blood’ in Inuktitut) Tanya has taken her love and respect of the ancient musical tradition of throat singing and mixed it with a powerful infusion of contemporary—and contemporary classical—styles.
This new CD is a considerable expansion upon the work she created with her debut, Sinaa; while that was largely focused on her individual chants and vocals, this new record is perhaps more reflective of what Tagaq brings to
her passionate and powerful live performances, specifically the energy and beauty that comes from collaboration. Respected West Coast musicians Jesse Zubot (violin) and Cris Derksen (cello) form the backbone of the
melodic instrumentation, while Graeme Peters and Mike Clark contribute the drums and electronic beats/samples respectively. Additionally, Auk contains an assortment of esteemed guest vocalists, from Juno Award- winner Buck 65 to Faith No More/Lovage frontman Mike Patton (who is releasing Auk in the U.S. on his own Ipecac label) to dynamic human beat box artist Shamik. Juan Hernandez once again contributes his production skills to the mix, as he did for Tanya’s debut. The collaborative process is like oxygen for Tagaq, who hopes to continue making music with others—both in the studio and on tour—for years to come.