Here are the nominees for the first ever Arctic Music Awards
Before we talk about the awards, can we just take a moment to acknowledge that a lot has happened in the Nunavut music scene this year?
Until recently, Nunavut was the only Canadian province or territory without an official music industry association.
Now it has Nunavut Music, jointly founded in December by Qaggiavuut Society, Alianait Arts Festival, Hitmakerz, Iqaluit Music Society and several other organizations.
The association is just in its infancy and will be consulting with stakeholders and recruiting members before rolling out a suite of programs later this year aimed at helping Nunavut artists develop sustainable careers.
It will be run by a volunteer staff and steering committee, whose members will represent and lobby on behalf of local needs.
The executive director will be Thor Simonsen of Hitmakerz.
Thor grew up in Iqaluit, but is currently based in Ottawa. He has worked as a professional musician, music producer, instructor and record label executive.
Speaking of Hitmakerz, they’re the business behind the first ever Arctic Music Conference and Arctic Music Awards, a series of online events created to celebrate artists from the Arctic region.
The conference will feature workshops, performances and panel discussions about how music can improve the quality of life in the north.
It will take place virtually on March 24 and 25, and tickets are now available at ArcticMusicConference.com.
The awards will be handed out on March 25.
Winners are being selected based on a popular vote, so vote for your favourites HERE before the March 22 deadline.
Here are the nominees:
Artist of the Year:
- Aasiva
- Jacob Okatsiak
- Young Keen
- Whigga Boi Drax
- Lutie Kaviok
- Shauna Seeteenak
- Aocelyn
- Uyarakq
- Angela Amarualik
Group of the Year:
- Tarrak x Peand-eL
- The Trade-Offs
- Twin Flames
Indigenous Artist/Group of the Year:
- Aasiva
- Jacob Okatsiak
- Young Keen
- Lutie Kaviok
- Shauna Seeteenak
- Aocelyn
- Tarrak x Peand-eL
- Angela Amarualik
- The Trade-Offs
- Twin Flames
Single of the Year:
- Jacob Okatsiak – Fly High
- Young Keen – chïmneÿ
- Lutie Kaviok – Decisions
- Angela Amarualik ft. Qattuu – Sanngijuq
- Shauna Seeteenak – Qiviktailigit (Don’t Give Up)
- Aocelyn – I Wish I Was a King
- Angela Amarualik – Summa Tamaani
- Uyarakq – parrutileqaat
- Brenda Montana – Together As One
- The Trade-Offs – Crowberry Hill
- Twin Flames – Grace Too
Album of the Year:
- Aasiva – Niriunniq
- Young Keen – UVANGA
- Lutie Kaviok – The Come Up
- Shauna Seeteenak – Therapy Sessions
- Aocelyn – Lovely
- Angela Amarualik – Uvannik
- Uyarakq – Whale Dick
- The Trade-Offs – Let Go, Give In, Fall Down
- Twin Flames – Omen
Music Video of the Year:
- Jacob Okatsiak – Fly High
- Young Keen – chïmneÿ
- Lutie Kaviok – Breaking Me Down Ft. Chris Jr Mikeeuneak
- Aocelyn – I Wish I Was a King
- Angela Amarualik – Angirrarviga
- Uyarakq – parrutileqaat
- Twin Flames – Who I am
- The Trade-Offs – Put ‘Em Down
