Nunavut artist returns to music after 20 years
Jo Ellen Pameolik’s sophomore album, Pink Sky, is available now
Album artwork for Jo Ellen Pameolik’s sophomore album, Pink Sky.
After taking time off to raise a family of four children, Nunavut-based singer Jo Ellen Pameolik is making her return to music with her sophomore album, Pink Sky. The 8-song album was released across streaming platforms on Apr. 8.
Pink Sky explores the themes of love, pain, and celebration of life and family in the context of Pameolik’s hometown, Arivat, Nunavut.
“Everyone is so loving, giving, and caring,” said Pameolik, about the Arivat community. “There is nothing they wouldn't do to make sure you're in good hands – you can see the love in their faces and in their actions.”
“I am so excited to share some of my original work, as well as new songs,” said Pameolik. “I couldn't imagine being anywhere else but in my hometown, Arviat during this day.”
The album includes songs in both English and Inuktitut. The album is calming and melodic, filled with heartfelt lyrics.
The first track on Pink Sky is “Anaanaga.” The word Anaanaga means “my mother” in Inuktitut. Pameolik’s mother, Mary K., was an inspiration and mentor to her. She encouraged Pameolik to share her voice and passed on her own knowledge of singing and performing to her daughter.
The album was released on the anniversary of Pameolik’s mother’s passing.
Pink Sky was produced, mixed and mastered by Grammy-, Juno-, and Polaris Prize-winning music producer Chris Birkett. His previous work includes Sinéad O'Connor, Talking Heads and Sting. Songs were written by Pameolik, Birkett, Cameron Angalik, Paul K. Irksuk and John Kuksuk. The album was executive produced by Thor Simonsen. It was released by the record label, Hitmakerz. Financial support was provided by the Government of Nunavut.
It has been 20 years since Pameolik released her debut album with her singing partner, Jane Autut. Between 1999 and 2003, the two performed at several music festivals.
Pameolik put her musical dreams on hold to raise her family. In her time away, she worked full-time and became a talented seamstress, often helping her community with their sewing needs. But she never lost her love for music.
When Pameolik entered and won first place at the 2019 Qilaut Songwriting contest, it inspired her to get back to making music professionally.
Now, Pameolik is using Pink Sky to share her experiences with people who relate.
“I am able to say exactly what I want through music,” said Pameolik. “It is the best way I can show how I feel when we are faced with pain, heartache, happiness and love.”
“I use music to express how I feel, knowing so many people can relate in so many different ways through just one song.”
Pink Sky is available now through all streaming platforms. To stay up to date with Jo Ellen, follow her on Facebook and Instagram or check out her website.
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For PR, bookings, or more information, please contact:
Sarah Elaine McLay | sarah@hitmakerz.com
Giuli Saucedo | giuli@hitmakerz.com
About Hitmakerz
Founded in 2016, Hitmakerz is a full-service record label based in Nunavut. Specializing in creating world-class Inuit and Indigenous music, Hitmakerz has studios in Iqaluit, Ottawa, and Toronto. A social enterprise, their mission is to create viable careers in the arts for Inuit and Indigenous artists through music, media, and education, as well as to empower artists to share their stories and strengthen their culture. www.hitmakerz.com
Acknowledgment
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Nunavut.
