Pop Eclectica: music that is pop-based with a folk/rock/r&b/dance twist. An experience-based emotional roller-coaster ride of sound, discover the highs and lows of Phoenix for yourself.

14 MP3 Songs
POP: Pop/Rock, FOLK: Alternative Folk



Details:
Fara Palmer is a woman of Cree/Saulteaux descent. She was born in Saskatchewan, raised in British Columbia, was schooled by the city and raised by the country.

As a child it was her dream to sing, and sing she did. An early musical highlight was when, at the age of 12, she sang at an outdoor concert with headliner Buffy Ste. Marie.

Fara has often been dubbed a pop/R&B diva, "like the Native Mariah Carey", but really wants her new album PHOENIX to blow the lid off that restrictive stereotype. Perhaps to a pop/folkrock diva who kicks ass, melts hearts, inspires positive change, and is dedicated to spreading the message of self-empowerment and cultural awareness of her First Nations people. Her first two albums entitled âThis Is My Worldâ and âPrettybrownâ were nominated for Canadian Juno Awards and Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Both albums won in categories of âBest Album of the Yearâ and âFemale Artist of the Yearâ.

Fara has been blessed to share her music with audiences across Canada and the United States and has shared the stage with artists and friends such as: Susan Aglukark, Willie Dunn, Buffy Ste. Marie, Shania Twain, Sarah McLoughlin, Jann Arden, Ray Charles, Chantal Krevuisit and many other talented musicians and performers.

In 2000/01 she co-hosted the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards with Derek Miller, promoted and toured her second album "Prettybrown", and learned she was pregnant with her first child.

Upon learning she was about to become a mother, Fara took some time off of her career to raise a family.

Time off turned into a six year break from music, four daughters, a husband of ten years, and a whole lot of Fara music lovers wondering if she had quit singing professionally.

It is now 2007 and Fara has resurfaced with a new album entitled "Phoenix". The sound is Pop Eclectica, a term she created to describe music that is based in Pop but branches into soul, folk, R&B, rock, and dance. With PHOENIX, Fara's personal experiences were the inspiration for the songlyrics, while the music for each individual song was created to reflect the emotions of those experiences. Edgy, fun, and colourful: Fara has reached deep into her soul to bring you a collection of songs which are meant to take you, the listener, on a journey. She hopes you bust a gut laughing, cry, rage, rock out, feel the fires of inspiration, and most of all enjoy!!!!

She dedicates this new album to her brother Gabriel, who was murdered in 2002 and chose to call the album Phoenix because of the symbolic nature of the Phoenix bird. When a Phoenix dies, it is engulfed in flames and is reborn through its ashes. Fara relates the grieving, recovering, and healing process that she and her family went through to the life cycle of the Phoenix. In a way, her family has risen from the ashes of the loss of their beloved Gabriel, and been reborn.

"Phoenix" is a 14 track album full of humour, hope, raw emotion, and Fara's specialty â¦HEART. Delving fearlessly into social/personal issues that are a part of today's reality, Fara uses her voice and her lyrics as a catalyst for positive change. In this her third release, Fara's love of music and her love for the people shines through in each and every one of her songs.

Fara Palmer is back, has a new sound, is guiding her own destiny, and is once again ready to share her gift with the people.

STAY TUNEDâ¦â¦.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

2000 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award:
Female Artist of the Year- Prettybrown

2000 Juno Award nominee:
Best Music of Aboriginal Canada
"PRETTYBROWN"- Prettybrown

1999 West Coast Music Award nominee:
Best House/Dance/Techno Release
"ANGEL"- This Is My World

1999 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards:
Female Artist of the Year- This Is My World
Best Song of the Year- This Is My World

1999 First Nations Awards:
Arts & Entertainment category

1998 Juno Award nominee:
Best Music of Aboriginal Canada recording
"WALK AWAY"- This Is My World

1997 John Lennon Worldwide Songwriting Contest:
8th place, R&B category
"I'LL MAKE IT UP TO YOU"- Prettybrown

DISCOGRAPHY:

This Is My World - Blackmoon Records
Prettybrown - New Hayden Music Corp.
Phoenix - Unsigned and in control. Yeah baby!!

