Get ready to dive into the mesmerizing world of The Jerry Cans, a band hailing from the stunning landscapes of Iqaluit, Nunavut. Their music is a harmonious fusion of traditional Inuit throat singing, folk melodies, and the soulful twang of country rock. With lyrics beautifully crafted in Inuktitut, the indigenous language of the Inuit people, their songs are a powerful reflection of the challenges and the raw beauty of life in the Far North.

In 2016, their album "Inuusiq/Life" took flight on Aakuluk Music, Nunavut's very first record label. What makes this even more remarkable is that the band's very own members established the label, a testament to their commitment to supporting Inuit and Indigenous musicians.

The lineup of The Jerry Cans includes the enchanting vocalist and guitarist Andrew Morrison, the accordionist and vocalist Avery Keenainak, the talented violinist Gina Burgess, the bassist Brendan Doherty, and the rhythmic heartbeat of the band, drummer Steve Rigby. And, speaking of their name, it's worth noting that it was inspired by Rigby's creative attempt to build a drum set from old jerrycans – an unusual yet fitting origin for a band that's anything but ordinary.

The band's origin story is equally captivating. It all began as a blues rock trio featuring Morrison, Doherty, and Rigby during their post-secondary education days in Peterborough, Ontario. However, it was when they relocated to Iqaluit, Nunavut, that the group's unique sound truly began to flourish. They welcomed Nancy Mike, a gifted accordionist and throat singer hailing from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, into their musical family. Later, the talented Gina Burgess, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a member of Gypsophilia, found her way into the band after a cultural exchange program between the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Iqaluit Fiddle Ensemble.

The Jerry Cans made their mark with their debut album, "Nunavuttitut," released in 2012. They began as a local sensation, but it wasn't long before their unique blend of music attracted wider mainstream attention, especially after Tanya Tagaq's victory at the Polaris Music Prize in 2014, which brought Inuit throat singing to the forefront.

Their 2016 album, "Inuusiq/Life," produced by the brilliant Michael Phillip Wojewoda, marked a pivotal moment in their journey. The band's passion for music has taken them on extensive tours, from the heart of Canada to stages around the world, including festivals in Australia and New Zealand.

In 2017, The Jerry Cans made a remarkable move by releasing an Inuttitut-language cover of The Tragically Hip's "Ahead by a Century." The same year, they spearheaded the inaugural Nunavut Music Week, providing a platform to showcase the musical talents of the territory. Their musical talents extended to the world of children's television as they recorded and performed music for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) children's series "Anaana's Tent."

In January 2020, founding member Nancy Mike left the band, but they didn't miss a beat. They released two captivating new singles, "Atauttikkut" and "Havava," giving fans a sneak peek of their upcoming album, "Echoes," which arrived on May 15.

Not content with just music, The Jerry Cans established the record label Aakuluk Music in 2016, providing a platform for Nunavut-based artists. Their label has become home to a diverse array of talents, including Aasiva, FxckMr, Northern Haze, Riit, Terry Uyarak, and The Trade-Offs.

The band's accolades speak volumes about their artistry. Nancy Mike secured the Canadian Folk Music Award for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year in 2013. The band garnered nominations at the 11th Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2015, and in 2018, they received Juno Award nominations for Breakthrough Group of the Year and Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Their performance of "Ukiuq" at the Juno Awards ceremony was a breathtaking showcase, featuring a collective of supporting musicians from Nunavut.

But their creative ventures don't stop at music. The Jerry Cans authored a bilingual children's board book in 2017 titled "Mamaqtuq!" The book, written in both Inuktitut and English, is based on their song of the same name and is a testament to their commitment to preserving their culture and language.

With a discography that spans from "Nunavuttitut" to "Echoes," The Jerry Cans continue to be a force in the Canadian music scene, showcasing the rich tapestry of Inuit culture and crafting melodies that resonate with the hearts of audiences far and wide. Their story is a captivating symphony of culture, creativity, and the enduring power of music. So, don't miss the chance to explore their world and let their melodies transport you to the heart of the North.