Alianait seeks budding Nunavut songwriters

Mary Itorcheak performs Oct. 7 during the opening act of an Alianait concert in Iqaluit featuring folk-pop artist Jenn Grant. Alianait is seeking applicants for this year’s edition of the songwriters’ workshop that Itorcheak took part in last year. (FILE PHOTO)

Nunavut songwriters take note: Alianait has an opportunity for emerging musicians that includes a trip to the territorial capital.

Juno-award-winning singer-songwriter William Prince will join six emerging Nunavut artists in Iqaluit March 25 to March 30 for a songwriters’ workshop hosted by Alianait.

The group will learn from Prince, a storyteller, singer and songwriter from Peguis First Nations in Manitoba. They will also collaborate on music and lyrics for a new Inuktitut song.

And “the artists will have their music professionally recorded and a video will be made of their performance,” Alianait’s Heather Daley said in a Feb. 8 release.

It’s the second year in a row for the songwriters’ program.

Last year, young artists including Lazarus “Mister” Qattalik of Igloolik, Mary Itorcheak of Iqaluit and Corey Panika of Rankin Inlet gathered to record their own singles with Nuvu Studios.

Since the workshop, Qattalik has released an album and Itorcheak opened in October for an Alianait show featuring Nova Scotia folk-pop artist Jenn Grant.

“This has helped these artists promote themselves and given them tools to apply for performance gigs,” Daley told Nunatsiaq News.

“They also learned about songwriting methodology, how to manage their careers, the importance of registering their songs with SOCAN and the importance of staying healthy [by] avoiding alcohol and drugs.”

The young artists also created lasting bonds, and their songs now play frequently on local radio.

You can watch all six artists’ videos from last year here. The group worked with Ontario duo Jaaji and Chelsey June of the folk group Twin Flames.

Songwriters from across the territory who want to participate in the program this year should apply by 5 p.m. on Feb. 18 by emailing heather@alianait.ca.

Applicants should include a description of their songwriting experience, reasons why they are interested in the workshop, and what community they live in.

The program is funded by Nunavut’s Department of Culture and Heritage.