Her songs come from the heart

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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 lifeskill 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 recognize 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 Meriah Carey, some Gloria Estefan, a little bit of Janet Jackson, and perhaps a little too much Whitney in the majority of her songs.

The CD is a great listen, sounding like you've heard it before the first time you put it on. The release of her next album is sure to mean a more mature performance, with Fara bringing out a little more of her own stylings.

Anyone who'd like to bring Fara to their community can contact her at (604) 684-0100 or E-mail her at fara@fara_ entertainment.com.