Angela Amarualik moves between the remote reaches of Nunavut and the metropolitan metropolis of Montréal in her touching new single Stranger Of My Kind — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The latest track from the award-winning, chart-topping Inuk vocalist, songwriter, throat singer and educator’s just-released sophomore album Uvannik ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ, Stranger Of My Kind mixes Inuktitut and English lyrics, Inuit melodies and pop instrumentation and production to fashion a beautiful blend of worlds threaded together by Amarualik’s sweet, emotive vocals. Inspired by early 2000s pop and some of the artists Amarualik listened to while growing up, like Beatrice Deer and Hillary Duff, the song reflects on her experience of leaving her childhood home of Igloolik, Nunavut, moving near the big city of Montréal and missing home.
Stranger Of My Kind is one of a number of songs on the 2019 Indigenous Music Award winner’s album that explore leaving home to discover one’s identity, loneliness, uncertainty, and ultimately, hope for what lies ahead. Helmed by international hit-making producer and songwriter Chris Birkett (Sinéad O’Connor, Buffy Sainte-Marie), Amarualik’s sophomore release is poised to build on the success of her 2018 self-titled debut, which saw her reach the top of the Indigenous Music Countdown and brought her a Best Inuit, Indigenous Language, or Francophone Album honour and three other Indigenous Music Awards nominations, including Best New Artist.
With production originally delayed by the start of our global pandemic, Amarualik’s new album ended up coming together very collaboratively, largely during an artist retreat and workshop hosted by her label Hitmakerz in Ottawa in 2021. Amarualik was one of six artists invited to attend the songwriting and production workshop led by label head Thor Simonsen, along with Joey Nowyuk, Jacob Okatisak, Brenda Montana, Aocelyn and Shauna Seeteenak. This was where she connected and worked with her producer Birkett and collaborated with Ottawa artists such as Ash Ravens.
Executive produced by Simonsen, Uvannik ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ is also supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Government of Nunavut. The support and mentorship that Amarualik has received throughout her blossoming career has served to make the rising star committed to helping fellow Inuit artists develop. Since releasing and touring behind her 2018 debut, Amarualik has also taught musical workshops to Inuit youth, initially through the mentorship of the acclaimed Inuk artist Kelly Fraser, who tragically died in 2019.
While growing up in a community with many social problems, Amarualik worked hard to overcome extreme shyness, stay positive, improve her circumstances, and eventually lead by example. Through her own deep love for music and Inuit culture, and the help of mentors, Amarualik has become a brave, strong, and independent artist with much to share with the world.
Check out Stranger Of My Kind above, listen to Uvannik ᐅᕙᓐᓂᒃ below, and find Angela Amarualik at her website and Facebook.
