Tanya Tagaq

‘Indescribable’ is not an appropriate word to begin an artist’s bio, nor is it suitable as a description of a musician. The problem is this: when Tanya Tagaq Gillis’ music fills your ears—either in person or on her new CD Auk—she is genuinely one of those rare artists whose sounds and styles are truly groundbreaking. ‘Inuit throat singer’ is one part of her sonic quotient. So are descriptions like ‘orchestral’ ‘hip-hop-infused’ and ‘primal’...but these words are not usually used collectively. In the case of Tagaq, however—especially on her sophomore disc Auk—they are.

Filling in the blanks - a.k.a. Frequently Asked Questions

What is traditional throat singing?

“Traditional throat singing is a game between two women that is an emulation of the sounds from the land. It is a very complicated game where you are making two sounds and you have to go back and forth alternating the sounds. The leader can change the song to the next verse anytime they want to, so you have to be able to follow them. It is not emotional, although it may sound that way. It is a game, you giggle afterwards.”

How did you and Björk meet and come to work together?

“I went to this festival in Inuvik for my paintings and there was a gap in the performances as somebody didn’t make it, so they asked me to fill in the spot. I went and sang by myself and I freaked out – I’ve always been a ham and loved the attention. Some people came up to me afterwards and asked to film me. They said ‘we’re from Iceland, this is really cool we want to tape you’ and after I was done filming they said that they were friends with Björk. The next year I got a phone call from Björk’s manager wondering if I would go to New York City to audition for the Vespertine tour. Since then, I’ve recorded with her three more times: for her Medúlla CD, for my disc Sinaa and on the soundtrack for Drawing Restraint 9".

To learn more about Tanya Tagaq and listen to her music please, click here