- Words Notion Staff
Inching closer to the release of her debut album, rising artist VARNA GL drops immersive new track "QAARDULU (raven)".
Following the release of “IDDORARPI”, the first track from her upcoming debut album, last month, VARNA GL has followed up with an equally experimental cut, “QAARDULU (raven)”.
Dark and atmospheric with a pulsing rhythm and ethereal vocals, the track feels both otherworldly and strangely familiar, futuristic but nostalgic. The result is a unique and immersive listening experience, positioning Varna GL – and her upcoming project – as one to watch for the rest of the year.
Deeply rooted in her ancestral heritage, VARNA GL’s project contains a message beyond the music. As the artistic and managing director of Qilaat – an organisation focused on promoting, preserving, and developing the traditional heritage of drum dancing – her music reflects and fits within her wider mission. Influenced by traditional East Greenlandic drum dance, passed down to her from elders, her powerful tracks capture the spiritual essence of the Greenlandic Inuit tradition – which centres the importance of spirituality and conscious body movement, as well as celebrating culture in Greenland outside of Danish assimilation and ideals.
“A majority of Inuit in Greenland have temporarily lost connection to our ancient tradition as lived practice. A consequence of extreme “development” based on non-inuit cultural values and way of life has left people to prioritise different ways in order to survive. This system was never built for us, we are sucking the energy out of ourselves trying to constantly translate for someone else,” VARNA GL explains. “We need to look within as a people, listen to ourselves and trust that we can reconnect and revive in all aspects. We need to stand together, to set a new course that we believe in. […] Personally I know, the drum is one way for connection and healing.”