Cynthia Hamar Handles Big Emotions Quietly in “Shaken”

Cynthia Hamar writes haunting, commanding, and introspective folk music. She is an Alberta-born Métis singer-songwriter with four studio albums that prove dedication to her craft. Hamar can execute timeless songs that will stand up with the sounds of Buffy St. Marie, Tom Waits, and Feist. Hamar is currently completing a Bachelor of Music at MacEwan University majoring in Recording and Production. She was the recipient of the Victor-Osten Performing Arts Award (2022) as well as the winner of the 2021 Bent River Records Songwriting Competition, and was recently invited to represent MacEwan as a performer at their 50 year celebration.

Cynthia Hamar’s upcoming album Joint & Marrow was produced by Paul Johnston and features acclaimed studio musicians Chris Andrews, Jamie Cooper and Paul Johnston, as well as Toronto producer and guitarist Joel Schwartz. Joint & Marrow is set to be released on Neon Moon Records this summer 2022.

Hamar’s latest single, “Shaken,” is an intimate examination of trauma and its effects on a person, utilizing imagery of natural phenomenon to externalize emotions that often feel too big to keep inside. As the song gently unspools, Hamar brings us to a precipice, only to pull us back in safety and comfort.

“Shaken is an internal conversation about trauma; recognizing the deep groaning and the need to let go of the pain to embrace a brighter future,” she writes. “I originally wrote it to myself over the period of a couple years. Processing the change in our family dynamic, then a huge upset in my marriage. It’s written from a point of exhaustion, surrendering to a solution and I hope it inspires the listener to process their own pain and see the comfort in choosing to forgive and move on.”

Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
One of my favorite songs is “Inheritance” by Jon Foreman. I love how it builds, the structure and the message is so powerful.  The lyrics pull me into my own memories and they capture a unique perspective on a relationship. The grit in Jon’s vocal makes it so heartfelt and vulnerable. I love the movement and emotion. 


Feist does this too in so many of her tunes. Space and dynamics and unique spins of perspective with lyrics. 


Explain the title of your album. Does your album have an overarching theme?
The album is called Joint & Marrow and it is a collection of songs written during a time in my life where I felt cut right down to the skeleton of who I am and what I am about. It’s the tough moments that really show us who we are and what all the rest of our flesh or life hangs and functions upon. 


Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
I find the most important thing for me to do in songwriting is write from a place of authenticity, about something that I really feel. When we can do this as a songwriter the performance part is a piece of cake. Connecting to what moves you as an artist allows you to take the listener on the same journey.


Who would you love to collaborate with? Why?
My favorite collaboration has been with my oldest son Zadok. I think it was my favorite because we knew each other’s tastes  so well and enjoyed spending time together being creative. At the time he still lived at home so we were able to write in our most comfortable surroundings and in spontaneous ways rather than scheduling something. It was also very easy to communicate our ideas and we both are strong in different areas so were able to compliment one another. Also there was that family voice blending thing. He sings back up on a few of the tunes on the new album as well.
 
How do you manage having a good time at shows, but also trying to stay mentally and physically fit?
Making sure I get enough rest, practice regularly, exercise, and eating well all help me enjoy performing. I have learned that these are just musts like breathing. I do enjoy a couple drinks on show nights but I make sure to space them out or wait until after in the green room. It’s really important to me to be able to fully engage with the songs because if I cannot do that I can’t make the audience feel them the way I intended when I wrote them.

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