VIDEO'S:

I LIKE IT- This Is My World
SEXUALITY- This Is My World
PRETTYBROWN- Prettybrown
"CHILDREN OF THE WORLD" Single (see info below)

CAMEO'S/COLLABS/OTHER:

2004-2007: Co-writes and recordings with the SDS crew featuring Geo AKA the Voice, RyeOptiks, Rapsure Risin, Alias, Mama S, Genetics, Phase1, and Think Twice

2006 - "Prettybrown" used as theme song for the Aboriginal Foster Parents Society

2000/01 Co-hosted the Canadian Aboriginal Awards with Derek Miller

2000 -Guest appearance on the album entitled:
RIEL'S ROAD -Sandy Scofield

2000 -Guest appearance on the album entitled:
LOOKING BACK -Henry Young

2000 - Co-wrote "WHEN YOU'RE DANCING" off the album: LOOKING BACK with Henry Young

1994 - "Children of the World"- Song and video recording project. Written by Willie Dunn, the song was recorded to encourage native students to Stay in School as a means of attaining the skills with which to pursue their dreams and career-ambitions and to instil Aboriginal pride amongst First Nations youth. The song features First Nations artists and Inuit singers: Willie Dunn, Susan Aglukark, Don Ross, Shingoose, Fara Palmer and Sylvie Bernard. The "Children Of The World" video was distributed to many First Nations Schools throughout Canada.

National Aboriginal Achievement Awards:
Performed on the show in -1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2007

Vocal/Studio Coaching:
Diana(vocal lessons) from Vancouver, BC, Staci Spence(vocal/studio coaching) for the original recording "DEAL WITH THE RAIN".


The Official Fara Palmer Website: http://www.musicfarapalmer.com
http://www.myspace.com/faraakaprettybrown
EPK: http://www.sonicbids.com/farapalmer
E-mail: theoriginalprettybrown@yahoo.com

PRESS REVIEWS:

The Vancouver Sun 2007:

The 2007 NAAA (National Aboriginal Achievement Awards) was taped March 16 in Edmonton. It will be televised saturday on Global and the APTN specialty channel...
"My best memory of that evening was seeing so many people who were friends of mine I hadn't seen in a while," Beach (Adam Beach- Flags of our Fathers actor) said...
His favorite part of the show itself was a contemporary interpretative dance performance with Aboriginal singer Fara Palmer. "I thought it was really beautiful," Beach said. "It just showed that we have a lot of artists --actors, singers, dancers, musicians--who have done a lot with their lives. We just need more of our own people to become more involved and say, "Yes, we can accomplish our dreams in these types of occupations."

American Indian Music Review by Robert "Bob" Peaslee
IKCE WICASTA -The Common People Journal  Spring 2000

FARA - This beautiful Canadian songbird of Cree ancestry hails from Saskatchewan and now lives in Vancouver. If you haven't heard her name yet, it is only because she is one of Canada's best kept secrets. She is the winner of two awards at the most recent "Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards" held in Toronto in December 1999. Fara won in the Best Song category for her hit "Walk Away" from the CD titled "This Is My World," and was also awarded the Best Female Artist. In 1998, she was nominated for the highly coveted Juno Award, Canada's version of our Grammy's.
Fara is also being considered as an opening act for the upcoming second annual Native American Music Festival to be held at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota in May 2000.
Fara has come well into her own since singing on the same stage with Buffy St. Marie at the tender age of twelve. I am impressed by her full vocal range and harmonious sound. With a contemporary flair and excellent songwriting ability, Fara has a great future ahead in the music industry.
Her music and songs are a blend of light funk, soft rock, and what i believe to be just the right amount of Native theme. Fara gets my very highest recommendation. Simply a MUST HAVE for all who appreciate great music of stardom quality.
***** 5 STARS!!!!

FARA
The Chilliwack Progress May 1998

Fara doesn't walk into a room- she makes an entrance. She's late. She rushes into the studio, greeting everyone with a hug and a warm smile, talking a mile a minute. Dressed in a loose fitting cotton dress, her face clean of makeup, Fara's natural beauty is more radiant then even the glamorous black and white photos that complete her promo package.
Fara Jaylene Katcheech Palmer is recording her second CD at Beat Productions in Chilliwack - the follow up to This Is My World. The single "Walk Away" from that CD earned Fara a Juno Nomination in the Best Music of Aboriginal Canada category. Another highlight was presenting Shania Twain her Juno. Since only 10 categories of the awards program are televised, it was considered a sign of acceptance into the Canadian music world.
Although her Cree ancestry qualified her for the category, her music is not what many Canadians have come to expect from aboriginal artists.
Fara's talent allows her the musical freedom to croon slow and sexy in the style of a 40's chantuese, or sing rythym and blues in the genre of Toni Braxton or Whitney Houston.
She plays down the fact she sang for Prince Charles at the recent MuchMusic's Stop Racism concert at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, where she was introduced by Much as "Canada's newest rising star." "I sang for the cause, not the Prince. I couldn't even see him from the stage. I sang for the people," she says matter-of-factly.
With an attitude like that it's no surprise when she mentions she's in the middle of a move to Yale, BC.
"It's no problem living in Yale, and it's closer for working with Chuck. I'll just continue to work on my music from there. It's peaceful."
Chuck Brickley is the song-writer/producer from Hope who is collaborating with her on this second release, along with producer Peter Kigour.
Pretty Brown is (a)..song to be included on the CD. Co-written with Fara and producer Peter Kilgour, they're hoping the message of strength it's meant to bring reaches many children, especially of First Nations.
"I never felt good about my heritage until I met my role model. She changed my life. Now I want to be that role model and show children they can be what they want to be," says Fara.
Mr. Kilgour, the owner of Beat Productions, says his Chilliwack location hasn't slowed him down at all since his move from the city several years ago...Mr.Kilgour says he's working more and more with established artists from the city as the studio's reputation grows but is especially thrilled to be working with the talented Fara.
"Listen to that voice," he says, cranking up the sound system until the room is filled with Fara's voice. "She can do anythings she wants to do. Starting from here."

