We usually rely on lyrics and melodies to make our point (and we sometimes hide behind humour when our emotions make us uncomfortable), but New Year’s seems like a time for honesty, so here goes: We honestly can’t thank you all enough for your continued enthusiasm. Cheers to everyone, from the audience members who sing harmonies to the array of people behind the scenes. Your love has meant more to us than you know.

The year’s end has also reminded us that sometimes, when you put your heart on display, people see themselves in your veins. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that “Don’t Be Subtle,” from “Die to the Past,” is in The Gazette’s Top 5 Songs of 2011!

So, whatever you’ve chosen as your resolution for 2012*, do it with fervor, laughter, patience, and grace.

And whatever it is you do, don’t be subtle.

Happy New Year!

*Some of the best resolutions are the ones you can easily keep. Example: “I will stop playing Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ when I am already sad,” or “I will stop judging people who don’t floss.” Feel free to share your quirky resolution!

Die to the Past: The Superwoman in the Making Disrobes

The superwoman in the making is finally disrobing, relinquishing not only her cape, but everything else. On her new full-length album, “Die to the Past,” Amanda Mabro is naked…and not just in the way you’re thinking.

“Die to the Past,” to be released October 14th, 2011 at Cabaret du Mile End, features Amanda at her most vulnerable: “This is the most personal thing I’ve ever shared publicly,” she says. Beginning with the song “Moments are Bubbles,” this concept album examines the issues of memory, identity and spots of time: Are we simply an amalgamation of our experiences? Do our memories define us? Or, are we able to throw that stuff away, let go of our baggage, and become whoever we want, whenever we want? The questions posed, stories told and universes created by “Die to the Past” function in the same way as memories do: they are separate and yet interwoven, and Amanda is earnestly trying to make sense of it all.

Matching lyrical content with vocal delivery, the approach to the recording of this album paralleled its theme: it is one that celebrates the times we fall short, fall down, fall back and fall away, and with this in mind, absolutely no autotune was used. “Die to the Past” takes a stand against this tool that has become the industry standard in the last 10 years, and, says Amanda, “embodies a different time in music when people’s humanity was valued over sonic perfection.” Recorded over 900+ hours at the historic Studio Victor, this poprock n’ soul-cabaret cocktail presents Amanda’s vocal prowess in the buff. She just might make you blush.

Come help us kick off this new chapter in the story of the band at their Montreal record launch, Friday, October 14th, at Cabaret du Mile End (5240 Parc) at 9pm. Opening the show will be neo-soul guest Nadia Bashalani and cabaret-folk artist Brie Neilson (of The Unsettlers). Tickets are available on ADMISSION

P.S. Check out Amanda nerding out about all things related to singing and songwriting, as well as performing a solo rendition of “Moments are Bubbles” at Studio Victor!

Press Release - MABRO JOINS ANTI-AUTOTUNE MOVEMENT AND LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM…

Communiqué de Presse – Amanda Mabro lance son nouvel album “Die To The Past” et dénonce l’utilisation d’auto tune…

My forth coming release “Die To The Past” is complete after countless bleary eyed trips between Montreal and Toronto, crazy bouts of insomnia and 900+ hours of work at RCA Studio Victor. It is DONE DONE DONE and I can’t wait to freakin’ share it!

This is the most personal thing I’ve ever shared publicly. I am naked on this thing. Literally.

The 15 tracks on “Die To The Past” explore whether our memories define us or if in every moment that we’re alive, we can experience a sort of rebirth. Combining rock n’ soul sounds with a little cabaret noire thrown into the mix, this record is lush with musical arrangements and lyrics that will land on your heart and squeeeze. Apologies.

I hope you like it as much as we do. Here are 4 tunes you can take for a test drive: LISTEN!

The band and I hope you come hear the rest live at our release show:

A Toronto date is coming very soon!

Big love to all the people who said “Mabs, what the F*ck are you doing?!”

Join more than 70,000 young Canadians who’ve already pledged to vote on May 2nd - http://on.fb.me/iwillvote2011

Regardless, I keep producing this show and now that I’m met with my annual “why am I doing this?” moment, the answer is really simple…it matters to me.  Admittedly, I’ve always loved the idea of bringing people together and I love it even more when it involves creative work outside societal norms. Most of the WAWA artists are industry veterans in their own right and I believe they accept to be part of WAWA because it represents something that matters to them too: community and collaboration. There are very few gigs out there that provide an artist with that…feeling. The only other place I get to experience it, is with my band, close friends, and family.

It is increasingly possible for artists to be the maker of their own success while doing things on their own creative terms; a sustainable career is in some ways not so out of reach when you’re willing to play many different roles. Add to that the willingness to share your network and offer up real support to your peers, and you really have something. The WAWA Show was and still is a vehicle for me to communicate to other artists “Let’s share what we have on both the creative and business front and see what happens?!” When you find the right people, this not only works, but you form strong ties with people you can truly rely on. These ties insert a certain magic and chemistry into creative projects that money simply cannot buy. I feel lucky to have formed so many invaluable relationships with my peers. They have contributed to my development greatly and continue to be the major force behind WAWA.

Also, early experiences I had with my first “high budget” concert were another major motivator in the continuation and growth of the WAWA show.   The concert was a total disaster back stage; people weren’t communicating or showing any real interest in each other, a stage hand helping me was a nervous wreck because of an angry producer who loved shouting, there was a performer complaining loudly about not having her battery pack mic when there were other performers going on before her that didn’t have their’s, a manager of a famous singer who will not be named asked that everyone clear the back stage because she was coming, and countless production assistants dressed like ninjas were running around like frantic chickens. Some might say it was a disappointing taste of reality, but it made me feel strangely empowered. Here were people with tons of dough and no show to show…well barely.  It confirmed to the post teenage me that it was possible to build something great with very little. Having the budget and infrastructure, though great when used well, isn’t everything.

In addition, WAWA showed (insert dorky girlish teehee here) me that the support that comes from women for other women has an ineffable undeniable quality. If I were to try and define it, I’d say it tends to create a sense of comfort and understanding that encourages one to push forward with more gusto!  Said support, is necessary whether we like to admit to it or not.   With WAWA I can openly and honestly say that artists need other strong artists and women need other strong women!

I’ve had some friends say they find it less empowering to focus on women rather then just treat them like they are the same as men, that you end up marginalizing them.  Though I can understand that point of you, I think it’s important not to shy away from admitting there is a difference. Men don’t get pregnant or suffer from crazy monthly mood swings. There are many differences and ultimately those can be felt in the presence of other women who are a positive force in our lives.  To deny that, as though it’s just non-existent or trite, is just plain silly.   After having spoken to many of my girlfriends, I was relieved to find out they could relate and that I was not imagining things. They too were craving relationships with women they could trust and feel inspired by and found it difficult to find them.

Like all collaborations, there will be people who are high maintenance, but the people who actually DO stuff and expect very little in return humble me.  They seemingly operate on a “you get what you give” kind of mentality and can see the bigger picture. They make me want to shed light on the things that matter most and are often missing in an artist’s career and life; unification and measurable support from your peers. “The WAWA Show!” is just that. Exclamation point and all.

Show your support!  Show your enthusiasm! The WAWA Show! Website

WAWA in MONTREAL Feb 26th, 2011 as part of the Montreal Highlights Festival @ Theatre Gesu!

Featuring the music of:  Amanda Mabro, Mirjana Milovanovic, The Goodlovelies!
Circus hosts Krin Haglund & Andreane Leclerc
Photography by Andree Anne Handfield
Designs by Katrin Leblond

OR ON ADMISSION