Miranda Mulholland’s playlist

Great Lake Swimmers’ Miranda Mulholland is the goddess of her domain, and for that, the fiery fiddler’s been called upon by some of Canada’s elite.

Miranda and her talents have been requested by Jim Cuddy, Chantal Kreviazuk, Steven Page, Sarah Slean and Justin Rutledge, and top acts continue to crave collaborations with the classically trained musician.

“The thing I love the most about my job is getting to play with many incredible musicians in a vast array of genres,” Miranda says.

Miranda’s passion for the violin goes way back to her youth, but this love affair flared up during her time in Montreal.

“I really fell in love with the instrument as an opera student at McGill when I paid my rent by playing fiddle at night in the Irish pubs,” she remembers.

Tonight, Miranda’s back in Montreal with her band mates, the Great Lake Swimmers, in support of their latest album New Wild Everywhere.

Between her Great Lake Swimmers duties and her many guest appearances and collabs, Miranda also manages to be 1/3 of Belle Starr, with fellow fiddlers Stephanie Cadman and Kendel Carson. The trio’s debut album is slated for a late spring release.

How does she do it?

“I try to be guided by the eternal question ‘What would Emmylou do?’” Miranda says. “If I can get even in that ballpark, I’m doing ok!”

And at the top of Miranda’s playlist, is no other than Emmylou Harris.

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Goin’ Back to Harlan – Emmylou Harris
“Wrecking Ball is my favourite record. Full stop. I have loved it for years for its scope, song choices, production and come on! Emmylou Harris. This record has gotten me through tours, tears and years and has been a reference and a touchstone for what I will continue to aim for.”

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Part of a Poem by Alden Nowlan called Ypres: 1915 – N.Q. Arbuckle
“Neville Quinlan (aka N.Q. Arbuckle) happens to be my favourite songwriter. His lyrics combine boozy poetry and clever prose in the perfect measure. He is one of those people who can drink you under the table while quoting the Kinks and Keats. Because of his encyclopedic knowledge of great things, it is no surprise he chose to use part of a poem by one of Canada’s best poets for a particularly moving anthem. A dear friend of mine’s father, who was a colonel in the army, played the bagpipes at the end and I get a little teary.”

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No Word From Tom/I Go To Him – Stravinsky
“We did this opera at McGill while I was there. I played the third courtesan! What a star! It is such an incredible piece of music. I adore Mozart, and Stravinsky really explored the classical style with respect, and turned it on its end. The homerun here is the libretto by W.H. Auden and this particular aria seems as though it’s a paraphrase of Shakespeare’s sonnet 116. Any fans of the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet Sense and Sensibility will understand. My best friend, Meredith sang this role and was tremendous and I always get a rush when I hear that purposeful high C at the end.”

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Love This Town – Joel Plaskett
“Joel has the incredible ability to write local and speak global. Even if you’ve never been to Halifax, you can feel love for your own town by listening to this song (Guelph, listen up!) My first show on tour ever was at the Marquee Club in Halifax (referenced in this song, now changed owners and name) and it was with The Mahones over 10 years ago. It was as good as any first time should be.”

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Sun Comes Up, It’s Tuesday Morning – Cowboy Junkies
“Things I love about this song: Margo’s voice. The odd, but awesome timing (just try singing along). The lyrics: ‘telephone’s ringing, but I don’t answer it ’cause everybody knows that good news always sleeps till noon…’ If you ever break up with anyone, listen to this song!”

Great Lake Swimmers play Montreal’s l’Astral Thursday, April 5. More tour dates here. Pick up their latest album, New Wild Everywhere, on iTunes. Follow Miranda on twitter and get acquainted with Belle Starr here.

Posted by Marc Andrew on Apr 5 2012. Filed under Celebrity Playlist. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.