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Mary Gauthier to perform at The Arlington

June 11, 2015

By Nate Smelle

Fresh off her music-filled tour of Ireland, the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Mary Gauthier will be stopping over in Maynooth to perform a single show at The Arlington on Friday, June 12. Described in the Wall Street Journal as ìone of Americana music’s most admired artists,î her work has been praised by songwriting legends like Tom Waits and Bob Dylan. She has also had songs recorded by country music artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton. Catching up with Bancroft This Week in between shows, Gauthier explained her unique approach to penning a new song.
ìIt’s different every time,î said Gauthier.
ìSome songs are much more difficult to write than others. They have a mind of their own. I see it as I’m chasing it down. Looking like a private detective or an archaeologist. I’m looking for it.î
Finding those special musical moments that send chills down your spine and make your hair stand up are what she is searching for when writing a song. For her, songwriting is a sacred art form that comes from a place of deep reverence and respect for songs and her fellow songwriters. A good song always conveys the truth.
ìWhat I see as my job is to be vulnerable, to be honest and to be real,î she said.
ìI’m drawn to songs that feel real and true. And I’m drawn to songs that help tell me who I am and help show me the way. I feel strongly that what’s important is the heart not the charts. If you’re worried about the charts just be really careful what you say because there are rules around and if you break them you don’t get on the charts. I go for the heart, and I go for the truth and the rest don’t pay attention to.î
Adding to her long list of creative accomplishments Gauthier’s latest album, Trouble and Love was included on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the Top 40 Country Albums of 2014. As an independent recording artist, Gauthier says she has been able to create the music she has always wanted to. The ability to freely express herself through her art has contributed greatly to her success.
ìWhen a person is able to use their own voice it’s a powerful thing,î Gauthier said.
ìWe all spend a lot of time trying to be like trying to be loved kind imitate each other trying to fit in; and one of the great joys of being an artist and being a writer is having the experience of having the opportunity to find your own voice. When you move away from the herd and speak with your own voice there is revelation on a daily basis. It’s an interesting thing to be an individual.î
The show begins at 9 p.m. with Donna LeClair. Tickets are available at The Arlington or the Maynooth general store for $20 each. They can also be purchased online by emailing MaryGauthier@TheArlington.ca.
For more information on Gauthier and to listen to her music visit www.marygauthier.com.