Sarah McLachlan here on reddit. Ask me anything. Fire away!

no question, just wanted to curse you for making this grown man cry whenever I see your SPCA commercials

Sorry sweetie.

I'd like to say thank you for dedicating the song "hold on" to my mom at one of your concerts. It meant so so much to her. We lost her in October after a 3 year courageous battle of breast cancer and I truly believe your music got her through the most difficult of times. She was buried in on of your concert shirts by her request, she really did love you. So thank you Sarah.

Wow. Makes me feel good to know that I was there with you and her in some small way during such a difficult & Important time.

Someone said that it didn't look like I'd aged a day in 20 years, but deleted their comment, so here's my reply: Bless you! Bless you!

I don't know? I don't drink, I don't smoke, I eat really healthy, I work out pretty consistently, and I think perhaps most importantly, I'm grateful every day. And I don't know, the whole thing about beauty comes from within, and when you meet someone and their eyes are shining and they smile, they might have really crooked teeth but there's something that emanates from them, it's just beautiful. Hell, I don't know? I barely remember to put sunscreen on most days. Let's call it good genes. That probably plays a big part in it. I have really oily skin, I was told by a dermatologist that it's a good thing even though it drives me nuts.

I surf. I do a lot of things that bring me joy. And I'm so lucky, I love my job. I have so many things that bring me joy.

Sarah, 'Surfacing' was one of the first CDs I ever bought when I was younger and I used to listen to it all the time (probably around when I was in middle school). I told my friends this recently and they all made fun of me. Now when the ASPCA commercials come on they poke fun at me.

Can you reply and leave a message saying it's not a weird thing for a 12 year old boy to listen to Sarah McLachlan all the time? That way I can show them some proof that I wasn't a huge weirdo. Thanks!

Absolutely. I think it's wonderful you were listening to my music, and they're not really your friends if they can't support your musical tastes.

Tell 'em fuck off from me. :)

Anyone that picks on someone for their taste in music probably is insecure about something they listen to. I've got "cool" music on my iPod but I've got plenty of cheesy stuff like Celine Dion and Kelly Clarkson too. Like what you like--you're listening to it for your enjoyment and no one else's.

I love you, that's a perfect answer.

For me, it was "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" and I was in high school. I took my copy of that CD with me as one of my few "personal items" when I was in basic training, and again when I deployed as a peacekeeper to Bosnia.

There's no rule saying that Sarah's fans aren't allowed to be badasses.

Fuckin' A! Glad to be there with you.

Sarah! My uncle built your home in Whistler.. Do you like it?

Yes, it's glorious.

Not sure how to ask this politely but I'll try. Early on in your career a few of your videos featured you naked (tastefully covered of course). Looking back, are you proud of those expressions, any embarrassment at all? And what does Sarah now think of Sarah then? Thanks for the music :)

Back then, I viewed nudity not as a sexual tool but as a statement of openness and vulnerability. That being said, I was very young and naive, but I wouldn't have done it any differently. I think for me it came from a place of innocence. Women have been sexualizing themselves since the beginning of time, and I hope the way I represented myself was different than that. And I don't believe in regret, it's a waste of time.

Hello Sarah!

I once heard that the song "Possession" was about a stalker, NOT a romantic relationship. Is that true?

Yup.

And you wouldn't believe how many people use that song for their wedding. And I just smile quietly to myself. Like "oh, that's nice."

Hi Sarah. Those ASPCA commercials bum me out so I change the channel. Just thought you should know. Is there gonna be a Lilith Fair reunion?

Well, I think we already answered that but nothing in the works. And I change the channel too. It's the kitten with the droopy eye, or the 3-legged dog, bless them, it kills me.

You heard it here first. Sarah Mclachlan ruins even Sarah Mclachlan's day.

Wow, you need a hug.

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for doing this AMA!

How did your collaboration with Delirium come about? And what interested you in making “Silence” with Delirium?

I wanted to challenge myself. It was a genre I didn't know much about, and I knew the boys from also living in Vancouver, and they asked me to be a part of it, so I thought it would be fun.

Did you enjoy working on Portlandia?

I loved it. I loved the challenge. I was quite nervous because I had no aspirations to be an actor, but I wanted to do it. And Amy was wonderful, she was really very kind to me because I was quite nervous and had no idea what to do or how to ad lib, and she made me very comfortable, so that was a lot of fun.

