B l u e P a r a d e - A S a r a h S l e a n F a n s i t e
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by Kara Soos
Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos had better keep their eye on Sarah Slean. This Canadian singer/songwriter is in the midst of recording her first major label record, and will be the spotlight of this week's Unicorn Folk Music Series, at 7:30 p.m. on November 9 in The Spot.
Slean has spent the last two years promoting her independent releases. Universe, her first six-song EP, originally got the attention of Atlantic Records. However, Slean wanted to release one more album independently before delving into the world of a major label artist.
"I was twenty years old and I felt like I needed more practice. I wanted to experiment," said Slean.
Slean went on to talk about the advantages of independent production and promotion.
"You build fans, you're still touring... you're still indie," said Slean. In 1999, Slean released her own full-length album titled Blue Parade. Slean was able to choose her own producer for the album, and also had the freedom to help co-produce.
"I hear myself knowing a lot more [on Blue Parade]. I know more about studio production and my voice changed. With every record, my voice is a different person," said Slean. "Blue Parade is more sure [than Universe], but still hesitant."
Although Slean's career in music is starting to take off, academics are also important to her. Slean has spent time studying music theory at the University of Toronto, but education has had to take a back burner to her music.
Slean asserts that she loves school, but simply does not know if she will have time to go back. Right now, music is where Slean puts all of her time and energy.
"Your brain always wrenches you away from what you're supposed to be doing," said Slean. "I always try to keep one finger in academics, but you shouldn't have anything to fall back on. It makes you work harder for your dream."
"You always know if what you're doing is worthwhile," said Slean as advice to aspiring musicians. "Listen to that [your inner-voice] as opposed to your annoying editor."
When she's not working on her music, which Slean describes as "piano centered, intelligent pop," she takes time out for a variety of activities.
"I like to read. I love to paint, do cartwheels, watch movies, drink beer, and hang out with interesting people," said Slean.
Slean's eclectic musical taste ranges from Radiohead, to P.J. Harvey, to Judy Garland and Joni Mitchell. As far as literature, Slean names T.S. Eliot and J.D. Salinger as her favorite writers.
Radiohead supplies the material for Slean's cover of "Climbing Up the Walls" off their album, OK Computer. When asked about her opinion on Radiohead's new release, Kid A, Slean discussed the different views that can be taken on life.
"There are two approaches to looking at life. One approach is with a sense of humor and compassion. The other approach is desperate and frantic. I think Radiohead leans more toward the second approach [on Kid A]. It's beautiful, but so sad and hard to swallow. Musically, they are undeniably genius."
Slean has also covered Our Lady Peace's "Julia," but most of her music includes original work.
In addition to her various influences, Slean also lists "people, strange occurrances, and being alive" as inspirations for her songwriting. In discussing her own music, Slean holds a personal attachment to her songs.
"My songs are written at different times and they mean different things [to me]," said Slean. "I like singing 'Narcolepsy Weed' because I feel like I go away somewhere."
Even though Slean's ideal performance would include string and horn sections and a vibraphone, in a beautiful concert hall, she often plays shows with only her keyboard in less grand venues such as Fredonia. According to Slean, the absence of the layered sounds that make up her studio recordings don't change the effect of her songs.
"You get used to being able to do whatever you want [in the studio]," said Slean. "Sometimes it's nice to play solo to remind yourself that these are just songs."
Slean will be playing with musician Tory Cassis when she descends on the Unicorn Folk Music Series. Cassis and Slean have the same manager and have spent time touring together in the past.
"He writes beautiful songs, he's tall, dark, and handsome, a bad driver, but a great guy," said Slean about Cassis.
Fredonia students can expect a quality show from Slean and Cassis.
"You'll get neck tingles and tap your toe," said Slean.
When asked about her decision to include Slean in the Unicorn Folk Series, Lindsey Briggs, senior B.F.A. media arts major and head of the series had a simple answer. "She's just really good."
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