Shauna Seeteenak makes her way through the darkness to See The Light in her new single and video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The song serves as a preview to the Inuk hip-hop artist’s forthcoming debut album Therapy Sessions. The release sees Seeteenak focus 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 basslines, these truths, include “mental health, sobriety, breaking stereotypes, overcoming barriers, surviving the north, and trying to heal.”
See The Light gives insight into Seeteenak’s ability to speak directly to her listeners. 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.” Not only is the production style finessed, but the lyrics also speak to Seeteenak’s fight with her internal struggles; while her music may sound light-hearted and poppy, one listen reveals Seeteenak to be an authentic storyteller overcoming powerful vices.
On a personal level, 2021 marked a landmark milestone in Seeteenak’s sobriety journey. “Yesterday marked my two years being alcohol free!” she said of the occasion this past May. “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.”
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 Iqaluit record label Hitmakerz to develop her career and produce Therapy Sessions. On top of this, Seeteenak has been busy collaborating with others for the rest of her fantastically inspired album, including Greenland’s Peand-eL, as well as Nunavut NDP MP Mumilaaq Qaqqaq.
Therapy Sessions is due Aug. 27. Watch See The Light above, hear more from Shauna Seeteenak below, and find her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
