Leall Wild*
Canadian Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapee expresses new sadness on one of Metallica’s biggest and most emotional hits, “Isumagijunnaitaungituq (The Unforgiven).” While the metal band drew inspiration for its Black Album hits from Ennio Morricone soundtracks, spaghetti westerns, and her family’s trauma, Elisapi shut up and sang the lyrics in the indigenous Inuk language. there is Instrumentation includes banjo, traditional drums, bass saxophone, throat singing, and sawtooth, in addition to guitars and synths.
Videos of tracks featured on her upcoming album Inuktitut Island The album (out September 15th) focuses on the sun reflecting off the waters of her hometown of Saluit, Quebec, as a boat sails toward an upside-down horizon.
She chose this song because it had a personal meaning to her. She once interviewed Metallica’s Kirk Hammett for a village radio station when she was 15, and it reminded her of her friends when she was growing up. “As a teenager, I just wanted to hang out with the boys from my village,” she said in her statement. “We all went to my big cousin’s house and smoked pot while listening to Metallica. Thanks to the band’s music, we were able to delve into the darkness of our wounded souls and feel good there.” I felt like I was being told that it was okay to be sad.…
“When I was 14, I applied for a job with TNI, the first Inuit television and radio station, and I was so happy when I got the job,” she continued. “Honestly, I was the only one who applied, but still! Everyone at the station dreamed big and asked Metallica for an interview. Metallica only interviewed twice during their Quebec tour, and TNI was selected.A senior producer gave me an interview, which Kirk Hammett said to the “journalist.” It was likely the worst interview I’ve been to. He must have been so confused when he answered the phone that an over-excited 15-year-old Inuk girl asked him almost nonsensical questions. But I looked the coolest to them, and that’s the point. ”
Inuktitut IslandHer fourth album features similar interpretations of songs by Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Cyndi Lauper, each with a personal story behind it. The album represents something akin to an emotional memoir of Elisapy, associated with a particular period in her life. She also asked permission to translate each artist’s lyrics into Inuk for her album.
She will probably play some songs live this winter as she wishes. Uvatini, a multimedia performance combining music, video and storytelling in Montreal and Quebec City. She’s planning an even bigger tour next year.
Inuktitut Island Track list:
1. “Unforgiven”
2. “Cinnatumite (dream)”
3. “Taiman Grimac (Time After Time)”
4. “Kimatsurunga (I want to be free)”
5. “Qaisimalaurittuq (Wish You Were Here)” feat. Westerly Wind
6. “California Mutto (Go to California)”
7. “Glass Heart”
8. “Inunia Rabbit (Born to Be Alive)”
9. “Timer Kimatsu Ninnungimat (Hey, that’s not the way to say goodbye)”
10. “Cinmijuat (wild horse)”
