Tagaq

Tagaq is an Inuk throat singer from Cambridge Bay, Canada, born in 1975. She also uses the names Tanya Tagaq Gillis and Tanya Tagaq. Her work brings Inuit vocal traditions into experimental music, with a solo style that uses throat singing as a form of improvisation and emotional expression.

Style and approach

Her performances focus on voice as the main instrument, using grunts, growls, gasps, wails, moans and sighs to create texture and mood. She presents throat singing as a solo practice, rather than the paired, competitive form more commonly associated with the tradition. Her singing often evokes natural sounds such as animals or wind. Tagaq describes her approach as going deeper into performance until she feels detached from her body and allows expression to take over.

Albums and recordings

Sinaa features original improvisations alongside three traditional Inuk throat songs. It also includes the Basque percussion instrument txalaparta on four tracks, played by her partner Filipe Ugarte and his duo Ugarte Anaiak. On the track “Ancestors”, Tagaq appears in duet with Björk, with piano providing backing.

Collaborations and touring

Tagaq collaborates with Björk, The Kronos Quartet and Mike Patton. She joins Björk on the Vespertine tour and appears on the recordings Medulla and the soundtrack to Drawing Restraint 9. Her performance recorded for fRoots magazine leads to contact with The Kronos Quartet. She also tours Europe as part of the Canada Council’s Sonic Weave tour and appears on the Shaman Voices Tour with Mongolian throat singer Okna Tsahan Zam and Finnish yoiker Wimme.

Early performances and development

Tagaq grows up in Cambridge Bay and has little exposure to throat singing while young. In her final year of art school in Halifax, she begins learning from tapes her mother sends home, originally as a way to ease homesickness. With no partner and no teacher, she develops her own method. Her first public performance takes place in Cambridge Bay at a talent contest with an old friend who has also been learning to sing. The broadcast attracts the attention of Folk on the Rocks organisers in Yellowknife, leading to further festival invitations.

Awards and recognition

At the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, Tagaq receives three awards, including Best Female Artist. Her performance at the ceremony earns a standing ovation.

Visual art and festival appearances

In 2000, she appears at the Great Northern Arts Festival to exhibit her paintings. When the event lacks performers, she agrees to sing solo, backed by other performers. Her appearance there is filmed by two friends of Björk from Iceland, which leads to her later connection with Björk.