Forever Young
Weekend Outlook- Vancouver - June 2000

Henry Young caught his ticket to the big time when Nina Simone visited Vancouver back in the Sixties...his new CD titled Looking Back...works through an hour of music that includes emotive new takes on vintage ballads like...My Funny Valentine, and Body and Soul...
Young's brilliant guest star on the album, Cree vocalist Fara Palmer, takes an already sophisticated production even higher. An electrifying talent, Fara Palmer's pairing with Young on the original "When You're Dancing" is a breathy, body-heat workout with major radio rotation written all over it. Palmer's ablitity to interpret lyrics is just plain dreamy...

Her songs come from the heart
Alberta Sweetgrass -February 1998

Fara Palmer, 25, wiping tears from her eyes and cheeks, explains: "This part of the song always touches me. Some of my lyrics speak so directly from my heart I am sensitive to them."
The song "Pretty Brown", to which she weeps, is from her soon-to-be-released second CD. It is a song which shows the deep love of her People.
"People heard it, I hope it entered their hearts too, " she said.
Fara, a Cree from North Battleford, Sask., sang initially at the Toronto International Pow-wow and then during the Variety Show. Her songs carry a message of Native Peoples being strong, beautiful and vulnerable.
Fara moved from North Battleford at age two to Vancouver and then the interior of B.C. where she grew up. She comes from a long line of people with alcohol problems and has chosen not to drink or do drugs. She attended a treatment centre, was introduced to sweats, and started to learn about the culture, history and ceremonies. This meant she had to deal with issues of hurt, pain, and things just from living on a reserve.
"As I grew up it wasn't cool to get in touch with feelings or to cry. Anger and laughing was OK," she said.
She began singing as soon as she could talk, singing with TV commercials and in talent shows. In Grade 10, she took six months of voice training. She has also taken six lessons with a jazz teacher.
Her professional life began four years ago, and has been developing well.
She believes she is where she is now because this is where the Creator intends her to be. When she performs she lets her words and feelings be guided by the Creator. She wants to be the instrument to convey what He wants. Fara writes her own songs and lyrics based on many of her experiences and her desire to make others feel better about their lives. She also uses her spirituality in speaking engagements at high schools, treatment centres and lifeskills programs.
Her message to aspiring singers and songwriters is also a message to anyone: "If that's what truly inspires you, that's what brings you joy and is in your heart, never give up. Believe in yourself. You have to work hard. It doesn't land in your lap. If it does, you're extremely blessed and hopefully you recongnize that and use your gifts well."
Fara is riding the wave of her debut album released in 1997. "This Is My World", easily competes with the contemporary rhythms and lyrics of any play list on Top 40 radio stations.
There's a little Mariah Carey, some Gloria Estefan, a little bit of Janet Jackson...in...her songs.
The CD is a great listen, sounding like you've heard it before the first time you put it on.

Cree songbird's lyrics soar to the top
Indian Country Today - Arts & Entertainment 1998

The Cree bombshell, Fara Jaylene Katcheech Palmer is slowly moving her way to the top of the Canadian music charts.
Her music is a mix if R&B, soul and hip-hop sounds...Her Native influence embellishes contemporary pop music. "What emerges is a powerful, independent voice with an aura of positiveness that fairly evokes a world of heartfelt soul and glossy, adult contemporary pop music," as described by RPM magazine.
Miss Palmer was born in Saskatchewan and grew up in Vancouver Canada. She is leading the increasing number of rising contemporary American Indian musicians..."I always knew I wanted to sing from the earliest days," Miss Palmer said.
She has also sung with Susan Aglukark, Shingoose, Willy Dunn, and others for the Children of the World, recording and video project created to instill aboriginal pride among Native youth.
Stirring excitement within the American Indian community, she was discovered by John Kim Bell, former Toronto Symphony Orchestra conductor and president of the Canadian Native Arts Foundation.
Mr. Bell had her sing her song "Walk Away" as the opening for the 1995 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards ceremony. She sang for Prince Charles at the MuchMusic's Stop Racism concert at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre...
Her debut album "This Is My World" was recorded in 1996. The single from that album "Walk Away" was nominated for a Juno in the Best Music of Aboriginal Canada category...She is currently working on her second album...

