Inuit throat-singing duo Silla set to release double album this summer

Inuit throat-singing duo Silla is getting ready to release a unique double album in June and July.

Formed by Charlotte Qamaniq and Cynthia Pitsiulak, the duo has released two powerful singles: Kaukuarjuk and The Great Angakkuq featuring Kevin Qamaniq-Mason, which will be featured on both upcoming albums: Inua, which is due out June 21, and Sila is Boss, which will premiere July 9.

Kaukuarjuk, as well as its album Inua, will be a traditional Inuit throat-singing album, Qamaniq said, while The Great Angakkuq and its album, Sila is Boss, will be a blend of traditional Inuit throat singing and contemporary sounds, each offering something unique.

Silla emphasized that every track on both albums was created with purpose.

“Each one has its own story or message. We tried to be really intentional with every song title and every sound,” Pitsiulak said.

While the traditional album shares the raw experience of Inuit throat singing, the contemporary album covers a wide range of styles. Some tracks are heavy and guitar-driven; others are upbeat and electronic.

“We want people to move and dance and enjoy, feeling something in their bodies when they listen,” Qamaniq said.

Creating new songs in this style is a bold step that both women are proud of.

Silla is also preparing to bring their new music to live audiences. Although some of the tracks have already been released, many will be performed live for the first time during their shows in Ottawa and Saskatoon.

“We’re really excited to perform these new songs,” Pitsiulak said. “We recently had the chance to sing a couple of them live in Iglulik, and it was such a great experience. There’s a special energy that comes with live performance.”

Throat singing is best experienced live, Qamaniq said. While recorded music allows listeners to hear the songs anytime, it can’t fully capture the energy and emotion of a live show. Some of their most powerful performances have left audience members speechless or even in tears.

“There’s no second take," she said. "You feed off the crowd’s energy and give them what you’re feeling in that exact moment. It’s more raw and real.”

Another exciting aspect of the project is the number of collaborators involved. The duo worked with producers from Greenland and Nunavik with musicians like Charlotte’s brother, Kevin Qamaniq-Mason, and visual artists from across the Inuit community who made cover art for each track.

“We wanted to highlight Inuit excellence,” Qamaniq said. “Every track features artwork made by an Inuk artist and was produced or composed by an Inuk. That’s really important to us.”

These albums have been years in the making as Qamaniq and Pitsiulak began planning them over two years ago, wanting to take more control over their music, careers, and how they present themselves.

“We’ve released albums before, but this is the first time we really got to shape everything ourselves,” Qamaniq said.

They also wanted to make sure traditional throat singing was part of the release, even if it’s not what most online listeners seek out.

“It’s important for Inuit to have access to those songs,” said Qamaniq.

They also wanted to create something that could educate others about Inuit culture.

Like any big creative project, the process wasn’t without its difficulties, Qamaniq said. They had to switch producers early in the process, and working with so many different people meant a lot of juggling schedules and time zones.

“It was a learning curve for sure. But every challenge brought something new, and we just kept focusing on the end goal - making something we could be proud of,” she said.

Qamaniq and Pitsiulak both grew up in Nunavut, though they moved to Ottawa at different times. That’s when they met and started singing together not long after. Their long friendship and shared history come through in their performances.

“Our connection is really strong. You can feel it when we sing together,” Qamaniq said.

Inuit throat singing nearly disappeared due to colonization, but artists like Silla are part of a movement to bring it back, Pitsiulak said.

“It’s very old and was passed on orally. There were no recordings. It’s important for us to honor that and keep it going.”

Another big part of the message behind these albums is about Inuit kinship and naming. In their culture, many Inuit have multiple names that come from family and ancestors. Qamaniq, for example, has five names. Through their songs, the group wants to help people understand these cultural ideas and why they matter so much.

Silla hopes their new songs, both traditional and original, will continue that legacy, Qamaniq said.

“It’s also a way for us to express ourselves. It’s fun, it’s spiritual, it’s emotional. It helps us take care of ourselves.”

The duo have one more live show scheduled for Arts Court (Pique Summer Edition) in Ottawa on June 7.