“SILA”
Behind the EP “SILA”
In a powerful convergence of tradition and modernity, multidisciplinary artist Varna Marianne Nielsen is set to release her upcoming EP, "SILA," January 28th 2025. Her work embodies a rich fusion of sounds and emotions, drawing from Varna´s Greenlandic heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
The title "SILA," which translates to “weather, sense, or sky” in Greenlandic, reflects the EP's thematic core. Each track invites listeners into a soothing, dreamy landscape that provokes thoughts on emotional growth and our connection. Varna aims to evoke feelings of peace, introspection, and self-discovery through her music.
A Fusion of Sounds
"SILA" stands out as a unique fusion of electronic music and improvised Greenlandic Drumsinging, a beautiful tradition nearly lost to colonization. Now recognized on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, this ancient Inuit chanting style is seamlessly fused with modern soundscapes, creating a new genre of avant-garde world music. The EP captures the freedom of instinctive play, enhanced by field recordings of the wildlife around Tasiilaq, East Greenland.
Visual Storytelling
The accompanying visuals for "SILA" are as striking as the music itself. The captivating Jewelry of Fishskin and Fish bone, with spiritual significance and protection . Varna cares for details from her music, expressions of garment, to the powerful statements through visual arts etc.
The cover art, contrasts themes of black and red—black representing introspection and the depth of Inuit ancestry and red symbolizing her bloodline.
An Artist's Mission
Varna Marianne Nielsen embodies the spirit of innovation in her artistic endeavors. She is dedicated to building bridges between contemporary and ancient Inuit traditions, keen on exploring intuitive processes through music, visual arts, and film-making. Her rich background and commitment to cultural heritage are deep throughout her work, encouraging listeners to connect with their own roots while embracing new experiences.
Join the Journey
In a world yearning for connection and understanding, "SILA" promises to be an inspiration of light, peace, and cultural significance in 2025.
Credits:
Makeup: Pani Enequist
Jewelry: Aviâja Egede Lynge
Styling Ass: Ivalo Reimer Nielsen
Mastering: Nukannguaq Kajusen
Photo: Angunguak Motzfeldt
ESPACES URBAINS ET ESPACES NON-URBAINS
Varna will be presenting her work, on reviving the Greenlandic Drumdancing and Drumsinging at the online seminar at Université de Strasbourg, about Music in the North, by Benjamin Lassauzet.
Read more about the seminar in this link:
https://creaa.unistra.fr/programmes-de-recherche/espaces-et-lieux/espaces-urbains-et-espaces-non-urbains-les-musiques-du-nord/
11th of June 2024, Varna will be participating at the launch event of the UNESCO publication ´Celebrating the living heritage of Indigenous Peoples´in Paris. The event happens during the tenth session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the book, chapter 8, is about drumdancing and drumsinging, in which Varna is a co-author.