Fara...
The Daily News, Prince Rupert, B.C. 1998

Fara Jaylene Katcheech Palmer is cold and tired. She yawns and shivers in the Roosevelt school gym, waiting for the kids to come.
It's been a long day for the Cree singer. She has been through an 8 a.m. interview with CBC, an hour-long session at Seal Cove School, another hour at Kaien Island Alternative School, and now she's at Roosevelt for the afternoon and the Daily News is asking her questions. Her Monday schedule follows a performance to a jam-packed Performing Arts Centre on Sunday night.
Despite her fatigue, Fara smiles and answers the questions politely...
"Ever since I could talk," she says, "I've wanted to be a singer."
And, over the years, Fara's performance career has seen her pursue that goal with a singular focus. She sang on the same stage as Buffy St. Marie, alongside Susan Aglukark, Shingoose, and Willy Dunn, among others.
Since then, everything has been fast and furious in Fara's career.
She opened the 1995 Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Vancouver with her song Walk Away. She later sang the song in a national broadcast on Canada Day.
Her CD This Is My World was recorded in 1996 and she has been touring steadily throughout Canada since its release.

FARA - This is Her World: The Exclusive  Interview
Generation X: Christopher "Tyrone" Ross 1999

Who is Fara? That's probably what you're wondering right now. If you don't know she's Saskatchewan's own native pop diva. At only 26 she has made a career out of singing, and has become quite successful. Here is the exclusive interview that reveals the beautiful woman behind the beautiful voice.
It was December, 1998, when I first heard about this new singer named Fara, it was at a talent show case that S.I.I.T. (Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies) was hosting. I met her backstage before her performance and did a quick interview. Even though i never heard her perform live before, or listened to her CD, I thought I had all the information that was needed to write a feature article. I guess I was wrong, after watching her perform, I was overwhelmed by her talents. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Sure ther was Buffy Saint Marie and Susan Aglukark among the big names on the female native music scene, but never before has there been an artist quite like Fara.
"Her music can relate to just about anyone, she sings about love, repect, good times and bad times, she's different." explains one music critic in Saskatoon. "She can sing in front of hundreds of youth and their parents, and entertain both generations."
At only 26, she has found singing as a way to send a positive message to First Nations youth. For example, listen to "Walk Away" on her first album, "This Is My World". "It's a song about never walking away from your dreams and your beliefs, standing up for what you believe in and sharing that with others. And following a path that's true to your heart," explains Fara during the beginning of our interview.
Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, raised in Vancouver, BC and now residing on the Saulteaux  Reservation, Fara has lived a life where singing has become her career. Her first album, "This is my World" received great reviews when it first came out. She has performed at the National Achievement Awards, and for many N.B.A. games in the past two years.
In the summer of 1999 her second album, "Prettybrown", is expected to be released across Canada in music stores everywhere. In the months to come, people should expect to hear a lot more about Fara. She is soon to be in the spotlight as a nationally known native artist.

RPM New Releases (September 1997)
FARA- This Is My World(Blackmoon Records)

A long standing contributing voice to the arts community in Canada, Fara Jaylene Katcheech Palmer is just now letting her solo talents be heard and recognised. At age (twelve) she found herself sharing a stage with Buffy St. Marie, a performance which opened up the door to subsequent vocal stints with Susan Aglukark, Shingoose and Willy Dunn. Consequently, the singer's obvious gift has been readily recognised by the Canadian Native Arts Foundation and by more of Canada's top recording artists, after her voice was solicited to appear on the David Foster song River of Love alongside Dan Hill, Amy Sky and Roch Voisine. It is not surprising that the Vancouver born singer of Cree Native Indian heritage traces her musical influences to names like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Billy Holiday, and Dinah Washington...This is my World is the aptly titles album that concentrates Fara's musical interests into a succinct twelve song list embellished by spanish, dance and native flourishes within the contemporary pop songwriting that is her mainstay. A graceful and artistically exceptional album that we expect will place Fara within the orbit of some of those names she performed with.