Katajjacoustic - Traditional Throat Singing of the Inuit

Kiah Hachey and Karen Flaherty are two young Inuit women from Nunavut in Northern Canada. Their magic is the female traditional art of katajjaq. Mostly performed as a duet, this form of throat singing mimics the natural world. Wind, ice, sea and bird sounds dominate.
Three young composers, students at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar/ studio of electro-acoustic music, joined the duo.
Kiah Hachey - throat singing
Karen Flaherty - throat singing
Paul Hauptmeier - live electronics
Martin Recker - live electronics
Sergio Valencia - sound production
Recorded on 1 July 2015 at the "mon ami", Weimar.
For further information visit:
www.hfm-weimar.de/tms
www.hfm-weimar.de/institut-fuer-neue-musik/studio-fuer-elektroakustische-musik-seam

[@tudngalgix]

2:17 - Geese 5:49 - Love Song 10:49 - Competion 14:46 - Kuugvaluk (River) 19:23 - Qiarvaarusiq 21:14 - Anuri (Wind) 25:37 - Qimmiruluapik (Poor Little Puppy) 29:52 - Imiglutaq (Button Toy) 35:00 - Kitturia (Mosquito) 38:58 - Pinnguarutik I 1 41:10 - Pinnguarutik I 2 If you're interested in inuit throat singing, check out Tanya Tagaq, Piqsiq, Nukariik, Beatrice Deer, Ivaluarjuk, and Silla and Rise!

[@xSpyder5x]

This is phenomenal, thank you so much for sharing your talents and culture

[@blissiimo2064]

My father was Inuit. I know nothing about his culture or life - I live in Australia. Listening to this was a revelation to me. Without the beath part - the melody is so familiar to me, vey haunting. With the breath, it sounds special, like a ceremony or time of transition. I can imagine for the singer it is purifying and medicinal.

[@carolecarle7921]

Thank you for your post. So glad you found this video, and that it reached a profound part of your Spirit!

[@veroniquecastel9582]

Perhaps you could research your roots? It’s never too late to find out. Good luck to you. :-) From Melbourne, Australia

[@mamajoker24]

You didn't learn much cause until recently they had banned our throat singing. It's familiar cause it's part of your shared memories from your ancestors. You remember cause they knew it and you have their memories you just needed to be reminded so to speak. Our people didn't have a written language we didn't need one we where born with the knowledge we needed just have to be reminded. ❤️

[@louiechidwick6034]

I'm an old Punk Rocker from England, yet I am totally stunned by the beauty of this performance, It felt so primal and timeless. I hope this will be kept alive for many generations to come. Those two lovely ladies are my spirit animals for sure xx

[@Sylkenwolf]

I never intended to watch till the end! These ladies are mesmerizing! I've been hooked on throat singing since I heard Mongolian Throat Singing a few months ago. I am just in awe of it all and taking it all in.

[@wisdomseeker0142]

This mess is rawwwww. Omg. I love this! It’s primal Wild free and oh so rhythmic.

[@kaiblack4005]

I'm transfixed. So in awe of the talent of the singers and the electronic washes on some tracks totally captures the isolation and transcendent beauty of the north . Thank you so much for posting this for us to learn and be moved by.

[@cheeks6310]

I bet it's actually quite an intense and emotionally intimate experience. And so exhausting I bet! Kinda hypnotic

[@stafverstegen2408]

@@pizzdecc She didn't say spiritual though.

[@wandacornellcornell1814]

SO TTHIER SONG THE RIVER THIER ADMITTEDLY GONNA SING WITH THE GOAL TO SOUND LIKE A MASS OF BULL FROGS DOWN BY THE RIVER.LOL

[@hellfirepictures]

I had never come across this before (so much for youtube algorithms as I enjoy mongolian throat-singing) and found it absolutely fascinating. Wonderful performance and education! Thank you Kiah and Karen.

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

This is absolutely amazing!!! I never knew this existed!! Think of how old these songs and sounds are!! Absolutely incredible!! Love it

[@sammietabor]

It's hard to look into my Grand Daughters' eyes, without remembering all that Great Grand Mother went through...

[@mrmister6353]

I learned something today... I like this type of singing. Thank you for uploading.

[@MagnusHedemark]

Few views, but likely more informative and deeply entertaining than anything on TV tonight.

[@friesiamans1966]

+magnus hendemark - few views is absolutely alright, not many will like something like this - but i´m happy, it´s there at all and we can watch and enjoy it - after having seen a short bit of inuit throat singing on tv quite a few years ago, i´ve kept searching for it, until i recently had the "brilliant" idea to look here on youtube, yessssss, there we are... :-) cheers from germany

[@Nonononono_Ohno]

Found this treasure again after about 5 years, and I'm happy to see it finally got at least a bit of the attention it deserves (~150 k views in 2021). When I first found it, it only had about 100 views. :-)

[@jackiekanngiesser7315]

People don't know what they're missing !

