Cynthia Hamar recently unveiled her album Joint & Marrow and single, “Light A Fire”
Alberta-born Métis singer-songwriter Cynthia Hamar unveiled her album, Joint & Marrow, on September 23, 2022, via Neon Moon Records.
Joint & Marrow was produced by Paul Johnston and features acclaimed session musicians Chris Andrews, Jamie Cooper, and Paul Johnston, as well as Toronto producer and guitarist Joel Schwartz. Cynthia says of the recording process,
“I believe this album stands apart because my writing is stronger at this stage of my career. I love every song and took a long time working the kinks out through live performances prior to recording them.
The musicianship and production is world class. Paul really understood my vibe as a performer and because he taught me recording and production at G Mac he understood what I was going for in the studio and intentionally worked at bringing that out in the mixes. I love the space we left to feel the music and reflect on the lyrics, they just feel fun and organic.”
If you’re in or around Edmonton, be sure to check out her album release show on October 27. Get more information here.
Watch the video for “Light A Fire” below, and learn more about Cynthia Hamar via our interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey, my name is Cynthia Hamar. I’m a singer-songwriter from the Edmonton area.
You have recently unveiled your new album, Joint & Marrow. What can you tell us about the writing process behind the album?
“Bandit” was the catalyst for the album. I had written it and put up a little video on my Instagram. Joel Schwartz, a producer from Toronto, ended up contacting me and asking if we could record it together. I had two verses and a chorus and ended up finishing it as we were recording it. Most of the tunes began as my personal therapy with the exception of “Where Your Love Lives,” which was written for the Bent River songwriting competition but ended up thematically fitting in well with the others. I had been soldiering through some intensely difficult patches in every area of life, and much of it just naturally is reflected in these tunes.
You worked with Paul Johnston on the album. How was that experience?
I love Paul. He honestly has such a great way of listening and recognizing an artist’s influences. He was able to hear things in my songs and voice I did not even realize existed until he drew them out. Paul has such a creative mind, loves to try new things, and shoots you straight. He also doesn’t waste time nitpicking; he makes a decision and moves on. I found working with him very freeing and a ton of fun.
You shared two singles ahead of the release, “Shaken” and “Light A Fire.” What is the process you go through to choose which tracks should be singles?
I honestly just trusted my team! I find it hard, after working so long on a project, to be objective about stuff like that. If I used my favorites I would have chosen “Brave” and “Where Your Love Lives,” but those are personal reasons, and I recognize that.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
The album release party is coming up on October 27 at Yardbird Suite in Edmonton!
If you could collaborate with any Canadian artist, who would you choose, and why?
Oh wow, that’s an awesome question. So many Canadian musicians I admire. Feist is my ultimate Canadian woman hero, but my voice is a bit strange, and I find it fits better with a male vocal. Colter Wall would be someone I’d love to collaborate with. I love his writing. I get his lifestyle as my husband, and I own a ranch, and I can always hear harmonies with his tunes.
While the Pandemic was taking over our lives, how did you stay up to date with your fans?
I have been taking my recording major at MacEwan University during the pandemic, so I hadn’t been playing as many gigs already because of that. I did a few live streams, one with FemFolk, some at home, as well as a fundraiser we did live off the floor in Studio A at MacEwan. I feel like the pandemic actually opened up a few opportunities for me to stay up to date with my fans in ways that I wouldn’t have done had everything been running normally.
You were the recipient of the Victor-Osten Performing Arts Award this year, as well as the winner of the 2021 Bent River Records Songwriting Competition. How does it feel to garner such awards?
Initially, surprise, which then turned into extreme gratitude. It is such an amazing and validating experience to have your work recognized in these kinds of ways. I always tell myself I am doing it regardless, so I don’t lose my intrinsic motivation, but man, it sure has been an encouragement and was a big motivator for completing my album.
Now, for the great Autumn debate. Pumpkin or Apple?
Pumpkin 100 percent!
What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2022?
Along with the album release show, we’ve made a new video for “Where Your Love Lives,” which will be out soon. I’ll also be doing a show or two in Calgary and hoping to pump out some good grades as I’m in my final year at Grant MacEwan.