The Wake

Leslie Feist took the stage July 8 at Dinkytown’s Varsity Theater armed with her guitar, two microphones, and a few tricks up her sleeve. The singer was on a solo tour in support of her new album, Let It Die. An incredible vocalist and captivating performer, she assuredly has the capability for a one-woman show and, on Oct. 29, she’ll prove her worth as a collaborator with Broken Social Scene at First Avenue.

Her show this summer started with an a capella number involving one of Feist’s tricks — the loop effect. This foot-activated pedal records a singer’s voice and loops it through the sound system as long as the singer desires. A number of layers can be added, and the ensuing harmonies create the effect that more than one person is singing. As the layers that Feist added became more intricate, the audience became more attentive. It took only minutes for the songwriter to have her listeners hanging on every note.

She played by herself this summer, but the album Let It Die features a backing band. The arrangements on the album are sparse, and the songs lend themselves well to the solo setting chosen for this show.

“Musically, it was kind of my intention to go away from my friends and my peers and my family, to do something I’ve never done,” she told me. And the music she is playing couldn’t be further from that of her peers, considering she lends her talents to Broken Social Scene, a Canadian group known for intricate arrangements and a vast sound palate. When asked about similarities between the projects, she responds that “They have a similar heart to them, the intention is the same.”

The voice from the Broken Social Scene recordings heard in this intimate, minimalist setting gave it much more power. Whether she’s singing at a whisper’s volume or with full force, Feist’s voice has unmistakable clarity and brightness, both of which add sincerity to every lyric. There is even a sense of ownership to the covers she chose, including songs by Ron Sexsmith and the Bee Gees.

In addition to her incredible voice and versatile skills on guitar, the Canadian proved to be personable. From graciously accepting applause from the audience to playing fan requests and answering inquiries about her album cover, Feist was a humble performer seemingly interested in pleasing each person in the crowd.

A well-connected musician, Feist has appeared on an array of albums, and is a crucial member of what she described as Canada’s “family” of musicians. “I’m sorry we have to cut this interview short,” she told me, “But my friends in the band Sloan are in town, and I promised I’d stop by their show.” She spoke affectionately of all the people she’s worked with and showed genuine concern about their success and well-being.

As the list of artists that Feist has worked or toured with continues to grow, so does the hype that surrounds her. She received two trophies at this year’s Juno Awards–which honor Canadian musician–and the cuts from Let It Die can be heard all over the radio.

She promised that, in spite of her busy schedule, more music is on the way. Make sure to see Feist on Oct. 29 First Avenue, where she will open for Broken Social Scene, as well as perform with the group.