EMBER SWIFT
For info on EMBER SWIFT: emberswift.com
 | Ember Swift
photo by Suzy Malik |
EMBER SWIFT is a singer/songwriter/musician based out of Toronto (yeah, we know Canada rules!). She has SIX recordings to her credit, "Self-titled" (1996), "InsectInside" (1997), "Can't Corner Me" (1998), "Permanent Marker" (1999) and two new *LIVE* records entitled "The Wage Is the Stage" and "Snapshots," respectively (2000).
 | Violin/Base playin' Lyndell
photo by Ember Swift |
Currently, EMBER is performing with the sounds of violin, bass and bowed guitar (courtesy of the very talented Lyndell Montgomery,) drums (courtesy of the equally talented Cheryl Reid and Michelle Josef,) acoustic guitar and hand percussion (which is Ember's realm) and multiple vocals. As a completely independent Artist, EMBER SWIFT owns and co-runs the music label, Few'll Ignite Sound.
 | Playin' in Toronto
photo by Sharon Ross |
Diva first saw EMBER SWIFT and her band play in Buffalo, New York. Yeah those who know
diva knew that she hated that Buffalo trip - but seeing Ember Swift was the one highlight.
The band played in this small club, and Ember charmed the crowd with her amazing music and
kick ass politics. Diva urges you all to catch her Chicago show....okay!?
Diva had a chance to catch up with EMBER SWIFT for this interview...
Diva: How long have you been together as this band?
EMBER SWIFT: I've been working with Lyndell for five years and with Michelle for the past
year. We have worked with several drummers.... but Michelle kicks ass.
Diva: How long have you been
playing music?
EMBER SWIFT: For as long as I can remember. Started formal lessons when I was 9, though.
I started performing at age 10.
 | Drummer Michelle
photo by Jennifer Gillmor |
Diva: Your music is wonderfully
diverse, can you talk about how you blend musical styles?
EMBER SWIFT: Well, I have been influenced by so many styles and continue to experiment.
I have a belief that music ought to have no boundaries... so I dapple in
many genres and feel more inspired that way. Many songs have multiple
styles within them. I certainly don't successfully replicate any one
style... just find my music showing bits and pieces of the influences that
have washed over me.
Diva: Do you have a favorite
style?
EMBER SWIFT: Definitely not. Music is wonderful. I love it all.
Diva: I read that you graduated
from U of T (that's University of Toronto, for you non-Canadians!) in East Asian Studies. Does this field
influence your music either
in
lyrics or melodies?
EMBER SWIFT: Yes, in many ways. I find that tone and intonation have become more
important to me since I studied Chinese (Mandarin.) I love music from
Asia - I love the instrumentation and the tonal quality of the voices.
Diva: I like also how you
combine activism with music, can you talk about
how you use
music this way?
EMBER SWIFT: Well, I feel that music is a great vehicle for inspiring (or perhaps
enabling) change. It is a type of "platform," whether you use it that way
or not. Those pop artists who are strongly "apolitical" are, in fact,
saying a lot about the world: they are staunchly remaining apathetic,
suggesting that it is okay to be apathetic, which is their greatest
statement and the one that frightens me the most. Saying nothing is as
strongly political as saying many things to do with politics...!
EMBER SWIFT: In any case, I am a believer that change starts with the individual. If we
can make people *think* about topics / subjects / issues through the
platform of music, then we have potentially inspired new activists to take
to the streets in rallies / demonstrations / protests. I know that one
slight change in the way that people think can lead to a change in the way
that people vote or in the way that people become involved in their
community, etc. If my music can contribute to some minute change, then I
have accomplished more than I can ever ask to accomplish. Because, I have
accomplished something that HELPS when there is so much that needs HELPING.
Diva: What are you passions?
Influences? Favorite pizza topping?
EMBER SWIFT: Not a big a pizza eater - vegan... so there isn't a ton of opportunity to
make it myself. I also love to read, run, hang with friends, light candles
and listen to music, watch good films... (sounds like a personals ad!)
Influences? Too many to mention.
Diva: Thanks so much! We're
gonna have to get you a vegan pizza after your Chicago gig.
EMBER SWIFT: You're welcome!
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