Nunavut Roots-rocker Releases Final Single Ahead Of Inuktitut Covers Album
Joey Nowyuk’s cover of Ishmael Naulalik’s “Tappaani” is the final single from his next album, Inuugama.
Single artwork for Joey Nowyuk’s newest release, Tappaani.
Roots and indie-rock musician, Joey Nowyuk, has released the final single ahead of his upcoming covers album. “Tappaani” is Nowyuk’s latest release ahead of the forthcoming Inuugama, set to debut on September 30, 2022.
A departure from his previous upbeat Inuugama singles, “Tappaani” is a power ballad. Originally written and performed by the late Ishmael Naulalik, the song is made for calm, easy-listening.
“It’s one of those songs about missing someone,” said Nowyuk. “It brings comfort to people.”
Nowyuk’s cover highlights his natural talents as his rocker-style vocals take centre stage.
“I’ve shown it to a few friends and family and I think this is their favourite track on the album,” he said.
Nowyuk recorded “Tappaani” and the rest of the Inuugama album last September at the Hitmakerz Compound in Ottawa. Dale Penner (Nickelback, Loverboy, SM6) produced and mixed the track. Thor Simonsen (Kelly Fraser, Angela Amarualik, Shauna Seeteenak) executive produced. Funding for the single was provided by the Government of Nunavut. The song is distributed by CD Baby.
Excitement is building for Inuugama. The album’s previous three singles – "Inuuqatigigakkit,” “Nunavut,” and “Quviasupunga” – have been well-received by Nowyuk’s fans, with one of the tracks currently on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
Inuugama is a chance for Nowyuk to pay tribute to Inuktitut language songs and Inuit musicians who have inspired him since childhood. The album’s September 30 release date coincides with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Based in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Nowyuk is continuously rising in the music scene. His songs “Nalligigakku (Because I Love Her)” and “Pray (Tussiaq)” have both hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. He is also a winner of the Indigenous Music Award for Best Music Video for Novice Artists and a three-time winner of the Qilaut songwriting contest. Recent festival performances include the Arctic Sounds festival in Sisimiut, Greenland and the Folk on the Rocks festival in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
“Tappaani” is now available on all streaming services. To be the first to find out about Joey Nowyuk’s upcoming releases, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and pre-save Inuugama here.
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