Harvest Profile: Sarah Harmer
By Adam Bowie
If we’ve spent any time together, I may have mentioned that Sarah Harmer is one of my favorite Canadian artists – an absolutely killer songwriter, with a fantastic voice and nimble guitarwork.
I think she’s an excellent choice to help wrap up the 2024 Harvest Music Festival, which she’ll do as part of a Sunday-afternoon showcase at The Playhouse alongside the fabulous local group, The Chanterelles.
While her first hit album, You Were Here, remains one of my favorite records, her work has remained consistently strong, and 2020’s Are You Gone, shows she’s still at the top of her game.
Harmer, who’s won multiple Juno Awards, has also stood up for what she believes in – advocating for better environmental practices, particularly in protection of the Niagara Escarpment from a proposed gravel-mining development.
If you want to buy tickets to Harmer’s Harvest show, you can find them, and passes for other shows, by clicking here.
AB: Some people have nostalgia for a movie or a TV show they watched as a kid. Can you share a movie or a TV show that was special during your childhood?
SH: I wasn’t allowed to watch much TV when I was a kid but when I could I usually chose Little House on the Prairie. As the youngest in the family, I spent a lot of time playing in the barn with my dog, sweeping the granary floor, pretending I was Laura Ingalls.
AB: Is there a sport or a sports team that you follow closely? If so, why?
SH: I watch every Leaf game I can. Why? Because they are the best! (And I’m fond of underdogs) Close second is Canada’s Men’s National Soccer team.
AB: What artist are you currently listening to these days? What do you like about them?
SH: I’ve been revisiting Hannah Georgas’ latest album and admiring the powerful simplicity of her songs. Her voice sounds effortless and I love her whole catalogue.
AB: Is there a song out there that you consider perfect? For example, I might suggest that George Jone’s “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Al Green’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” are perfect songs because the music, the lyrics, the production on those tracks are just so incredible.
SH: “I Still Miss Someone,” seems pretty “perfect” to me.
AB: What’s one good tip for budding songwriters?
SH: Go see live music. Book yourself a gig (open mic, etc) so you have a deadline to finish those half-written songs. Even if the sound is bad on stage, or you’re having a rough time, don’t let ‘em see you sweat. If you seem to be having a good time, your audience will too.
AB: You’re on vacation with your family and the kitchen is fully stocked. What are you making, and why did you choose that?
SH: PEI Oysters on the half shell with horseradish and lemon. Freshly picked greens for a big salad. New potatoes, boiled with butter and tamari.
AB: Was there a book, or any other piece of writing, that was influential in your life? Why did that piece have such an impact?
SH: I’ve realized just recently how influential the songs and lyric writing of Oscar Hammerstein have been on my own songwriting. I grew up performing in school musicals, and songs from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and South Pacific are like old friends. I love Hammerstein’s attention to detail and his timeless, playful spirit.
AB: Was there an individual who played a pivotal role in your career, who really helped you take another step as an artist, or in the business? If you could thank them or recognize them publicly, what would you say?
SH: My first manager, Patrick Sambrook, was a big part of my success. He had faith in me, pushed me when I was getting lazy, and was a trusted advisor. I would thank him for all the support he
gave me, and his friendship.
AB: Is there anyone, alive or dead, that you’d want to interview, or spend time with, so that you could soak up the wisdom and expertise that they have? Why them?
SH: I didn’t get to know any of my grandparents before they died so I would absolutely love to have a meal with them. I have so many questions about their lives!
AB: Video games – yay or nay? If so, what game is your favourite, and why?
SH: I get addicted to things pretty quick, so I don’t play video games these days. Tetris was on my computer in university and let’s just say it didn’t help with my deadlines.
AB: What’s your favourite sandwich or wrap?
SH: Sourdough with baked squash, arugula and goat cheese, toasted.
Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner
newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards,
the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works
in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.