24 June 2012
Passion Portrait: Shaharah Sinclair
SHAHARAH SINCLAIR-
SINGER-
What inspires me to keep doing what I do is simple: I love it. What 'allows' me to keep doing what I do is a very different question. Most aspiring artists who are yet to catch a break in this crazy industry are stuck working a dead-end job while feeding their passion for the arts on the side. I, however, am one of the lucky ones. I've managed to build a lucrative business around my love for singing. And not just 'singing' as in 'do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-si-do', but singing the songs the way my heart desires. Magic. Freedom.
I had a conversation with a fellow professional singer in Montreal the other day who was dumbfounded to hear that I was doing so well in the corporate world without singing songs like 'I Will Survive' and 'It's Raining Men'. Those melodies have never been produced by my vocal chords, and hopefully never will...unless very specially requested by a very special friend on a very special day (fingers crossed). I am far from your typical corporate singer. I don't wear sequence or change outfits after every set, I don't learn choreographed dance moves and I don't sing the songs that drunk people are able to sing along to. Respect to the singers that can do and enjoy it, it's just not for me.
Why does my stripped-down, free-style approach work? Because it's genuine and different. If all the bands after me were to follow suit, I'd be in big trouble. Luckily, my current financial situation allows me to create and focus on original music during the days which will lead my transition into the big leagues before long. I'm confident but I'm not stupid. Nothing in this business is guaranteed and some days I wonder why I invest so much time, money and energy into such a risky career. It's a pretty crazy idea when you break it down like that, especially when there are so many other 'safe' options out there. That's why singing the songs I love to the people I love is so important to me. It keeps me loving and wanting a professional singing career so bad that my willingness to sacrifice is renewed every single time I perform. If it's supposed to be about the journey and not the destination, we need to make sure we're smiling on the way there right? :)
To find out more:
Website: www.shaharah.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shaharah.news
Twitter: @shaharah
My Space: www.myspace.com/shaharahspace
23 June 2012
Wicked in Montreal, August 1st – 26th
The Tony Award-winning musical Wicked is currently on tour and making a stop in Montreal from August 1st to 26th at the Place des Arts. Wicked is based on the novel by Gregory MaGuire, of The Wizard of Oz, told from the perspective of the witches, from their meeting at The Shiz University to the iconic witches they grow to become. Tickets are on sale now. We highly recommend you go see it!
21 June 2012
It’s Festival Season in Montreal!
Summer is finally upon us and there is no lack of great things to do and see in Montreal in the summertime. Known for our great festivals, here is a list of the ones you don’t want to miss! Click on the links for programming information so you can book your calendar!
Festival International Montréal en Arts – June 27 to July 1st
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal – June 28 to July 7
Montréal Complètement Cirque – July 5 to July 15
Festival International Nuits d’Afrique – July 10 to July 22
Just for Laughs Festival – July 10 to July 2
Fantasia International Film Festival – July 19 to August 7
Montreal Electronique Groove – July 26 to August 5
Festival Mode & Design – August 1 to August 4
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival – August 3 to August 5
Montreal World Film Festival – August 18 to August 28
Enjoy and make the most of this summer!
