Bicep are releasing a new audiovisual installation in collaboration with a group of Indigenous artists.
Out on July 25th through Earthsonic and Ninja Tune, TAKKUUK explores the lives, communities and challenges facing artists Indigenous to the Arctic region. The Belfast duo worked with a number of Indigenous vocalists, including Katarina Barruk, Andachan, Sebastian Enequist (from Sound of the Damned), Tarrak, Nuija, Niilas and Silla, as well as visual artist Zak Norman and filmmaker Charlie Miller.
The music for the project was recorded by Matthew Dear in Reykjavík in 2024. The resulting demos, combined with additional field recordings taken by Bicep from the Russell Glacier in Greenland, form the backbone of the soundtrack, which is set to accompany the TAKKUUK visual installation, premiering at London’s Outernet on July 3rd before touring venues and festivals across the world.
“‘Takkuuk’ (pronounced tuck-kook) is the Inuktitut word which translates to literally ‘look’ but has the connotation that you’re urging someone to look at something closely,” said Silla. “The Arctic climate is changing rapidly, so in context of the larger project, it’s a ‘hey look at this, the adverse effects of climate change are obvious,’ but also, ‘hey look at how cool Inuit culture is.'”
Tracklist
- Niuja & Bicep – Sikorsuit
- Niilas & Bicep – Alit
- Tarrak & Bicep – Taarsitillugu
- Andachan & Bicep – Aappoq
- Niuja & Bicep – Qimuttoq
- Sebastian & Bicep – Alloriqigit
- Silla & Bicep – Takkuuk
- Niuja & Bicep – Aallartilerpoq
- Katarina Barruk & Bicep – Dárbbuo
- Niuja & Bicep – Nipaassuseq
Earthsonic and Ninja Tune will release TAKKUUK on July 25th, 2025.
Photo: Zak Norman