Sadie McFadden may be new to the Kingston area but she is well travelled on a stage. She garnered 8 Million views on TikTok with her former band Hinterwood. She pivoted in 2022 to focus on her solo career and has since shared the stage with JUNO nominee Miss Emily, cut her teeth with 200 shows along the 401, and released three singles – all while working towards the completion of her Bachelor of Education at Queen's University with a focus on the power of music to create community in both school and non-academic settings. Enjoy this multi-instrumentalist with her mix of jazz, blues, soul and folk at The Cove Inn on September 12 from 5-8 pm. Details here web link

Seamus Cowan: So, the first time I met you, you came out like a spitfire on stage to sing some soul with us on the Miss Emily show! You seem to exude some confidence, which is great to see! Where did you muster that?

Sadie McFadden: I think singing in my church choir since I was 4 years old helped, but I wasn’t always so confident! I’ve really struggled in the past with my confidence as singer- thinking I wasn’t good enough to be taking up space on the stage. Once other musicians and friends started to say I was good- I started to believe them and believe in myself.

Q: Since moving from Hamilton, I have noticed you have really enjoyed some local success behind the mic. With whom and where in the Kingston area can people can find you performing?

Sadie: My home base is Musiikki Whiskey Bar & Café but I have performed all around Kingston such as Jazz Nights at Miss Bao, Lay Low Cafe, The Mansion, The Toucan, Something in the Water, Juniper Cafe and soon at The Cove Inn in Westport! I perform solo or in a band with Justin Veri on drums, Tiago Cardoso on guitar, Fiona Vartay on bass, and Atiari on keys.

Q: Studying music really opens you up to so many styles of music. Is there a particular influence that really stands out to you that you learned along the way and was your schooling a good experience?

Sadie: I really got into jazz in mid to late high school and I think that really changed the trajectory of my musical career. I went from listening to Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks to Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. I think my biggest influence has been Amy Winehouse because I love how unique her voice is & her ability to bring pop and jazz together.
In terms of my schooling, I’ve had a mixed bag experience. I’ve had some teachers that really put me down and made me feel insecure, but I feel like those experiences do not overshadow the amazing teachers I had later on in life that helped me blossom in the most beautiful and extraordinary ways.

Q: You have got to tell us the story of performing with Lorde at the MMVA's!

Sadie: Yes- this one is a classic! Essentially Lorde’s team decided at the last minute that they wanted a choir of young people backing her up on stage at MMVA’s but it was less than a week away from the show. My friend’s mom’s friend (or something like that) knew a person on Lorde’s team and they asked if I was available. So I cleared my schedule. I got to hang out for two days in Toronto with all these amazing musicians in the Much Music office. I got to see/meet Post Malone, Alessia Cara, Joe Jonas, Niall Horan, and The Arkells. Honestly it was a crazy experience.

Q: You were touring with your group Hinterwood and managed to get a lot of attention. Where has that taken you or are you heading down a completely different musical path?

Sadie: Hinterwood has split our own ways as two out of four of us have moved out of Kingston, but it was a life changing experience for me that opened a lot of doors for musical opportunities and friendships. I went on my first tour ever with this group where we played some legendary Canadian venues such as The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, The Seahorse Tavern in Halifax and The Cap in Fredericton. I think the rock aspects of the Hinterwood sound is still prevalent in my music and songwriting style, but as a solo artist I am for sure going more bluesy & soul than the folk rock of Hinterwood. Posted: Sep 10, 2024