We caught up with Brantford, ON-based folk-Queen Saffron A. She released her debut EP entitled Introspection last year and is currently gearing up to release her new EP in March! If you’re in or around Toronto, you’re in luck because she will be performing at Lee’s Palace on February 15, so don’t miss that.
Find out more about Saffron A now in our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Saffron A, and I’m a solo artist based in Toronto. I’ve been living in the city for the past few years for University, but I grew up in Brantford. I accompany myself on octave mandolin, mandocello and mandolin. I enjoy experimenting with a variety of sounds and styles!
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
My music sits where emotion and intellect intersect. It is deeply personal, and most of my songs start as poetry. I use melody, phrasing and instrumentation as a means to articulate the words in a different way. I can’t quite explain how I write because it’s different every time, each song has a unique story.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
I do! This month, I’m playing a show in Toronto at Lee’s Palace on February 15th and Musikki Cafe in Kingston on February 23rd. I’m planning a tour in May to support my upcoming releases.
My live performances are intimate, raw and conversational. When I’m on stage, my focus is on connecting with each person in the audience.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
I would suggest Resilience. This song is the most personal piece I’ve released so far, and it is going to be the lead single on my upcoming album. I put up a demo version of it in May, and it sets the tone for what is to come.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
Oooh! There are so many interesting artists out there. Wax Mannequin, Missy Bauman, The Lifers, Citizen Jane, Binashee Quae, Abigail Lapell and Piper Hayes are some that come to mind.