Silla connect with their eternal musical heritage in the new singles Kaukuarjuk and The Great Angakkuq (feat. Kevin Qamaniq-Mason) — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
What does it sound like when the ancestors sing back? The acclaimed Inuit throat-singing duo return with two powerful singles that reach across generations and genres to embody Indigenous resurgence, kinship and sonic evolution.
Comprised of Charlotte Qamaniq (Iglulik) and Cynthia Pitsiulak (Kimmirut), Silla have been captivating audiences with their genre-defying fusion of katajjaq, hard rock, electronic, IDM and post-industrial textures since 2005. Based in Ottawa, the duo have received two Juno nominations and two Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards. With these new singles, they assert themselves not only as keepers of tradition — but as creators of future worlds.
“Inua and Sila Is Boss is a double-album concept,” says Charlotte. “One side is our inheritance, songs sung for generations. The other side reimagines that world — same roots, but plugged into amps, synths, and storytelling arcs.” These dual singles herald the imminent arrival of both albums: Inua arrives June 21 and Sila Is Boss follows July 9).
Kaukuarjuk is a traditional throat song composed by Charlotte’s brother Kevin Qamaniq-Mason — and the name of a powerful Angakkuq (shaman) passed down to him through the Inuit custom of namesake kinship. Performed by Cynthia and Charlotte in powerful rhythmic counterpoint, it’s “a reminder that these songs are a tribute to our past, a lesson in kinship, and a step forward for using our traditional music in new ways.” Charlotte says.
The reimagined counterpart, The Great Angakkuq, transforms that tradition into a cinematic soundscape of off-kilter rhythms, synthwave pulses, and overdriven guitar — a collaboration with Kalalliit (Greenlandic) superproducer Andachan, and featuring Kevin on vocals. “It begins with footsteps crunching snow and a building storm,” Charlotte shares. “Then comes the calm: a moment featuring qiarvaaq — an ancient form of Inuit throat singing with lyrics.” Those lyrics, written by Charlotte, are a love letter to Inuit Nunaat (our land):
“Una Nuna — This Land
Tigumiattiarlugu — Hold it dearly
Piummarittu — Is so beautiful
Uumaju — It is alive.”
These releases are vessels of memory. “Inuit naming isn’t just about identity — it’s about continuity.” says Charlotte. “It keeps our community close, and the memories of our loved ones alive for future generations”.
Both tracks are released under Qamaniq Records, the duo’s own imprint. The single artwork comes from longtime friend and Iqaluit-born artist Josh Qaumariaq, known for his bold acrylic depictions of Arctic wildlife. “Josh’s work glows with the light of our people,” Charlotte says. “His polar bear paintings remind me of Nanurluk, the great polar bear spirit we reference in the next song to come.”
Check out Kaukuarjuk and The Great Angakkuq above, hear more from Silla below, and meet them on their website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
