Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 24/98) - Maureen Bundgaard isn't sure if Kinguvaat should go on the Northern festival circuit or stay in Pond Inlet and stage a musical revolution.

"I was wondering if we shouldn't create our own kind of musical revolution up here like the Celtic one in the east," says Bundgaard, keyboard player for Kinguvaat.

Along with lead guitarist/songwriter Akoela Kautainuk and vocalists Abigail Kautainuk and Jeela Kiyuapik, Bundgaard feels that the level of appreciation and interest in Northern music is enough to brand it distinct and clearly original.

Now in their third year of existence, Bundgaard says Kinguvaat plays music that defies description.

"It's the closest to folk music, but I hate to call it anything," she says, adding that Kinguvaat has started to play professionally in Pond Inlet, causing a real stir among the international tourists who grace the community.

"The people are thrilled, they just love the music. That's the biggest perk to us," Bundgaard says.

In trying to gain greater exposure for their music, Kinguvaat has acquired a business licence and is selling tapes of their music to tourists and residents. So far, they haven't been able to keep them in stock.

Part of the charm of the band lies in the introductions Kautainuk gives to each song during their performances.

"He explains to people what the songs are about, and it adds something to the performance and their enjoyment," Bundgaard says.

Drawing on his own life and its blend of traditional and modern ways, Kautainuk often writes about the land around him, about social issues such as spousal relationships and suicide and carrying on the ways of the elders.

"They involve everyday living things. Our songs mean good things," says Kautainuk, adding that the personal nature of the music extends into the relationship between band members.

"We're really comfortable with each other because we trust each other and share our ideas about music."

Kautainuk wants people to listen to the message and the music of Kinguvaat and use it to help them resolve their own social issues.

"I like to entertain people. When they're entertained, they relax and have a break from stress. That's what I want, for them to relax and find the answers for themselves."

If all continues to go well for Kinguvaat, they hope to be awarded arts grants and will be travelling the folk music circuit in the North next summer.