Nunavut Artist Terry Uyarak Reminds Us To Breathe With New Single “Aniqsaatuinnarit”

Hailing from the small town of Igloolik, a vibrant community in Nunavut comes self-taught singer/songwriter Terry Uyarak. Having spent over a decade as a performer and musician, Uyarak is set to release his debut solo album Nunarjua Isulinginniani on October 30th. From the release is the tranquil and pensive lead single “Aniqsaatuinnarit” which was written during the summer months in the Arctic.

“I wrote this song with my wife Tanya when we went through a tough time telling each other a line each how to keep our heads up during a dark time when we had 24 hour sun,” says Uyarak. “I remember also my father telling me a quote saying ‘iminnik sannatituinaqtu’ (he/she is designing their own future other good or bad), I’ve been wanting to write motivational words for anyone going through a tough time, that we let time pass without reaction, life gets easier.”

Featuring fellow Nunavut artist Becky Han, “Aniqsaatuinnarit” is a reminder to keep levelheaded and remember this too shall pass. “I feel like every single human being has told themselves at least once in their lifetime to ‘just breathe’ (aniqsaatuinnarit).“, Han shares. “Terry and his wife Tanya beautifully turned this feeling into this beautiful song. For us to relate to and to heal from.”

Uyarak’s slow-burning and grumbling voice moves swiftly over steady percussion and ambient guitar strumming, as the Inuit language takes on new shapes as he gently sings about staying strong-hearted.

Accompanying the song is stunning archival footage from the National Film Board of dog sledding expeditions. The shots of pure white snow and wolf-like dogs provides a stunning backdrop for a transfixing single.