TORONTO - When organizers at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame approached k.d. lang to induct Jane Siberry, she eagerly accepted the opportunity. In a recent interview, lang expressed her strong admiration for Siberry, stating, “There was no question, because Jane's songwriting has meant so much to me.” She described Siberry as “100 per cent an artist,” invoking her intellect, free spirit, and fearless creativity. Furthermore, lang humorously remarked, “I'm not quite sure she's of this planet, respectfully.”
Siberry’s songwriting is often noted for its lyrical complexity, making it challenging to articulate precisely what gives her music such resonance. Her well-known songs, such as “Mimi on the Beach” and “It Can’t Rain All the Time,” blend mystery with introspective themes that explore the intangible aspects of the human experience. Lang compared Siberry’s lyrical depth to that of Leonard Cohen, emphasizing that while her lyrics do not provide clear solutions, they pave a path for personal reflection and compassion.
The Hall of Fame gala, set to take place at Toronto's Meridian Arts Centre on Friday, will honor Siberry as part of the 2023 Legends Induction Series. This event celebrates Canadian songwriters who have significantly influenced both Canadian culture and the global music scene. Siberry will be inducted alongside notable artists such as Andy Kim, Gino Vanelli, Ian Thomas, and rock trio Triumph.
Initially, the news of her induction stirred mixed emotions for Siberry, who was deeply engrossed in producing a three-part studio album, her first release in a decade. “It was uncomfortable at first, now I’m really into it,” she reflected. Siberry initially perceived the induction as a distraction from her recording work but later realized its potential to bring her joy.
Central to her happiness will be the reunion with lang, which will be their first meeting in quite some time. The two artists first crossed paths in the 1980s, performing in the Toronto music scene, notably at the Brunswick House. Their friendship blossomed over the years, with Siberry opening for lang on tour and the duo collaborating on the 1991 duet “Calling All Angels.” Reflecting on that recording experience, lang shared her feelings of being lost and out of her element in the studio, especially with Siberry's request for a unique vocal approach.
After several takes, Siberry recognized that their physical proximity was critical for the recording, as it allowed them to sync their energies and deliver a cohesive performance. Since its release, “Calling All Angels” has become a beloved pop classic, frequently featured in memorable television and film moments, including shows like “Six Feet Under,” “Roswell,” and “Charmed.” Siberry even recorded a solo version for the poignant finale of the 2001 film “Pay It Forward.” She remarked that the duet with lang possesses a unique magnetism that her solo version lacks.
The two artists reunited again in 2016 for the haunting piece “Let Me Be a Living Stone” and have maintained their connection through musical collaborations over the years. Lang recorded two of Siberry's songs for her 2004 album “Hymns of the 49th Parallel,” one of which, “The Valley,” stands out as lang's favorite. Lang expressed her wish for Siberry’s version to be played at her funeral, acknowledging the song's profound emotional resonance and themes of vulnerability and interconnectedness.
Looking ahead, Siberry plans to explore complex themes in her upcoming project, “In the Thicket of Our Own Unconsciousness.” This three-part album series will feature woven narratives accompanied by spoken-word segments where various characters engage with the songs. The first single, “Bountiful Beautiful,” is set to be released on Friday. Reflecting on her songwriting approach in today’s divisive climate, Siberry noted her shift towards directness in her lyrics, emphasizing the vital role of a songwriter in articulating thoughts and feelings that resonate with listeners.
