Sarah Harmer Canadian pop singer, songwriter and social activist Date of Birth: 12.11.1970 Country: Canada

1. Sarah Harmer: Canadian Pop Singer and Songwriter
2. The Formation of 'Weeping Tile'
3. Solo Career and Commercial Success
4. Continued Musical Career and Activism
5. Sarah Harmer: Musician and Environmental Activist

Sarah Harmer: Canadian Pop Singer and Songwriter

Sarah Harmer is a Canadian pop singer, songwriter, and social activist. Born and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Sarah first discovered the world of music as a teenager when her older sister Mary took her to concerts of the popular band 'Tragically Hip'. At the age of 17, Sarah herself began performing as part of the band 'The Saddletramps' in Toronto. Despite her musical pursuits, Sarah also excelled academically, studying philosophy at Queen's University.

The Formation of 'Weeping Tile'

After leaving 'The Saddletramps', Sarah formed her own band called 'Weeping Tile' in Kingston, Ontario. In 1994, the band independently released their first cassette, which was later reworked after signing a contract with a major record label. 'Weeping Tile' quickly gained popularity at a local level, regularly performing in rock clubs, playing on college radio, and releasing several albums. However, despite their local success, the band disbanded in 1998 after their record label contract was terminated.

Solo Career and Commercial Success

In 1998, Sarah recorded several pop compositions as a Christmas gift for her father. Encouraged by friends and family, she decided to release these songs commercially. The album, released in 1999, marked the beginning of Sarah's solo career. Shortly after its release, she began working on material for her next album.

In 2000, Sarah's second album 'You Were Here' was released. Her solo music showcased a more relaxed and tranquil style compared to her previous band. The album was well-received, with singles like 'Basement Apartment' and 'Don't Get Your Back Up' gaining popularity. The album itself received positive reviews from renowned critics, including TIME magazine, which named it the "best debut album of the year." It went on to achieve platinum status in Canada, selling over 100,000 copies.

Continued Musical Career and Activism

Despite the irony that her most popular songs were recorded during her time with 'Weeping Tile' and 'The Saddletramps', Sarah continued to release solo albums. In 2004, she released 'All of Our Names', with the single 'Almost' reaching the top twenty on Canadian pop charts. Her fourth album, 'I'm a Mountain', was released in November 2005 in Canada and in February 2006 in the United States. The album was nominated for the 'Polaris' award, which was ultimately won by Owen Pallett.

Throughout her career, Sarah has collaborated with other musicians as a guest vocalist on their albums. In February 2007, she was nominated for three Juno Awards, winning one for the "best music DVD of the year." In 2010, Sarah released her fifth album, 'Oh Little Fire', which was also nominated for three Juno Awards.

Sarah Harmer: Musician and Environmental Activist

In addition to her musical achievements, Sarah Harmer is known for her activism. In 2005, she co-founded the environmental group 'PERL' (Protecting Escarpment Rural Land), which aims to protect the Niagara Escarpment from gravel extraction. Sarah has been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and has used her platform as a musician to raise awareness about important issues.