Hi Sarah,

I have listened to you since I was a 17 year old boy in the military. You helped me get through allot of growth. Your music is the soundtrack to my marriage and all its ups and downs. Songs like I Love You, Answer, and Hold On, are timeless. I love how you've stayed true to your style. I just wanted to let you know that you have touched my life with your art.

Thank you. That's so sweet of you.

Hi Sarah, and thanks very much for doing this AMA!

How do you feel about the fact that a lot of people seem to misinterpret the lyrics to "Angel"? I've seen it used as part of a child's memorial before, and I'm really not sure how I feel about that.

I don't mind at all that the song gets used for many different uses. I think once an artist puts a song out there, it becomes open to interpretation, and I purposefully leave a certain amount of ambiguity in songs so that people can relate the songs to themselves and to their stories.

And it's for me, it's a great validation as an artist to know that something I've created has gone out there in the world and helped people to heal, or to feel something, in a profound way like that.

Do you still feel that love is better than ice cream?

Just watch Moulin Rouge. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love is everything. Love is what makes the world go round. So hell yeah.

Do you and DMC still keep in touch? I was moved by his story of connecting with you through your music.

I haven't talked to him in a long while, but he's certainly in my heart. He's a lovely man. And thank you for reminding me I should reach out to him and say hi.

Sarah, when I lost my little boy your amazing song In the Arms of an Angel gave me great comfort. Thank you so much

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how hard that must be.

What was it like working with Pixar on Toy Story 2? Your scene made an 18 year old dude cry by the way.

Randy Newman is an incredible songwriter. Genius. Funny story: when that song came through our office, my manager said "you're probably not going to like this." And so I listened to it, and I started crying right away, because Randy Newman singing that song reminded me of Kermit the Frog singing "It's not Easy Being Green." So I instantly fell in love with it, and I got to tell Randy that story, and he loved it too.

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I used to do standup on my front porch. My audience was the neighborhood kids. I also used to eat mud pies. I was infamous for eating mud pies.

Were they... made of... mud?

Um... yeah? And probably other things as well. I was such a weird kid.

Hi Sarah! Was it hard to make the new album?

Yes. Yes, it was tough. I've never been prolific, and having 2 small kids and trying to run a free music school at the same time turned out to be quite a challenge, as well as trying to write a record. So yes, it took some time, but thank you for being patient.

Can you tell us more about the free music school you run?

Info can be found here http://www.sarahschoolofmusic.com/

Awesome, yeah, it's a free after school music program that I started 13 years ago in Vancouver that I started for at-risk and underserved kids because music programs were being cut from the public schools. I truly believe that music plays a really important role in the development of all of us, it helps us to connect with ourselves and the world around us. And the school itself provides a safe, nurturing environment where kids can leave all their labels at the door and be free to express themselves and find their voices.

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You're welcome. Enjoy those sweet animals.

If they made a movie about your life, who would play you (other than yourself)?

Oh that's a good question. Ok, Drew Barrymore, I just think she's adorable. And she's goofy. She could play anything.

What's one thing we don't know? Either about you or a piece of trivia.

I'm terribly competitive when it comes to sports. I didn't know that about myself. I tore myself trying to be Steffie Graff trying to go after a ball a few weeks ago.

I'm like a bull with a red flag in front of me. This is why I didn't play sports as a kid, I wouldn't have had any friends.

My high school years were tolerable because of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. What album defines your high school experience?

There were a few. Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Genesis Double record, I listened to that a lot in high school, sitting by myself with the headphones on the couch with the double album in front of me, loving the rebellious Rael.

So I sing Elsewhere in the car to myself - it tends to be therapeutic- What inspired that song?

The idea behind that song was the desire to separate myself from my parents. And become my own person. And let go of the demands and expectations that they placed on me, and it's all about becoming your own person and not being held back.

Hi Sarah. Thank you first for sharing your gift with the world, you're an inspiration. I love all your music and you are my favorite artist. I wanted to know what kind of 'religion' you're involved with or associate with or call yourself? Some of your songs are seasoned with a spiritual side, to me anyways. Carpe Diem!

I don't adhere to any particular religion. I view the concept of God as an energy that we all are part of and share. If I had any spiritual leanings, it would be towards buddhism. But again, I follow my own path most of my life.

