November 18, 2014

Publication title: metronews.ca, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Jenna Conter

Building a mystery no longer: Sarah McLachlan says rumoured disdain for Halifax not true

Our native sister, former Halifax resident Sarah McLachlan, returns to our doorstep Wednesday night bringing with her a catalogue of music that, for many, created the sweet and soft soundtrack which played in the background as they grew up.

Thankful for all that she has experienced, McLachlan credits her success to her lyrical honesty and openness—an organic tactic that, over the years, has become even more refined.

“My music seems to resonate with a lot of people, I speak from an emotional place, I touch on a lot of things that people are going through,” she said.

Once a local talent, McLachlan, who is performing at the Scotiabank Centre, took her talent to the West coast after finishing high school at QEH in Halifax.

Though an understandable move given her choice in career, the move set in motion a rumor of her displeasure for our fair Halifax that to this day haunts McLachlan.

Setting the salacious gossip to rest—now and forever—McLachlan candidly explains.

“Junior high and high school were mitigated hell. Who were they not for? I call bull to the person who believed high school was so great,” she said. “I loved growing up in Halifax—I had an amazing childhood as I had so much freedom. Halifax was safe, and it was small and people were really friendly. That part was great.”

Rest easy that our native songstress harbors no ill will for our thriving, yet quaint, metropolis—her irritation rest in the genetic and unavoidable struggles of puberty.

That set aside, McLachlan is ready to bring home her latest work, Shine On. This being her eighth studio album, it’s an extension of McLachlan’s ability to craft relatable stories—a mastering of which has only become more refined overtime.

“I’m really proud of this one—I love these songs and they took me to another place—I edited myself much less. I felt like I had strong enough stories to tell that I didn’t have to shroud them in other characters or other avenues.”

Blessed with the “additional modicum of wisdom that comes with being 46,” McLachlan continues to find new levels of herself within her craft.

“I’m just going to lay it out there—it feels like me, it feels whole and honest and strong and that’s good enough for me.”

Wednesday’s show begins at 7:30 p.m. with tickets costing $59.75 and $79.75 through Ticket Atlantic.