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 Keith Carman
So, how does it feel to have one the largest bands in Canadian music play your rendition of their song to sold-out crowds across the country? Just ask Sarah Slean, a first year music student at U of T.
"It's incredible," she exclaims. "I mean, Our Lady Peace is one the most prominent bands in this country, and to have them mention me as their 'good friend' every night makes me laugh."
For those of you that have had the pleasure to hear the work of this young woman, you will understand. For those of you that have not heard her, do yourself a favour: check her out. Slean is an excellent singer/keyboardist, and has been on a quick rise to the top of the Toronto music scene over the past year. Her success becomes apparent when trying to track her down; countless live shows, school and personal commitments, not to mention the arranging of her second tour are detriments to one trying to steal a piece of her time.
"Things have been moving quickly for me this past while," Slean remarks. "When I first told my parents that music was what I wanted to do, they sat me down and told me that while they supported me, I should expect a long, slow uphill struggle. Thankfully, things haven't been quite as bad as I had expected."
And it is no wonder. When you have natural talent (Slean started playing piano at the age of six, and was writing songs by her eighth birthday), you have a strong foundation. Things can only go uphill from there. Slean's first E.P., Universe, is a strong effort, generating interest from both the public and industry folk. Now everyone is waiting for the follow-up, which is underway.
But then comes the big question: Can she pull it off live? Yes-and then some. While it is nice to listen to an album, there is nothing quite like Slean's performance, especially when one can see the emotion and heartfelt drive that goes into each song. Not only that, but we also get to see some of that Sarah Slean charm, with quips and amusing commentary between pieces. However, one is not merely taken with Slean. Her ensemble rounds out the sound; drummer Mark Mariash and recently-acquired cellist Michael Olsen add just as much depth and drive to the live show as Slean herself.
After reading her lyrics-which address such diverse topics as a dream about J.D. Salinger ("Me & Jerome"), a mild conversation with the Universe over dinner ("Universe") and doing what she wishes with her own private angel ("Angel")-I was intrigued. Where does she come up with her ideas?
"I think that a song just comes from my own thoughts and inner dialogue," Slean explains. "It has to be something tangible, not just anything that I pull out of the air. Generally, it becomes a case of grabbing those things that are closer to your inner consciousness than others. Whatever is closest gets sent to you, and you write about it."
If Slean has learned one thing from the world of music, it's that, "there is a fine line between art and commerce. To most label executives, your art is a commodity, which can bring you down at times. Not that all of them are like that, but the ones that are make it difficult for everyone. Then I have to start thinking of it as living off my music-what I love-[and] not as selling myself as a product."
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