How does it feel that everyone now associates your song "Angel" with your ASPCA commercials?

It was also used in City of Angels, I think that was the first usage. The usage in the ASPCA commercials generated over $30 million dollars of donations, so I think it did a good job. I'm all about creating positive social change, so I think that worked.

Just want to say thank you for your time Sarah. You've been such an inspiration over the years. Not only for your generous philanthropy work, but also your contribution to women in the music industry. I know the last attempt didn't go over so well, but do you see another Lilith Fair in the horizon?
Also, I am giving Shine On a first listen. Brokenheart is so beautiful. Cannot wait to see you in Moncton later this year. Do you know who the supporting acts will be yet?

It's an evening with me, so the supporting act is me. Thank you for your kind words. There are no plans for a Lilith Fair anytime soon. That being said, never say never.

Hi Sarah! I have been a huge fan for over 20 years now and I know that a lot of your music is written about personal experiences. What was the most difficult song, emotionally for you to record and are there any songs that are too emotional for you to play on tour?

I get a lot of joy out of recording the songs, even if the material is of a dark subject matter. I think there's a certain amount of healthy separation between the actual subject of the song and the place I'm at when I'm singing it. A big part of the process of writing for me is working through difficult situations, things I have come up against that I am trying to sort through in my own head, and the process of writing about it puts it a little bit away from me. And allows me to see it all a bit more objectively, so even though some of the songs are heavy & dark, I often feel quite the opposite, I feel a sense of euphoria when I am singing them, thinking "Oh that was hard, but now i am here, in this much better place, and how awesome is that"

That being said, the other day, when I was talking about Song for My Father in an interview, I started bawling. I was explaining what it was about, and I absolutely just burst into tears. I think I was rather emotional that day. So you never know when it's going to hit you. That surprised me.

What sort of music do you listen to that people wouldn't expect?

I imagine you driving down the street blasting death metal and screaming the lyrics.

On occasion, Black Sabbath is the only thing that works. Or Metallica.

Do you volunteer any time at the ASPCA?

I take my daughters down and we hang out with the cats.

I like any animal, but they don't let us hang out with the dogs.

What is your favorite kind of cheese, and why?

Hard to name just one, as it is almost a food group onto itself. Asiago, mascarpone are two of my favorites, aged cheddar, triple cream, brie, OH YEAH.

I am such a big fan! Sorry I have two questions

1. Whats your favorite song you've written

2. Have you ever thought of writing an angry album? This is weird, your vocals on Dear God and Backdoor Man are so strong. I love the yell singing and I think it matched the quality of your voice so well.

I think if I tried to make a mad record, I would have no voice left, because doing those tracks nearly killed me. And I'm too happy!

Oh probably Angel.

How do you feel about South Park's portrayal of you?

I didn't see it?

Any special reason to choose the name 'Shine On' for your new album?

Yes. It speaks to not only enduring, but sucking the marrow out of every day. And shining. We all have a light within us, and it's the idea of using that to its fullest, and being the best person you can be. This is my mantra anyway.

Is there anything you want to accomplish in your music career that you haven't already?

I want to continue doing what I do. I feel incredibly blessed that i have this amazing job that I absolutely love. I can't imagine ever not doing it. And I hope to continue to make music that makes people feel.

Do you like guacamole?

Hell yeah. I had some last night with peas from the restaurant next to ABC Kitchen. Heaven!

It was unusual because the consistency of the avocado is quite strong, so are the peas, which add a great sweetness to it.

Before I start "I will remember you" is one of my favorite songs. Takes my memories back to middle school dances and other shenanigans.

Anyways, if you could do a duet with anyone living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Well, I'm all about voices. I love Ray LaMontagne. He'd be my top choice. I saw him in Central Park 2 summers ago, and as soon as he started singing, I started crying.

Favorite ice cream?

Chocolate peanut butter.

Hi Sarah!

I'm a fellow Canadian who has been fumbling toward ecstasy right along with you over the years. I'm so grateful for your music, and I'm glad you're back with a new album!

My first question is about the Disney movie Frozen. Did you see it? What did you think of it?

(EDIT: Removed cynical tacked-on questions.)

I've seen it 12 times. On the airplane. I think it's one of the best animated films ever made. I think the songs are incredible, I think they're intelligent and well-crafted, and I absolutely love that true love's kiss was her sister's true love and not the traditional female-in-distress save me by the big burly man. I think it was a wonderful message for girls. So yeah, love it.

