Role

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Performer

Birth

:

May 5, 1975 in Ikaluktuutiak, Nunavut, Victoria Island, Canada

 

Tanya Tagaq Gillis, known professionally as Tanya Tagaq, is a Canadian Inuk throat singer, composer, and activist. She was born on May 5, 1975, in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada. Tagaq grew up in a traditional Inuit community where she learned the art of throat singing from her grandmother. She was also exposed to Western music through her parents, who were both teachers. Tagaq began performing as a teenager, and in 1999, she moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to study visual arts at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. While in Halifax, she became involved in the local music scene and began collaborating with other musicians. In 2001, she released her debut album, Sinaa, which featured traditional Inuit throat singing and drumming. Tagaq's music is a unique blend of traditional Inuit throat singing and contemporary electronic and experimental music. Her performances are known for their raw intensity and emotional power. She has been praised for her ability to push the boundaries of traditional Inuit music while still honoring its roots. In 2005, Tagaq released her second album, Auk/Blood, which was produced by Björk collaborator Mark Bell. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish Tagaq as a rising star in the Canadian music scene. In 2006, she won the Juno Award for Aboriginal Recording of the Year for Auk/Blood. Tagaq's third album, Anuraaqtuq, was released in 2008. The album featured collaborations with a number of musicians, including Mike Patton of Faith No More. Anuraaqtuq was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize, which is awarded annually to the best Canadian album of the year. In 2014, Tagaq released her fourth album, Animism, which was produced by Jesse Zubot. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it won the Polaris Music Prize, making Tagaq the first Indigenous artist to win the award. Animism was also nominated for the Juno Award for Aboriginal Album of the Year. Tagaq's music has been featured in a number of films and television shows, including the documentary film The Whale, which won the Audience Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. She has also collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Kronos Quartet, which resulted in the album Tundra Songs. In addition to her music career, Tagaq is also an activist and advocate for Indigenous rights. She has spoken out against the Canadian government's treatment of Indigenous peoples and has been involved in a number of protests and demonstrations. In 2017, she was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for her contributions to Canadian culture and Indigenous rights. Tagaq's live performances are known for their improvisational nature and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. She has performed at a number of major music festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, and the WOMAD Festival in the UK. In conclusion, Tanya Tagaq Gillis is a Canadian Inuk throat singer, composer, and activist who has made a significant impact on the Canadian music scene. Her unique blend of traditional Inuit throat singing and contemporary electronic and experimental music has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. She has won numerous awards, including the Polaris Music Prize, and has collaborated with a number of other musicians.

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