Thor Simonsen
Biography
Thor Simonsen is a Danish-Canadian artist and entrepreneur. Born in the Faroe Islands, Thor spent his childhood and teenage years in the Canadian Arctic. After graduating from high school in Iqaluit, he returned to Scandinavia to work in the music industry and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Design from the Danish School of Media in Copenhagen. Thor is an accomplished artist and music producer who has released two solo albums, produced ten albums for other artists, and worked as a songwriter, co-producer, and executive producer on many more. In 2016, he co-founded Hitmakerz, a Nunavut-based record label with a mission to create sustainable careers in the arts, with a special focus on Inuit and Indigenous artists. In 2022, he founded Nunavut Music, the territory’s music association. Thor is an insatiable reader, author, philosopher, and a seeker of truth. He speaks many languages and is an experienced graphic designer, art director, photographer, film producer, language trainer, performance coach, fitness model, real estate investor, and director on various organizational boards. Thor's business and artistic endeavors have earned him many wins and nominations for awards, including the JUNO Awards, Capital Music Awards, Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Planet Awards, and Indigenous Music Awards. His unique, international and intercultural experiences have also allowed him to share his story with audiences across Canada and media outlets around the world. Thor currently lives with his wife and three children in Ottawa.
Speaking, Awards, Accolades
2023 Speaker: Algonquin College, Music Industry Arts, Ottawa, ON
2023 Speaker: Inuit Technology Forum, Iqaluit, NU
2023 Presenter: Capital Music Awards, OMIC, Ottawa, ON
2022 Speaker: Nunavut Trade Show, Iqaluit, NU
2022 Speaker: Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, Ottawa, ON
2022 Speaker: Resource Fair, House of Paint Festival, Ottawa, ON
2022 Speaker: Nunavut Trade Show, Iqaluit, NU
2022 Capital Music Awards – Community Impact Award
2021 Winner: BRCC Business Award – Special Achievement Award
2021 Pannelist: Lyrics, Languages, and Music, Indie Week, Toronto, ON
2021 Speaker: Indie Week, Toronto, ON
2019 Panelist: “Indigenous Music Panel” Indie Week, Toronto, ON
2019 “Entrepreneurship in Nunavut” – Nunavut Trade Show, Iqaluit, NU
2019 Speaker: Northern Perspectives Conference, Winnipeg, MB
Media Mentions
2022 CBC Radio Ottawa: Hitmakerz label puts spotlight on Inuit artists from Nunavut
2021 Ryerson University: Promoting Indigenous culture, building sustainable careers in music
2021 Nunavut News: Kinngait Elders record Inuktitut songs dating back 1,000+ years
2021 Arctic Journal: Project preserves oral traditions
2021 Nunatsiaq News: Inuit artists gather in Ottawa for collaboration-filled week
2021 CBC Radio Ottawa: Nunavut artists soak up 'creative energy' at Ottawa music retreat
2021 Nunavut News: One-week creative hub has Nunavut Hitmakerz artists excited
2021 Roots Music: Hitmakerz connecting Inuit artists with industry heavy hitters
2020 SOCAN Magazine / Words & Music: Advocating For The Nunavut Sound
2019 Above & Beyond/Arctic Journal Showcasing Nunavut’s Musical Talent
2019 Nunavut News: Iqaluit musician teaches ukuleles to youth in three communities
2019 Canadian Beats: Angela Amarualik releases video for “Sapingillunga”
2019 Nunavut News: Angela Amarualik earns Indigenous Music Award
2019 Nunatsiaq News: Up-and-coming Inuit singer shares her struggles with shyness
2018 CBC’s The National: Inuit singer-songwriter Kelly Fraser | Fight for the Rights
2018 Above & Beyond: Nunavut Hitmakerz – Inspiring a new generation of artists
2017 Northern Public Affairs: Nunavut Hitmakerz: Giving Young Nunavummiut A Voice
2017 Nunatsiaq News: Growing music-makers here at home
2017 Nunatsiaq News: New guide offers help and hope to potential homeowners
2016 CBC News Nunavut 'Chasing their dreams:' Nunavut Hitmakerz hold music workshops
For more information, please contact booking@hitmakerz.com
Videos