[@stormynewton2291]

I feel as though the music was unnecessary, that these women's voices where everything they needed, still beautiful ❤️

[@tablite5625]

Learned something. Never heard such voices before. Its very hypnotizing and relaxing. Awesome live SondFX and atmospheres! Greetings from germany

[@ThePapasmurf1946]

They sing on both the in and out breath. It's very exhausting. It can be the most powerful and moving performance I've ever seen.

[@lilynewton342]

Even though I’m not Inuit, Metis and First Nations. My great grandfather was a Native and hearing this is just so nice and calming. It’s sounds so distantly familiar.

[@johnfeliceCeprano]

Terrific show, excellent throat singers ... acoustic back up also very fine; thanks for this post.

[@comalcalco12]

agradezco enormemente encontrar este video, escuchar a estas jóvenes cantando tan extraordinariamente! Un privilegio! Honro su canto y su cultura!!!

[@harmony331000]

You girls have and shared something so beautiful 😍 thank you!

[@maireadsystem7962]

I just discovered this genre and I really wish I could learn to throat sing, but I doubt I will ever be able to find someone to teach me in my part of the world. Kiah and Karen are really cool and wonderful singers. I loved hearing them explain more about tradition and technique.

[@Sylkenwolf]

Theres many tutorials on KZbin

[@louiseottosen499]

Love song, poor little puppy, the Wind, is my favorit song

[@manjeet135]

This is first time I have listened to Inuit music, very talented singers.

[@Jade-yx8uu]

since I've found out about inuit throat singing I've looked up videos and learned about the cultural background. This is a great video explaining everything! I'm obsessed by the 'love song' It's so hypnotising

[@lucyvatore3294]

This is so cool! I've never heard anything like it before. The girls were so sweet, you could really tell they were having so much fun!

[@moonxshakti]

One of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. Love these women

[@alexjmtl]

This was wonderful to watch and listen to. Great Job!!

[@mikontisott]

Absolutely entrancing, I love these people for sharing this

[@ConstantinDV]

Thank you! I feel like something unique and precious was shared with me in a generous and open way.

[@chatty-cat12]

Can you imagine how proud their ancestors are looking down on them?

[@toussantlbisso]

Could Not manage to stop listening to this 🤔 merci !

[@alexandercarder2281]

It also reminds me of the struggle when someone’s dying and those noises. I’m actually blown away

[@glennextra]

I am so happy to find this performance along with the explanations of each type of song. I hope I can se it live one day. greetings From Vancouver BC

[@starseedmind7130]

This is amazing.i feel it in my brain in my heart. Is shamanic music.

[@rinnevanderhoff2995]

WONDERFUL.CREATING A SPECIAL ATMOSPHERE AND AMBIANCE AS WELL AS SHAMANIC REPETITIVE SOUNDS OF NATURE AND HUMAN EXPRESSIONS, TO UNTANGEL LOGGED MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SETTINGS DUE TO STRESSED LIFE CONITIONS TOGETHER WITH SILENCE MEDITATION CAN BE VERY BENEFICIENT FOR RELAXING AND CREATING AN OPEN SPACE FOR NEW INTERACTIONS. THANK YOU ANGELS OF CREATION BLESS YOU,LOVE YOU.

[@hira9505040]

Exceptional, Unique, Sound from another world.

[@florence_m_p]

I really love this kind of singing!! It's kind of mesmerizing and it relaxes me... And I love the sounds!

[@nerminacelik6638]

Sounds of mother nature

[@amstradcpc4646]

so much respect for you two... I even clap on my own...

[@Eric-kk5bn]

Thank you

[@reylataupe203]

Just what ? so beautiful ...

[@jackdaniel6573]

All traditional and that is very good. Keep up the good throat singing

[@chinesefansofmodernnativea613]

才貌雙全！ 謝謝🙏

[@allanoreilly1172]

i'm getting breathless listening to them

[@jessicametaneira7861]

That was awesome! Thanks for singing. I love Inuit singing - I like that it reminds me of wolves or maybe eagles, rasping a lullaby to each other.

[@richarde5718]

wonderful!! this is new to me and i love it. hi from Ontario

[@BlueFootBeBop]

I love how you say that the throat singing always ends in laughter 😂❕So intriguing, intricate, primal , and so in touch with the natural elements ( sky, river, wind , insects, animals, etc.) using only the throat! So awesome‼️ Thank you for the explanations and being brave enough to carry on traditions looked down on by missionaries ! I’m now interested in learning how to do the basics! I’m Filipino-American and I do think there is a connection between Inuits and the Philippine Islands millions/billons of years ago‼️

[@MichuNeo]

Brilliant, wonderful, wicked; no words really!!

