Feature Friday - Anachnid
Name
Anachnid
Pronouns
She/They
Bio
Winner of the 2024 GAMIQ Electro Album/EP Award for her instrumental EP "Freak of Nature," produced in collaboration with Popup and Musique Nomade. Winner of the 2021 ADISQ Félix Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, Anachnid, whose spirit animal, the spider, embodies her eight personalities, has a captivating and seductive universe. This new EP has given rise to a captivating show, combining experimental, indie-rock, and a reimagined Dreamweaver, skillfully infused with sad pop, progressive electro, and experimental sacred music.
Instagram
@anachnid
Website
https://nikamowin.com/
Where in Montreal are you located?
I am located in Berri UQAM, in Montreal's old red light district.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I love the ecosystem, and how you can do things quickly, even with the harsh winter here. it's so central that it makes life easy.
What’s your favourite art space in Montreal and why?
After so many spaces have shut down recently, its hard to pick one. I used to go to Bleury Bar a Vinyl. But it got shut down because of the gentrification that’s happening in the city right now. I used to host Thursday nights at L'escallier, for the First Nations Circle at UQAM, and I loved that space. But once again, it got torn down by developers. you could have such a wide range of performers, and meet all kinds of artists from different backgrounds. That’s definitely missing right now. And its up to us to find those spaces. There’s so much unfriendliness right now, and I really don't know how foreign and marginalized people adapt to the culture here. That's why I'm really focused on building what I can for the next generation of artists. Music has always been a symbol of resistance. People don’t always want to listen to what you have to say, but they'll listen to it over a few chords. My current album is about exactly that, manifesting happiness, in dark places.
Describe your art in your own words.
I would say that my art reflects my being and my state of mind. I'm focussed on the land and what is real and timeless. Weather and season and nature are very important to the way that I create. Music is my primary art form, but if you give me anything I can make it fun, and make it my own. Give me a hoola hoop and I'll make a dream catcher. I definitely consider myself an interdisciplinary artist. The disciplines that I work in extend to weaving, performance, music and even costume design.
What have you been working on recently?
Recently, I'm making songs for kids. I’m gonna make them sound cool and awesome. I’m working with the Wakefield elementary school on songs about the interdependence between us, the animals, and the river. Each song is going to represent a different animal. I'm also super happy to be able to work with my little brother on this project, and pass on the knowledge I have.
What sparked your passion for music?
I think it was those little moments of happiness during the day that you can share with a song. It imprints on you. I just thought, "How can I do this?". It's almost invisible, and that’s what makes it such a powerful thing.
Describe your sound.
The most important elements of my music are often the hand drum, flute, and my own voice. I love working with loopers and building textures that way. It’s hard for me to describe my sound, but natural elements, and my own voice are definitely constants throughout my work.
What does your creative process look like?
Because I am indigenous, I create more intuitively. For me it’s really important to be hands on. When it comes to writing though, it’s like going to the gym. Consistency is key. Domestic cleanliness is also really important to me because my space is vital for me when I'm writing. I love collaborating with other artists as well. Making music with your friends is so much fun. I think it’s all about a "yes, and" mentality. It frees you to say yes to things you might shy away from normally.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
What’s been really killing me these days is instrumental ambient music. One of my favourite artists right now is my head is empty. The soundtrack of the film "Amelie" has also been really inspiring to me, because of its focus on the piano, which is an instrument that is becoming increasingly important to me in my own work. I also love Patrick Watson's music, especially the song "Je Te Laisserai Des Mots". A final person who comes to mind is Blond In Car. People should look this woman up.
What do you love about playing live?
I think there’s something there that’s almost ancestral. It's mystical and spiritual, and for me to be able to deliver that to people is a gift. When you perform, you are the eye of the storm, the focal point, and people get to take that energy home with them after they leave, and I think that’s incredibly powerful.
