Canadians sing country’s praises

As Canada marks 149 years, there are many ways to celebrate. The Canadian Press asked some of our artists to reflect on the holiday.

Great Big Sea guitarist Sean McCann on national unity:

“We’re in a very divisive time: our neighbours are polarized. Scary things are happening on our borders and overseas. As a father, it’s concerning for me because we don’t seem to be pulling together as a planet. … Isolation is not the answer. More guns is not the answer. More love is the answer. With the Fort McMurray fire, our response was with love, and that’s a lesson for the world.”

Peter Dreimanis, member of July Talk, on July 1 celebrations:

“We love playing shows on Canada Day, if we can. The vibe is never better the rest of the year. You connect Canada Day with bands like the Tragically Hip … we’re hoping to see them a few times over the summer and catch that tour.”

k.d. lang on appreciating the Canadian music scene:

“There’s something to being Canadian. The fact we have a rich musical heritage, historically being sandwiched between (European and U.S.) cultures and being kind of shunned and shy, we’ve developed an introspective approach to music.”

Sarah McLachlan on her ideal Canada Day:

“As long as I’m on the ocean I’m happy. There’s been a number of Canada Days where I’m performing. (This year my family is) just going to be at the beach, have a barbecue and hopefully have a house full of people. If I’m not working, it’s definitely a family event.”

Sound of Your Heart singer Shawn Hook on a memorable Canada Day:

“When I’m not performing I just like to go to the lake. I grew up in a small town just outside of Nelson, B.C., and a bunch of my friends would go tubing down the Slocan River and just relax.”