Nunavut Roots Musician Covers A Classic
Pangnirtung’s Joey Nowyuk releases a cover of Charlie Ningiuk’s “Inuuqatigigakkit.” This is the first single off his upcoming album, Inuugama
Artwork for Joey Nowyuk’s newest single, “Inuuqatigigakkit,” which was released on June 10, 2022.
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Award-winning indie-rock and roots artist Joey Nowyuk has released his newest single, “Inuuqatigigakkit” – the first from his upcoming covers album, Inuugama.
Originally written and performed by Charlie Ningiuk, “Inuuqatigigakkit'' is an Inuktitut-language song that was released in 1997. Nowyuk first discovered the song when he was a teenager.
“When I saw my friend’s dad had a Charlie Ningiuk CD, I asked to borrow it,” said Nowyuk. “I really like the lyrics – they’re something I could see myself writing.”
In his cover, Nowyuk puts a contemporary spin on the song, combining a driving rhythm and twangy guitar with his indie-rocker vocals.
Nowyuk recorded the song at the Hitmakerz Compound in Ottawa last September. Dale Penner (Nickelback, Loverboy, SM6) produced and mixed the track, while Thor Simonsen (Kelly Fraser, Angela Amarualik, Shauna Seeteenak) executive produced. CD Baby distributed the song. The single was made possible with funding from the Government of Nunavut.
“Inuuqatigigakkit'' is Nowyuk’s first single following the release of his debut album, Tumitit. Two singles from Tumitit – “Nalligigakku (Because I Love Her)” and “Pray (Tussiaq)” – hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
Nowyuk’s accolades also include winning an Indigenous Music Award (Best Music Video for Novice Artists) and being a three-time first place winner of the Qilaut songwriting contest. After a successful performance at the Arctic Sounds festival in Greenland, Nowyuk is slated to perform at the Folk On The Rocks festival in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories this summer.
Hailing from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Nowyuk first picked up a guitar when a music workshop visited his hometown. “I’ve always been into music ever since I was a little kid, but I really started writing songs when I was around 14 or 15,” said Nowyuk. “Around that time I also learned how to play guitar and I’ve been writing ever since.”
On his upcoming Inuugama album, Nowyuk pays homage to nine popular Inuit songs. He hopes to bring Inuktitut to a new generation. The album is set to release on September 30, 2022 on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
"Inuuqatigigakkit” is now available on all streaming services. Fans can pre-save Inuugama here. To stay up-to-date with Joey Nowyuk’s newest releases, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.joeynowyuk.com.
For PR, bookings, or more information, please contact:
Sarah Elaine McLay
sarah@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