Sarah Harmer Biography

Short Summary

Sarah Harmer is a Canadian singer-songwriter and environmental activist renowned for her emotive folk-rock music. Born in 1970, she gained fame with her debut album "You Were Here" in 2000, which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Harmer is also recognized for her environmental advocacy, particularly in protecting the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario. Her unique blend of musical talent and activism has made her a significant cultural figure in Canada.

Early Life & Education

Sarah Harmer was born on November 12, 1970, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a family that encouraged creativity and a love for nature. Her father, Clem Harmer, was an artist, which influenced her artistic inclinations from a young age. Harmer developed an interest in music during her teenage years and was involved in various local bands. She attended Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, where she studied philosophy and women's studies, further broadening her perspective and deepening her commitment to social issues.

Career Highlights

Harmer's career began in the mid-1990s as part of the Toronto-based band Weeping Tile. After the group disbanded, she embarked on a solo career, releasing her critically acclaimed debut album "You Were Here" in 2000. The album's success marked a turning point, establishing her as a prominent figure in the Canadian music scene. Over the years, she has released several albums, including "All of Our Names" and "I'm a Mountain," which have further solidified her reputation as a talented songwriter and performer. Her music often reflects her environmental concerns and personal experiences.

Major Achievements

Released the album "You Were Here," which was named one of Time Magazine's top ten albums of the year in 2000.
Received multiple Juno Award nominations, Canada’s premier music awards, for her work as a solo artist.
Co-founded the non-profit organization PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Land) to prevent development on the Niagara Escarpment.
Released the album "Are You Gone" in 2020 after a decade-long hiatus, which was met with critical acclaim.

Famous Quotes

"Music is a way to say things that aren’t easy to say in conversation."
"I think the arts are one of the most powerful ways to bring people together."

Interesting Facts

Harmer was once a member of the band The Saddletramps before her time with Weeping Tile.
She has a deep passion for birdwatching, which often influences her songwriting.
Her environmental activism was inspired by her upbringing in a family that valued nature and conservation.
Harmer's family farm in Ontario has served as a retreat and source of inspiration for her music.

Legacy / Influence

Sarah Harmer's legacy lies in her dual impact on music and environmental activism. Her introspective and socially conscious music has inspired a generation of Canadian artists. Beyond her musical contributions, her advocacy work has raised awareness about the importance of preserving natural landscapes, particularly in Canada. Harmer's ability to blend art with activism continues to influence both the music industry and environmental movements.