Photo by Leeor Wild
Inuk artist Elisapie has released a Inukitut adaptation of Cyndi Lauper's timeless "Time After Time." Her version is titled "Taimangalimaaq" and keeps the bare bones of Lauper's original intact while reinventing the song in her language. The melody is still there, and the song is still instantly recognizable even without it being sung in English. It's more of a traditional and deconstructed version that is absolutely stunning. It's always fascinating to hear a completely new take on a song you've heard countless times, and when it's done as brilliantly as Elisapie has, it's the kind of art you'll keep going back to.
Elisapie says of her version of "Time After Time:"
“I was able to get through my pre-teen years, thanks to my Aunt Alasie, as my mother had neither the knowledge nor the experience to give me a crash course on puberty, fashion or social relationships. In addition to entering a new chapter in my life, we were in the midst of the 80's and modernity was shaking up our traditional methods. My mother’s generation had lived in Igloos, and the cultural changes were too swift.
"Despite her struggles, my aunt ensured I felt accepted and exposed me to new and modern things like TV, clothes, dancing, Kraft Dinner and make-up!
"Whenever I went to my aunt's house, I was in awe of my older girl cousins. They were all so cool and stylish, and they loved pop music and the crazy makeup of the 80s and early 90s. One of my favorite memories is listening to the radio with them and hearing Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' for the first time. It was like a lightning bolt, and I couldn't separate the song or the artist from my older cousin Susie. For me, the song was all about her search for beauty, connection, love, and rising above pain.”
You can watch the video for "Taimangalimaaq (Time After Time)" below. Inuktitut is due out September 15 via Bonsound. The album also includes covers of songs by Blondie, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and more, and can be pre-ordered here. For more on Elisapie, check out the artist's website.
No comments:
Post a Comment