Canadian/Nashville based Linda McRae is a singer-songwriter and musician who bends the rules of genre, stripping a song clean, and bringing it back to it's roots. With her new release Going to the Well, produced by Deni Gauthier, Linda McRae takes a deep draw, fresh and cool, on iconic influences, covering the likes of David Bowie, Willie P. Bennett, Richard Thompson, Don Williams and Bill Kirchen. McRae has offered six critically acclaimed solo recordings throughout her years as a solo performer and is featured on multiple artists’ albums. Numerous accolades and top radio charting have landed Linda a Canadian Folk Music nomination for Contemporary Album of The Year for “Rough Edges and Ragged Hearts,” two Escape to Create Residencies in Florida, Winner of the Family Folk Chorale for “Be Your Own Light.” Linda’s contribution to the Canadian music scene resulted in her being honored as a 2016 British Columbia Entertainment Hall of Fame “Pioneer” inductee. A multi-instrumentalist Linda works tirelessly as a touring singing songwriter, performing at premiere venues across Canada, the US and Europe while turning out new works.
What is your earliest memory of music? And, how did you get started in music?
There was always music in my parents' house. They loved country music and I was bottle-fed on the stuff. They used to have a lot of parties with bands playing through old column p.s. speakers, etc. When I first heard the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, my life changed in an instant! I am so grateful to my parents and to all the people who make music. Its a life-long study!
What was the first song you ever wrote? What or who inspired you to start writing music?
My first song was kind of a punkish thing called I Wanna Be A Secretary...a tongue in cheek and lightening fast. Thankfully I've evolved.
Do you play any instruments? If yes tell us about it. If not, do you work with a band or studio musicians? Do you produce your tracks or work with a producer?
I play banjo, guitar and accordion and sing and write my own songs. I've learned about songwriting by listening to other people's songs. I've also gone to some songwriting camps and learned a great deal there too. I can't recommend songwriting camps enough.
As far as recording goes? So far I've always worked with producers, and what great producers they've been. I've learned so much from them. Colin Linden, Gurf Morlix, Marc L'Esperance, Steve Dawson and Deni Gauthier are the producers I've worked with on my solo projects. Each experience was very different but they all were wonderful to work with and got great results!
What is your favorite part about being an artist (performing, recording, writing, playing)?
I can't say I prefer one thing over another. I love touring, I love songwriting and I love recording. I think keeping up with the social media is the biggest challenge for me. It eats up so much of my time. I may look into having someone help me out with it.
Please enjoy this live version of Rough Edges and Ragged Hearts
Do you have any advice for young women pursuing music?
I think the biggest thing is just practice, practice, practice. Also figure out who you are. Finding your own voice is really important. I think we all start by copying an artist we love but eventually we need to find out who we are and what our own natural voice is. That and sticking with it. If you have the desire and the wearwithall its something you can do for the rest of your life. Oh and TRUST your instincts. Listen to your gut, not your head. If someone is promising you something that seems too good to be true...it very likely is!
For readers who have never heard your music, can you suggest one or two songs to start with?
Be Your Own Light, Rough Edges and Ragged Hearts, Long Shadow Trail
Where can fans access your music?
For more information, my website.
Listen on Spotify.
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