Sound of the City: Vancouver singer-songwriter Dawn Pemberton talks humanity, balance, and Elvis: The Musical
The funk, soul, and R&B artist found freedom amid the pandemic
SOUND OF THE CITY is a series created in partnership by the City of Vancouver and Stir that showcases Vancouver’s diverse music scene, highlighting BIPOC and underrepresented artists and acts. Each edition features a Q&A and a Sound of the City playlist curated by the artist that features some of their favourite local musicians.
Dawn Pemberton
DAWN PEMBERTON has deep musical roots that take her powerful voice from gospel and soul to jazz, funk, and world music.
Currently hosting her own funk, soul, and R&B show called Get on the Good Foot on CKUA, Pemberton is an in-demand vocalist, pianist, teacher, adjudicator, choir director, and “go to girl” for live performances and studio sessions.
Prior to March 2020 she spent her time touring with her own original music project as well as Moira Smiley + VOCO, Vox.Infold, the Bluesberries, and Canadian blues juggernaut the Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer.
Pemberton has toured extensively throughout Canada and Europe and has performed with musical greats such as Betty Levette, John Boutte, Randy Bachman, Ruthie Foster, the Hamiltones, and Linda Tillery and has opened for musical heavyweights Maceo Parker, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, the Philosopher Kings and Lee Fields.
The founder and artistic director of Roots ‘N’ Wings Women’s Choir, Pemberton released her debut solo album, Say Somethin’, on DoRight! Music, the disc winning Best Urban Recording at the 2015 Western Canadian Music Awards.
Read what’s on Pemberton’s mind these days and listen to her Sound of the City playlist. below.
Dawn Pemberton’s Playlist
Yuka - Ruins
Erin Costelo - Low
Lydia Persaud - Honey Child
Old Soul Rebel - Steady Stone
The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer - I’m Back
Omar Khan - Can’t Wait
Emily Chambers - Left Alabama
Charles Spearin - My Heart Is An Appaloosa In Canter
Tonye - Make This House a Home
Luca Fogale - Half-Saved
Hilary Grist - Just Imagine
Khari Wendell McLelland - Feels Real Good
Kimmortal - I’m Blue
Star Captains - Anything Is Possible
Jonny Tobin, Janelle Reid, Makadi, AstroLogical - Praise
Dawn Pemberton - Hello Love
David Ward - Violet, Gold + Rose
Yebba - All I Ever Wanted
Kutcorners - The Finest (feat. Amalia)
Swatkins - Gotta Give It Away (If You’re Gonna Keep It)
How are you feeling about life right now?
I'm feeling cautiously optimistic, hesitantly hopeful...? I truly believe that there is beauty and goodness in the world. I focus on that and it keeps me moving forward.
How has the pandemic affected your work?
Well, at first everything stopped and dried up, which was hard for so many obvious reasons. However, I see it all as a blessing. It gave me time to reflect. I also learned a lot of new skills in video editing, production, I took lots of courses in facilitation, studied vocal pedagogy… I was forced to pivot and think outside the box. I actually found a lot of freedom and new opportunities came my way because of the pandemic.
What are you working on right now? Do you have any plans or projects lined up for the rest of 2021?
Right now I am working on creating more balance in my life and cultivating more spaciousness in my heart. I think of it as improving my “humanity:” score. The pandemic really highlighted how out of balance everything was. It surprisingly takes a long time to recover from imbalance and burnout. So I'm just being patient. In the meantime, I'm working on my radio show, prepping for a Christmas Show with the Jodi Proznick Quartet, some shows with The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer. In the spring I'll be doing 'Da Kink of My Hair at The Arts Club and then Elvis: The Musical at the Citadel in Edmonton. I'm excited about it all and thankful for the opportunities to work on interesting projects with wonderful people.
Where are you finding solace and comfort?
I'm finding comfort and solace from going slower and taking the time to truly connect with people, painting, journalling, reading, fabric arts... And of course, music.
What are you most looking forward to once the pandemic passes?
I'm really looking forward to a resurgence of empathy, patience, gratitude, and understanding. This year and a half has exacerbated our humanity.
What song or album has been in your heavy rotation recently and why?
Oooo, I've been really enjoying Charles Spearin's album. It's called My City of Starlings.
Can you give a shoutout to one of your favourite Vancouver musicians or artists? What about them inspires you?
Gordon Grdina! I really appreciate his dedication to developing his musicality. He's always learning and seeking. I enjoy how he thinks about music and that he plays so many styles. Also, he's just a sweet, encouraging person and is a wellspring of creativity.
What would you like to see change in Vancouver?
I would like to see more affordable housing overall and more homes for the house-less people living in this city. Everyone I know is struggling. Securing safe, affordable, clean housing is becoming harder and harder and I'm worried about the future.
Who is your dream collaborator?
I would love to collaborate with Mavis Staples!!!
Who else would you like to see curate a Sound of the City playlist?
Khari Wendell McClelland.
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