Cynthia Hamar – Light A Fire (2022)
Described by VUE Weekly as “authentic, melodic and revitalising”, singer-songwriter Cynthia Hamar brings a breath of originality to the Canadian music scene. With three studio albums, several singles, and extensive touring across Canada under her belt, Hamar has established a name for herself. Winner of the Victor-Osten Performing Arts Award (2022) and 2021 Ben River Records Songwriting Contest, her music is being praised by notable industry professionals. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Light A Fire’.
Following the well-received single ‘Shaken’, Hamar brings a toe-tapping country vibe to her indie-folk style in ‘Light A Fire’. Interestingly enough, while her work is mostly folk, the new single slithers from country to more reggae-influenced vibes with the intriguing melodic arrangement. Working with session musicians Jamie Cooper, Chris Andrews, Joel Schwartz and Paul Johnston (who also produced the track), ‘Light A Fire’ is a beautiful mishmash of acoustic instrumentation. In its acoustic flavour, ‘Light A Fire’ does have a tinge of simplicity; however, it is packaged in a kaleidoscopic bubble lifting your heart and sending you off on a fluffy sonic cloud.
While the melody itself shows eclecticism, it is Hamar’s unique vocals that add obscurity to ‘Light A Fire’. In the same vein as Carol King, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, although a tad more upbeat, this naturally talented songstress brings an inimitable indie-folk flair to the new single. What I find intriguing is how the joviality of the tune so aptly expresses the overall message of empowerment. Hamar explains that she “…wrote this feeling extremely burnt out struggling with ambition. I was thinking how a tiny spark can set a whole forest on fire and I wrote the melody attempting to kindle some fresh creative joy inside me.”
Sincere, sentimental, genuine and heartfelt, Cynthia Hamar shares her sophisticated sound in ‘Light A Fire’.
For more from Cynthia Hamar check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
