Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

NUPOP showcase stops by Pangnirtung

The latest edition of the successful NUPOP music showcase is touching down in Pangnirtung, Nunavut this winter. NUPOP Pang will host workshops and performances from Joey Nowyuk, Looee and Leo Matthew Temela from Feb. 28 to Mar. 1, 2024.

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Nunavut music showcase comes to the GTA

A touring music showcase highlighting talent from Nunavut is coming to three cities in the Greater Toronto Area this December. NUPOP South will travel through Hamilton, Toronto and Mississauga for four concerts from Dec. 13-16, 2023.

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Qattuu & Angela Amarualik Are For Your GRAMMY® Consideration! (Newsletter #2)

Welcome to the latest edition of the Hitmakerz newsletter! We will be connecting quarterly to share stories, updates, and new music releases directly to your inbox. Two Hitmakerz artists are For Your GRAMMY® Consideration! Qattuu’s Midnight Sun and Angela Amarualik’s Uvannik are both considered for Best Regional Roots Music Album.

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Three emerging artists complete Qaggiavuut Mentorship Program

Three Nunavut-based artists have each taken a big leap into their musical journey. Lois Suluk of Arviat, Leo Matthew Temela of Kimmirut, and Wayne Quassa of Igloolik have completed the Qaggiavuut Artist In Residence Mentorship Program – and they have released brand new singles to prove it.

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Hitmakerz Record Label Welcomes New CEO, Sarah Elaine McLay 🎵

“To me, music is about expression, identity, and connection. It is a beautiful way to create conversation, share the beauty of different cultures around the world, bring people together, and spark change”, says Sarah. Meet Sarah Elaine McLay, a 24-year-old creative professional who has worked with Hitmakerz since January 2021. McLay will be taking over as the new CEO of Hitmakerz effective April 2023, replacing founding CEO, Thor Simonsen, who has recently become the Executive Director of Nunavut Music, a new non-profit music industry association for the territory.

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Lineup Part 3: 2023 Arctic Music Conference Panels! 🎤

We are thrilled to announce the panelists for the 2023 Arctic Music Conference. The Arctic Music Conference will hold 3 panels between March 24 and March 25. The panelists will discuss relevant topics related to the Arctic music industry and its musicians. The panels are Language, Culture, and Global Export, Overcoming the Arctic’s Barriers to Entry, and Impact of Climate Change on Northern & Remote Artists.

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Lineup Part 2: 2023 Arctic Music Conference Workshop Presenters! ✨

Workshops for the 2023 Arctic Music Conference & Arctic Music Awards include: 60 Things to Post on Social Media in 60 minutes - Eric Alper, Performance and Stage Presence - K.ÓLA, Songwriting - Anna Fauske, Fundraising for Music Projects - Nunavut Music (Thor Simonsen), Entertainment Law for Artists - Edwards Creative Law (Byron Pascoe), and Music Distribution and Marketing with CD Baby - CD Baby (Darryl Hurs & Kevin Breuner).

Read More
Thor Simonsen Thor Simonsen

Arctic Music Awards nominees announced!

We're thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2023 Arctic Music Awards. The awards recognizes outstanding achievements in music for artists based in the Arctic. The winners will be determined by popular votes and announced at the Arctic Music Conference on March 25.

Read More