Iqaluit Based Inuit Hip-Hop Musician Shauna Seeteenak Debuts Her Powerfully Inspiring Album Therapy Sessions with Song “See the Light” – Available Now
Watch See the Light via YouTube here
Iqaluit, Nunavut – August 4, 2021
Shauna Seeteenak is an Inuk hip-hop artist set to debut under the album, Therapy Sessions, which features powerful and spine-chilling songs like “See The Light.” While her music may sound light-hearted and poppy, one listen reveals that Seeteenak is an authentic storyteller overcoming powerful vices.
As an Inuk living in Iqaluit, Seeteenak is surrounded by Inuit culture. This has given her a unique perspective on songwriting, music production, and performance, and in 2019, she began working with the Iqaluit-based record label, Hitmakerz, to develop her career and produce her debut album, Therapy Sessions.
Seeteenak focuses her music on telling her truths and shining light on the struggles that Inuit people face in Canada – a humble cause and often a very dark and sobering reality. Shrouded in uplifting pop-piano chords and dance-worthy bass lines, these “truths”, as Seeteenak calls them, include “mental health, sobriety, breaking stereotypes, overcoming barriers, surviving the north, and trying to heal.”
Listening to “See The Light” helps give the listener some insight into Seeteenak’s ability to speak directly to her listeners. Not only is the production style finessed to a tee, but the lyrics also speak to Seeteenak’s fight with her internal struggles.
May 2021 marked 2 years for Seeteenak’s sobriety journey. She recently posted: “Yesterday marked my 2 years being alcohol free! Man, I feel like I've accomplished a lot these couple years. I'm able to think clearly, get dedicated to something worthwhile like writing music, or exercising. It's nice to not wake up anymore thinking "wtf did I do this time?"...Today I want to stay sober for my health physically, mentally, and emotionally. It makes dealing with stressors much easier”.
It’s obvious that getting on the wagon has helped Seeteenak wiggle her way into the northern musical culture – which is still in its infancy and very much underground. Although her name is well-known in Nunavut, Seeteenak is now determined to break onto the national and international stage. To that end, Seeteenak recently performed a virtual set list that featured songs from Therapy Sessions for the Indigenous Music Awards. Sponsored by SiriusXM, the Indigenous Music Awards features the Star Catcher Youth Performance Series, spotlighting up and coming musicians from Turtle Island.
On top of this, Seeteenak has been busy collaborating with others for the rest of her fantastically inspired album, Therapy Sessions. Without divulging too much, she has worked with Greenland’s Peand-eL as well as Nunavut’s current Member of Parliament, Mumilaaq Qaqqaq from the NDP. She has also teamed up with fellow Inuk artist, Aasiva, in one of her more emotional songs named “Better With You.”
“See The Light” features powerful lines like “You can change your life if you pick up where you left it,” and “Life would be easy, life would be perfect, but then, believe me, it wouldn’t be worth it.” Speaking directly to the thousands of young Inuit whose parents were taken away to residential schools, Seeteenak reassures them: “I know you’ve been hurt before, but I want you to know it’s not your fault. Keep on fighting for us. Someday we’re gonna see the light.”
Seeteenak’s speakeasy style of singing seems to lull the listener into an entranced state – by the time the chorus rolls around Seeteenak has you right where she wants you: inspired and emboldened, ready to be uplifted into greatness.
Listen to “See The Light” off Therapy Sessions, available now.
For more information, contact Thor Simonsen.
Media Contact:
Thor Simonsen
867-222-8416