[@arthoriusorpaillage7638]

Magnifique 😊😊très beaux chants traditionnels et très bien interprétée 😆😆😆😆

[@user-uk6dv9ge6l]

Un superbe duo bravo l'accompagnement on ressent tellement d'ondes positives venues de loin vous êtes magnifiques

[@tomattime]

The beguiling intensity of these captivating performances

[@aaronmarks9366]

These girls are insanely talented, and so beautiful. I want to go live in Nunavut now!

[@leannethompson980]

Come to nunavut 😝

[@rhynoceros]

Amazing that is the voice of the universe

[@katekleinsteuber7652]

Absolutely incredible!

[@hannahh.7296]

Wow this wonderful!

[@NyyHydrae]

Thanks for sharing ❤ Amazing and beautiful! Ladies, you are soooooo talented!

[@janinebone9790]

Amazing! I reckon I can hear more than two voices. Spooky.

[@Sylkenwolf]

Its the overtones they're doing.

[@paulyhart]

each mouth capable of making four sounds fundamental overtone glottalization breath

[@katerisvec3055]

Really beautiful! And the accompaniment of the symbol was nice too

[@danmcalinden8728]

Unreal ! Fantastic tradition

[@EmPurple]

This is fascinating!

[@user-nz7ow1wq9e]

this is altogether GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@oddbodly]

Fun to listen to . These ladies are the best I have heard.

[@L33tLady]

Beautiful!

[@leethompson6070]

Thank you so much ladies. My Aunt Connie had many tales i wished I'd been able to hear before she went on. Even here on the HARD LANDS, the people had had great things to learn from, I wished She'd had more time in order to learn from. Thank you very much.

[@gabrielartillaga1194]

Amazing! My jaw just dropped.

[@isselasantina3773]

I can't even pick a favorite, they're amazing

[@luthienbellamy7883]

Hermoso, muy hermoso, sin palabras.

[@emilykoenig9508]

So cool!! Thank you for sharing!

[@brianjones6500]

Super jive! Great vibe!

[@sophiatacc5178]

This is so complicated and awesome. Mad respect

[@wisdomseeker0142]

What!!!!!???? This was phenomenal!!

[@jeanjacquesmutz68]

farandole de son qui entraine la raison celle d'écouter et d'en rever. Manifique un beau partage.

[@goprodog4304]

Liszt Ferenc, thank you for this too, you are a real Magyar. Greetings from Hungary to you all.

[@jagodalotz3034]

This is just amazing!

[@lynettehall8615]

Amazing. Didn’t know this existed. ❤️

[@ithewanderer830]

...wow. Excellent performance👍👍

[@SleeperHonda]

Thank you..... Fighter and the Kid!

[@deliamoore6769]

I just heard the Love Song on DEVS and loved it. Something so soothing about it.

[@snopeasnopea]

so beautiful!

[@jencameron8124]

Wow, beautiful!

[@Robert-el6ky]

Wonderfully beautiful ladies

[@captainboggles]

reminds me of dog sleds... awesome stuff... superb.

[@jackiekanngiesser7315]

So powerful, Love !!!

[@kimbeggs]

Kiah Hachey and Karen Flaherty are wonderful.

[@jandunn169]

I saw some of this singing in the movie "Fastrunner". Thank you for sharing this music with us..

[@chefboy-ar-d6312]

This was some great stuff !

[@infernowolf1850]

I want to try this, it sounds fun and calming and soothing

[@almighurt9557]

So relaxing

[@alexandercarder2281]

O my gosh this is profound. The love song reminds me of a Steam Train puffing along.

[@remomilan7130]

È davvero un peccato che non sia mai abbastanza apprezzata e fatta conoscere una così bella musica nonché gli artisti che tanti sforzi profondono per darci il meglio di questo genere molto particolare!!

[@sharbee6657]

Awesome!!!

[@saszab]

Fantastic!!! For me it sounds like something extraterrestrial! Never heard before about the Inuit throat singing. I knew only about the Tuvan throat singing (and some other Asian), and I like it also very much.

[@matthewmann8969]

Hypnotized and mesmerized

[@BUDAWIEN]

wow! goosebumps...

[@FranciscoLizama1]

So beatiful!!! please do a tutorial on how sing katajjaq!!!!

[@michaeljohnchapman8772]

Were the background acoustics necessary?

[@DStrayCat69]

Hi from Edmonton🙂I spent a lot of time in the NWT and Yukon and LOVE Inuit people and I Love your Singing... I have been following a group of Natives in Siberia name "Otyken". I don't know what Nation they are part of, but I love their music. They do a bit of Throat Singing, but it's more like "Mongolian" than a native style like yours... I hope you can spread your style more 🙂

[@KatalinBurns]

love................

[@alejandrobermudez7508]

Maravilloso: hay música en el Hombre.

[@anditoner8824]

Very interesting and touching sounds! As "european overtone singer" I really appriciate your archaic singing.

[@mukhumor]

It's so abstract.

[@fan_sanah]

Interesuję się kulturą Indiańską z obu Ameryk i Inuitów, pięknie, że ktoś dalej kultywuje ich tradycje 👏