The LGBTQ+ community is filled with talented artists who have contributed to the entertainment industry for years. Perhaps you’ve heard of Emmet Michael, the young transgender recording artist who won the 2021 Edmonton Music Prize for their debut album, I Hope You’re Home.
Michael faced many obstacles in life, but they found a refuge in music. It became a safe place to explore emotions and open up about experiencing life as a transgender man, living with mental illness and battling addictions. Through music, Michael has also become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
The roots/alternative/pop artist is part of the Plaza Series’ double bill on Thursday, July 20. The second half of the bill is Amy Bishop, a Calgary-based blues/roots artist who has notched eight albums and appeared on CTV’s talent show, The Launch, in 2018.
Michael, who split their youth between Edmonton and St. Albert, had a fundamentalist Christian upbringing. Although they felt supported by their family, members of the conservative church community had issues with their sexual orientation.
“I walked away and realized music was a way to share my feelings and it’s been very therapeutic for me,” said Michael.
Although transitioning from female to male was a difficult choice, they never regretted the decision.
“The only regret I had is that I had to hide who I was. That did the most damage.”
Currently, they view Christianity through a more philosophical lens.
“I’m doing a lot of soul searching. I don’t know if there is a God, but part of my growth is accepting I don’t know the answer. The space I’m in is both beautiful and terrifying, but it opens the door to all possibilities.”
Much of Michael’s music as a trans artist is an investigation into their early faith. His first five-track EP, I See Like I Just Woke Up, was recorded from the perspective of an individual who had just ditched drugs and didn’t have it all together.
The 14-track I Hope You’re Home instead comes from asking critical questions, being more candid with oneself and finding peace.
“Some of the songs were written years ago. Some were written weeks before I went into the studio. It’s an accurate representation of my whole journey.”
Amy Bishop
Amy Bishop first exercised her vocals as a little girl singing in the car with her brothers. Later she graduated to campfires and church choirs.
But not too long ago Bishop sat down to write the song Brand New Day and the words came easily: “I was a little girl ripped in two because of something no grown man should ever do.”
She was referring to the sexual abuse she endured in childhood. The abuse was shared with few people and somehow she never imagined it would become a song for the public.
“But it was very much about me. It was raw and exposes me in a larger way. After I wrote it, I felt I had to perform it and other people felt the same way.”
Brand New Day is one track on her latest album Perfect & Broken. She compares people to a bowl that can be broken. Yet when mended, it shines with a newfound beauty.
“When I recorded the album, I went through a lot of emotions and that wasn’t easy. I could feel several emotions all at once. I could feel joyful, yet inadequate. I’m neither of those things, yet both can be true.”
Showcasing a blues/roots voice, Bishop crafts her songs with sincerity, passion and a frankness that hits the mark.
“My music has evolved over time. But I’ve always been a blues fan because of the feel in my voice. I have a gravelly, raspy voice. And I’ve learned new skills and honed my writing over time.”
“When I started writing, I didn’t have an idea who I was. I was just trying to write something good. The more I wrote, the more my songs became true to who I am and the emotions I’ve dealt with. And I make sure what I sing is something I stand behind.”
The concert is Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets are $15. A table for six is $120. Visit tickets.stalbert.ca.
