MW
Martha Wainwright
26quotes
Martha Wainwright
Singer-Songwriter and Musician
Martha Wainwright is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician known for her raw, emotive voice and poignant songwriting style. Born on May 7, 1976, in New York City, Wainwright has built a reputation as one of the most compelling and innovative artists of her generation.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Martha Mary Wainwright is often referred to by her first name or initials (M.M.W.). Her siblings, Loudon Wainwright III and Rufus Wainwright, are also well-known musicians, contributing to a musical legacy that spans multiple generations of the Wainwright family.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 7, 1976
Nationality and Profession(s)
Canadian singer-songwriter and musician
Wainwright's music defies categorization, blending elements of folk, rock, and chamber pop to create a unique sound that is both introspective and expansive. Her songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, and identity, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of musicians, Wainwright was exposed to music from an early age. She began performing at local venues as a teenager, developing her skills as a singer and songwriter alongside her siblings. After completing her studies, Wainwright moved to Montreal, where she continued to hone her craft and build a reputation as a rising talent.
Major Accomplishments
Wainwright's breakthrough album, Martha Wainwright (2005), was met with widespread critical acclaim, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Recording. Subsequent releases, including I Know You're Married (2008) and Santo Domingo (2012), have solidified her position as a leading figure in contemporary music.
Notable Works or Actions
Wainwright's commitment to social justice has led her to collaborate with organizations such as Amnesty International and the Canadian Women's Foundation. Her advocacy for women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues is reflected in her music, which often addresses themes of empowerment and self-discovery.
Impact and Legacy
As a singer-songwriter, Wainwright's impact extends beyond her own music. She has inspired a new generation of artists to explore the boundaries of folk and pop, paving the way for innovative collaborations and genre-bending projects. Her influence can be heard in the work of artists such as St. Vincent and Lykke Li, who have cited Wainwright as a key inspiration.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Martha Wainwright's dedication to her craft, combined with her willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions, has made her one of the most respected and beloved artists of her generation. Her music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art and activism.
Through her remarkable journey, Martha Wainwright has proven herself to be a true original – a visionary artist whose legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
Quotes by Martha Wainwright
"
I'm not very prolific. I'm not good at sitting down as an artist and saying 'Okay, I need to put in my four hours today.'
"
I tried to find a way out in many ways, but it all caught up with me. Once I realised I could sing and write songs, it was just so much easier to do than anything else!
"
I play in bars all the time in the States, so I'm kind of used to it. I've just got off the road with the family in Australia, and I enjoyed it but it feels really good to be getting back to doing this stuff.
"
If there's one thing that differentiates me from the rest of my family it's the rock element. I hung out with friends who like punk rock a lot. Not getting a big record deal, and having a hard time for years, it means you have to prove yourself and scratch your way up from nothing.
"
It can often happen that motherhood can really stop a lot of women in their tracks and I wanted to try and keep working through that as much as I could.
"
I went to college and stage school, and thought about acting, but... I just don't like actors very much! They're not as fun as musicians.
"
I have learned to write about things that are personal without objectifying anybody or anything, and that's been an important lesson for me. It's useful not to dump on people while simultaneously expressing a truth or a feeling if it's necessary, without diluting the intensity of the lyric.
"
I've spent the first part of my life in the shadow of my family. I'm not going to live in the shadow of my husband.
"
I always seem to write personal songs; that's always been my go-to thing, to write about what I'm experiencing.
"
I wanted to be heard myself, which is hard in a household of people who were very showy. It forced me to find myself and define a personality and a way of being different, and that's a thing that's going to help me to survive in a world of many people playing the guitar.
Showing 1 to 10 of 26 results