An enchanting afternoon with Evalyn Parry
Evalyn Parry is a queer and quirky Canadian artist who provides her audiences with a refreshingly adept spin on social and environmental issues ranging from pesticides, same-sex marriage, to feminine hygiene products. Evalyn is smart, sexy, and ever-so-committed to the very causes that make all true left-wingers salivate with lust. The messages, which are serious, timely and urgent, are seamlessly woven into catchy songs and spoken-word pieces that can be used as fuel – or ammunition, depending on who they are played to.
In her latest album, Unreasonable, Evalyn tackles the commercialization of every aspect of our society, including queer liberation. In the last few years same sex marriage has been legalized in jurisdictions from coast to coast to coast. And the private sector has wasted no time in cashing in on it all. In March 2004, Evalyn appeared on CBC’s Market Place, as the irreverent bride-to-be, decrying the astronomical costs of weddings. Instead of falling into the commercial traps that surround modern weddings (limos, cakes etc.), Evalyn went for a more down-to-earth wedding.
In September 2004, much to the heartbreak of womyn everywhere, the self-declared “Empress of Menstrual Madness” exchanged vows with her long-time partner. They showed up in true Evalyn Parry style – on a bike, and ended the happy day with what Evalyn describes as “the best potluck ever.”
These days Evalyn is busy serenading audiences across the continent with her “it’s about damn time someone said that” kind of messages. In a brown turtleneck and black cargo pants that she bought at Zellers, Evalyn Parry stepped into Peterborough’s trademark café, The Only, as if she owned the place.
“I’m just waking up,” confessed the British Columbian-born singer. “I’m glad you pushed for an interview later in the afternoon. I had a really late night.” In the midst of smoke, a rude waiter, and very loud chatter, Evalyn took the time to reflect upon her illustrious life and a career that has boosted her over the queer moon.
Music and art are in her genes. Her father played in a Celtic medieval band and had a PhD in theatre; her mother writes and performs pieces about folklore for school children. Her family’s strong grounding in the performance arts really rubbed off on the budding performer.
“When I was growing up I went to a lot of folk festivals and the theatres,” said Evalyn. “I am formally trained in theatres and have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Concordia University. I also underwent training at the Royal Conservatory of Music.” Outside of the academy, Evalyn has mastered a plethora of musical instruments and techniques. She began playing the flute as a child, and eventually taught herself to play the guitar.
Evalyn soon discovered that music and theatre could be powerful vehicles for political expression. Her career was influenced by Billy Bragg, Joni Mitchell, and Ani Difranco.
“Ani came into stardom when I was in my first year of university,” states Evalyn. “There is definitely a sense of letting your mind bloom by these revolutionary people.” However, don’t expect to hear Ani on one of her CDs. “I don’t feel that what I do is like Ani. You can’t hear her influence on my work.”
Like many artists, Evalyn is influenced by her own day-to-day experiences. “As a writer you always collect thoughts, lives, words, and experiences,” reflects the multi-faceted Evalyn. “Any writer observes the world and their own experiences in the world.”
In recent years Evalyn has found political inspiration in her own backyard. “There was a debate in Toronto about the use of pesticides on lawns. I was so riled about the issue that I wrote ‘Weed Free,’ which is a reactionary piece.” Many of her songs (including ‘Weed Free’) require Evalyn to do a great deal of research on the topic in question. However, some of her work, such as ‘Bucket of Time,’ which is about a the complete meltdown of a relationship, is more introspective and personal. “My other material can be about a present, personal place.”
“I started out doing political music. As I developed, my work became subtler and less political. It’s empowering, a way to connect to a very political audience. It’s like preaching to the converted. Many people are into what I am singing. I get a great reaction from my fans who feel that I sing about issues in an eloquent way. In a sense there are not many of us out there.”
Evalyn’s work is rich, elaborate, and deep. It has a message, a motive, and carries with it the talent, hard work, and ingenuity of one incredible person.