About Me
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At 26, Sara Kamin's powerful voice has already been compared to incredible female artists like Jann Arden, Patty Griffin, India.Arie and Bessie Smith. A regular performer both in Canada and the UK, Kamin has shared the stage with Molly Johnson, Murray Mclaughlin, Jonatha Brooke, Melissa Ferrick, Edie Carey, Jill Barber, Matthew Barber, Jason Collett, Madviolet and Kurt Swinghammer. According to acclaimed Canadian artist Ron Sexsmith, Kamin "has a very natural way with a song and a voice that is lovely and pure." A native of Toronto, Kamin began singing at the age of four, astounding family and friends and winning numerous talent competitions. I was one of those little girls who would dance around my room composing songs for musicals and writing new lyrics to fit my favourite Debbie Gibson melodies, she recalls. Kamin focused her talents by taking vocal lessons. At the age of 16, she picked up a guitar for the first time and began teaching herself how to play. Songwriting came naturally to Kamin; she composed over 100 songs before her first live performance of original material in 2001 at the famous Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. Serious about honing her musical abilities, Kamin studied voice, guitar, songwriting, music history and harmony at the Royal Conservatory of Music. While continuing her work at the Conservatory, Kamin completed her Honours degree (BSc) in Psychology and Sociology at the University Toronto in 2003. Kamin co-produced her debut EP, In Her Own Time, with producer Carlin Nicholson (The 6ixty8ights) in 2001. The record included seven of Kamin's original compositions. The song Mary went on to win Kamin an award in the 2002 John Lennon International Songwriting competition. The final determinations in this prestigious international songwriting contest were made by the diverse Executive Committee, which included, among others, such notable artists as Bjork, Mary J. Blige, the Foo Fighters, Carlos Santana, James Brown, Elton John and Ben Harper.Kamin's love of the independent music scene is reflected in her support of local talent. Well-respected by fellow musicians and industry professionals, Kamin received an overwhelming response when she started Music for MSF, an annual benefit concert for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), now entering its third year. Music for MSF has raised over $3,000 and has featured performances by some of Torontos most notable musicians, including Matthew Barber, Andrea Florian, The 6ixty8ights, Jason Collett, Kurt Swinghammer and celebrated Canadian jazz vocalist Molly Johnson.In 2004, Kamin released her sophomore CD, Somewhere In Between. The 10-track album was produced by Harris School for the Arts grad Ian Busher, and features performances by Carlin Nicholson and Quebec guitar sensation Pascal Labillois. The album showcases Kamins incredible range and diversity as a singer and songwriter.Kamin's interest in psychology and love of performance led her to pursue a Masters degree (MSc) in Performance Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Upon completion of her degree in November 2005, Kamin began lecturing to undergraduate students in Performance Psychology at the University. Her innovative, groundbreaking research focuses on the various factors that influence talent development for non-classical musicians and is currently being prepared for publication. In addition, Kamin has been asked to present her findings at the Royal Northern College of Music summer conference in Manchester, England. Her successful academic pursuits have led Kamin to her current career as a freelance performance consultant and college/university teacher.Sara Kamin's big soulful voice "commands attention" (Kurt Swinghammer). Her "truly memorable songwriting" (Linda M) and her dedication to her craft make her an artist to watch for in coming years."Sara sings from the heart with a lovely and soulful voice. Her songs bitter sweet tales of her life. I'm so happy to have found her music." - Graham Powell (Jann Arden, The Supers)
