Roots Musician Celebrates Nunavut In New Single
Pangnirtung’s Joey Nowyuk releases the second single from his upcoming album – a cover of Qimutjuit’s “Nunavut” – ahead of Nunavut Day
Artwork for Joey Nowyuk’s latest single, “Nunavut,” which was released on June 30, 2022.
Roots and indie-rock artist, Joey Nowyuk, has released his latest single “Nunavut” in time to celebrate Nunavut Day on July 9. This is the second single from Nowyuk’s upcoming covers album, Inuugama.
“Nunavut” was originally released in 1997, two years prior to the official creation of the territory in 1999. Nunavut means “our land” in Inuktitut. The song is upbeat and playful, making it the perfect soundtrack for a summer celebration.
“It’s one of the songs that I was always singing when I was growing up,” said Nowyuk. “Also, lots of people know it up North.”
For Nowyuk, recording a cover of “Nunavut” was about more than the track’s popularity. The original song was written and performed by Qimutjuit – Nowyuk’s favourite band since childhood.
“I remember seeing them [perform live] as a little kid,” said Nowyuk. “I would always run up to the front when they were about to play.”
“Nunavut” was recorded at the Hitmakerz Compound in Ottawa last September. Dale Penner (Nickelback, Loverboy, SM6) produced and mixed the track. Thor Simonsen (Kelly Fraser, Angela Amarualik, Shauna Seeteenak) executive produced. The single is distributed by CD Baby. Throat singing on “Nunavut” was performed by Qattuu, who is also known for her work in the Juno-nominated group, Silla and Rise. The Government of Nunavut provided funding for the song.
The first single from Inuugama, “Inuuqatigigakkit,'' was released in early June. Like “Nunavut,” “Inuuqatigigakkit” is a popular song among Inuit.
Nowyuk is a chart-topping artist. His songs “Nalligigakku (Because I Love Her)” and “Pray (Tussiaq)” both reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. Other accolades 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. This July, he is set to perform at Folk On The Rocks in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
From Pangnirtung, Nunavut himself, Nowyuk has been making music since he was a teenager, combining his guitar skills with indie-rock style vocals. His original songs often consist of lyrical themes such as life, love, and growing up in Nunavut.
Nowyuk’s full Inuugama cover album is set to release on September 30, 2022 on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Nunavut” 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.
PR, booking or more information, please contact:
Thor Simonsen
CEO, Hitmakerz
867-222-8416
thor@hitmakerz.com
www.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.