About
Issa (Formerly known as Jane Siberry)
Label: Sheeba Records
The Canadian songstress with the gorgeous voice and fascinating, unpredictable and decidedly offbeat stage presence has gone through a massive life change since she last played Victoria.
This past June, Siberry changed her name to Issa and rid herself of most of her earthly possessions. She disposed
of her house, her car, her electric guitar, her master recordings and everything else except a handful of cardboard
boxes, in which she keeps such items as her Miles Davis collection.
Although the decision to rid oneself of all material possessions might seem wildly eccentric to some, this carefree
way of living is a comfortable fit for the enigmatic 50-year-old singer-songwriter, whose catalogue spans pop, jazz,
electronica, traditional hymns, children's lullabies and experimental sound collages (including snippets from yoga
classes, voicemail messages and cab rides).
During a career that was launched with the release of Jane Siberry in 1981 and No Borders Here in 1984, but really
took off in 1993 with her breakthrough album When I Was A Boy (featuring a duet with k.d. lang on Calling All
Angels), the quirky artist now known as Issa has written about flying cows and squirrels crossing a highway,
recorded a critically praised album with Bryan Ferry, collaborated with everyone from Peter Gabriel to Barney the
Dinosaur, been featured on numerous film and television soundtracks (Pedro Almodovar's Talk to Her and HBO's
Six Feet Under among them) and founded her own label, SHEEBA Records.
The only constant rhythm in her eclectic repertoire has been a fearless quest for independence and innovation. So
in many respects, this bold plunge into a new phase of life actually looks more like a seamless transition.
“It may not be right for everyone, but it feels good for me. It feels more in line with the planet,” says Issa, speaking in
hushed tones and pausing frequently.
“I do believe the consciousness of the planet is changing, the vibrations are rising a little bit,” she adds matter-of-
factly.
“Maybe it's because I'm in the public eye and talking about what I've done, but I see signs all around. People come
forward and tell me they are getting rid of things and changing their careers or quitting their jobs without a safety
net. Instead of going inch by inch, they've decided to take a big leap.”
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Vancouver East Cultural Centre