
Jane Siberry is a Canadian icon. She’s given the world hits like “Mimi On the Beach” and “One More Colour.” In recent years, she is exploring different facets of a creative life: mentorship, meditation, and new directions in her music. When we asked her how her approach to songwriting has changed over time, she became reflective.
“There’s been a movement toward a more direct way of communicating. It’s less in the third person, and more like I’m speaking directly to the listener.” This is intentional, she says. “It comes from a sense that we have a need to feel connected to other people, and learn from each other.”
Although it’s difficult for many artists to earn a living through their music, Siberry sees opportunity in the midst of a changing musical landscape. “As we all know, it’s a labour of love for musicians nowadays. So I have been through that, and I have wondered where I fit. Then, at a certain point I realized, I can’t let a shakedown in the music industry affect what I do with the rest of my life. So I decided to do it in any way I can.”
This means touring, and accepting community support to fund her new creative work. A new album, supported by donations, is scheduled for release later this year. In the meantime, Siberry is releasing one song at a time, and she says, “In a way that’s fantastic, because you can honour each song.” She adds, “I like to keep things real. And small.”
When asked if she has a favourite song to perform, she chooses “Morag” from her 2016 album Ulysses’ Purse. “It’s a song I wish I had heard when I was younger. Some days you’re going to feel love, and some days, it’s a struggle. It’s part of the flow. I can really feel people’s hearts opening and responding when I play it. To a musician, that means you have hit the nail on the head. It’s about reminding people they are beautiful.”
Siberry is playing shows in Calgary, November 9 and Edmonton, November 10. The details are on her website.
“Morag” by Jane Siberry: