Gina Burgess Shares New Single & Music Video, “Anuri”
From Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), internationally recognized artist Gina Burgess is a multi-genre violinist, composer, yoga instructor, educator, and musician wellness facilitator. A former member of the Juno-nominated Iqaluit- based arctic rock band “The Jerry Cans”, a four-time ECMA award winner with the Hot Swing group “Gypsophilia”, and collaborator with numerous ensembles, Burgess is a sought-after performer.
Gina unveiled her album, ISNOW in July 2022, and now has shared the title track, “Anuri,” as her new single,
“Anuri” embarks on a musical odyssey, blending Celtic and Inuit roots. The composition begins with a delicate dance between Gina Burgess’s violin and Cynthia Pitsulak’s contemporary Inuit throat singing. Unfolding into a symphony, it immerses the audience in an entrancing experience. Complemented by a visual narrative on 16mm film, showcasing Nunavut and Nova Scotia landscapes, it weaves a mesmerizing fusion of sound and sight. This intricate dance echoes the essence of wind, translated from Inuktitut as “Anuri,” imprinting a sensory journey within the soul.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Gina Burgess and I’m a multi-genre violinist and composer. When I’m not touring, I divide my time between Halifax (Nova Scotia), St. John’s (Newfoundland and Labrador), and Iqaluit (Nunavut). I’m a performer, an educator, a yoga instructor, and a musician wellness facilitator. I am passionate about music’s role in end-of-life care and am a member of the Atlantic End of Life Doula Association.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My most recent release is a music video for “Anuri”, which is the first track off my debut solo album. This piece sets the tone for the entire album and it’s actually three pieces in one.
It begins with the lead part from the traditional Inuit throat-singing song “Anuri” (which means the wind in Inuktitut). However, rather than a second throat singer taking the follower part, this part is instead covered by the violin. The meaning behind this is that Indigenous voices were here first and should be heard first.
The violin (a typical colonial instrument) represents how we can’t go back in time to fix the atrocities that have happened here on Turtle Island, but we can work together with Indigenous communities leading the way to create a better future for all beings who live here now and will in the future.
The piece then continues to blossom and grow into the second piece I call “The Switch”. The music switches between a 4/4 beat cycle and a 4/5 beat cycle. This piece came to me after a street festival in Kjipuktuk/Halifax where the streets switch from cars only to pedestrians only. I think it’s important to prioritize the wellness of people and our planet. Removing cars from the road, and celebrating walking, biking and other modes of transit (even for only one day) helps to do this.
The final piece in this medley is called “Mathimagics” and it came to me while I was in Igloolik, Nunavut. There are 8 main pitches that get played around with. We drop one pitch at a time until we swirl around the last three pitches. We then add the pitches back in one at a time until the grand finale where we end on 7. The idea with this piece is again modeled after traditional Inuit throat singing which is a rhythmic and melodic game played by Inuit women. When we play this piece live, at any point a band member or audience member can yell out a number and the band has to quickly switch to this cycle. We haven’t actually played the game yet (it’s really tricky haha) but that’s the goal.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I spend a lot of time in nature. That’s where I hear music the most. When I am still and listening, the music comes to me. I have never actually sat down to write a composition (yet) I feel more like a conduit where the spirit of music flows through me.
My creative routine involves creating space in my daily life. Space for meditation, nature walks, yoga, playing my violin, sacred rituals, and reflection.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this Project?
I have a few exciting upcoming performances and tours. I’ll be heading to Charlottetown, PEI for the East Coast Music Awards in May. “Anuri” was nominated for “Fusion Recording of the Year” which I’m honored by.
In July I’ll be touring Newfoundland with the Anuri Drum Dancers from Iqaluit. Last year these youth dancers came up with their own choreography for the entire “ISNOW” album! We performed this show in Igloolik, Nunavut last summer and it was very well received. We are really excited to take this show on the road. Stay tuned!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Three career highlights come to mind right away,1- Performing with “The Jerry Cans” on the live Juno performance in 2018. That was a really incredible show. Our families and friends all came to join us. It was a surreal and remarkable experience.2- The Gypsophilia and Symphony Nova Scotia collaboration show. It was so special to play our own music scored for the orchestra. I grew up watching and then playing with SNS so it was extra special for me.3- The 9 years I spent volunteering in the palliative care ward at the VG hospital in Halifax. I worked with a music therapist, Erin Montgomery, and we played music for people who were at the end of their lives. Those experiences shaped my consciousness and continue to do so today. I am ever grateful to those people, their families, and all the members of the care team for showing me what life and music is really about.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
An artist I would recommend is Sarah McInnis and her “Legacy Song Project”. This project is “designed for individuals nearing the end of their lives and for those who have lost loved ones. The Legacy Song Project is an invitation to honour, reflect on, and preserve the memory of a loved one in song. No musical experience is needed to participate. It starts with a conversation and your stories become the foundation for the song that is created”. – (From Sarah’s website) Sarah is an exceptional human and a wonderful songwriter. I think everyone should check out her powerful work.