We caught up with Sol James to talk about growing with her sound, connecting with other musicians and the best parts of Harvest Sun.
You’ve spent your career melding different styles from jazz to blues and country. Can you tell me more about how you’ve grown and continue to grow your sound?
I quickly discovered that I had to be versatile to make a living singing, and my sound is a product of that. I think what has become foremost to me is the idea of serving the song. One of my favourite things to say is: "I just want to sing the crap out of everything."
You played Harvest Sun for the first time last year. What are some of your favourite highlights?
Oh, the whole thing! The festival WAS the highlight of my entire summer! Specifically, though, the Sun Goddess Songwriter's workshop, watching my kids get to meet other kids and experience some much-needed freedom in a space I felt very comfortable letting them explore. It was a magical weekend of some amazing music and people that I can't wait to get back to this summer!
You got to be a part of the first ever Harvest Sun Goddess songwriters workshop and performed alongside several of Manitoba’s coolest ladies. What was that experience like?
Powerful, magical. I felt such a connection with my sisters on that stage and a true appreciation for each of their gifts and stories.
There was a lot of great discussion about what it’s like being a woman in the industry. Can you talk a bit more about your specific experiences, and how the industry (fans and musicians) can better help support female musicians?
I have to say that I feel lucky that I haven't been met with too much disrespect in my career in general. It is inevitable that there will be issues, but part of running your own business is being able to choose who you work with or what you do about those who are not being good human beings. Disrespectful people don't last long around me; they get challenged. I really try to meet disrespect head-on in the moment, as I feel that women have been trained too often to diffuse and swallow disrespect. It is a unique challenge to be in that mindset: assertive and sure in the face of conflict, but it is a skill I think should be ingrained in both women and men. We have to build each other up! I have witnessed women I respect and admire immensely take disrespect lying down, and I just won't have it. If I am there, and I see a sister being disrespected, I am going to step up and support her. Buy her products, hire her, take her seriously, treat her with the same respect you would like to see for yourself. It is an incredible amount of work to be a musician, female or not, and there are women blowing the doors off of traditional roles in the music scene. Witness it, honour it, be a part of it!
What can people expect from your Harvest Sun set this year?
I'm back with my incredible producer and guitarist Ariel Posen this time, along with a group of musicians that are really amazing! We will be playing more originals but also some fun stuff to get up and move to!
What would you say are the best things about the Harvest Sun Music Fest?
The people. Everyone from the musicians, volunteers, organizers, vendors, and festival goers make this festival feel like a safe home, a gathering of kin, and a great way to spend a summer weekend!
Catch at Sol James at The Harvest Sun Music Festival in Kelwood, MB - August 16 -18th.
Follow Sol James on Facebook, on her website, and Instagram.
Janet Adamana is the Founder/Editor-In-Chief of Sound, Phrase & Fury Magazine - a Winnipeg-based digital publication dedicated to promoting independent artists and industry professionals from all over the world. More than just about inciting hype, she interviews/writes to capture an artists’ essence and their greatest passions to ignite meaningful connections between fans and really great bands.