Hi! I am an Italian fan I wanna ask.. Would you sing again with Josh Groban? How has been singing with him angel?

Josh has a delicious voice and is such a sweet man. I'm sure the opportunity will present itself again. In the meantime, I hope to see you soon! A la prossima volta!

Your songs are awesome and instantly recognizable. It's pretty amazing and an amazing accomplishment.

Have you ever adopted any of the animals from those commercials?

No, the animals from the commercials already have homes. But I have adopted cats from the SPCA.

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Thank you! I loved making that Christmas record. I might do another one.

Hi!

What is the weirdest experience you've had with a fan?

Most of my fans are really amazing and really nice & open and friendly, so I can't really think of any particularly weird experience. I've been asked to sign some unusual body parts, with the idea that they were going to go off and get my name tattooed on it.

Good morning Sarah,

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Or neither? Do you have any pets?

Thanks!

Love both cats and dogs. Right now, I just have my one chocolate lab, who is 14.

What is your favorite Boardgame?

Don't really have one. But my kids and I play a lot of cards.

I have two questions:

• What is your favorite song and album at the moment?

• What is your favorite dessert?

Thank you.

My Desert Island CD, if that is what you're asking, would be Talk Talk Spirit of Eden.

Probably chocolate eclairs. It's got a bit of all the good things - pastries, fat cream, chocolate.

Would you consider letting a 25 year old take you to lunch. Not in a romantic way, just so he can say he took Sarah McLachlan to lunch?

No. But thank you for asking.

Hi Sarah. Thank you for sharing your gift of singing with us. Would not have survived college with out it. I have two questions.

1.) Favorite Meal to cook? 2.) favorite place to paddle board?

Favorite meal to cook, i'm all about comfort food, so it would probably be something really fattening but with lots of veggies. Homemade mac & cheese, maybe Chicken Cacciatore, with a huge caesar salad on it that has so much cheese you can hardly see the salad. With lots of veggies.

Desolation Sound in BC.

But who wants to write when you're happy?

so do you look for things to make you sad and then write songs about them? or do they just naturally come about?

No, life is happy to present all sorts of trials and tribulations. I just tend not to look too hard for them. But they appear nonetheless.

Sarah, I've decided to start a folk-rock project. What should I name it?

I'd need more information.

Hi. What's the theme of your new album Shine On?

Well, it's hard to wrap it up into a nice little package in an environment like this, but love, loss, lust, passion, forgiveness, rebirth, all that good juicy stuff.

Which of your songs is the most personal to you?

Off the new record, Surrender and Certainty is very close to the bone. As is Song for My Father.

Where is your favourite place to play a concert -- put another way, where is the best place to see you perform :)

I love playing outside. I love beautiful environments. But I also love gorgeous old theaters that are full of history. So too many places to name.

This is funny--I just rediscovered Manufacture's "As the End Draws Near", which I listened to a great deal in college. Your vocals on it are just gorgeous. Nettwerk had such a great roster of talent (they still do). May I ask who are some of the bands/people you've enjoyed working with the most?

I enjoyed working with Delirium. My favorite person to work with is Pierre Marchand, who has written with me and produced most of my records for the last 25 years.

Did you ever find yourself walking through Lilith Fair and think, 'Dear Jesus, what have I done?'

Not really? Except what am I a part of, and that was always pretty much a positive thing. I got to feel like I was part of something much bigger than myself which was amazing.

Sarah, thanks to you I have a permanent reflex to bolt for a TV remote every time I hear the song "Angel" because if even one of those little puppy faces makes it to the screen before I turn the channel, my girlfriend is reduced to a crying mess.

So my question is, if a person wanted to make a commercial that would make Sarah McLachlan cry every time she saw it, what would the subject matter be, and what music would you put it to?

Thank you for your work with ASPCA, and I appreciate the super bowl commercial that brought a little humor to a very serious subject.

I never quite know what sets me off. But anything to do with older people. Like when they show those pictures of older people getting abused by their care workers or something like that, I'm instantly enraged and a bloody mess. Because we're all going to be there one day, in that vulnerable position, and you just have to hope there are people around you to protect you.

So it would be something for helping out elderly people.

Or being kind. But kindness makes me cry too. When you see a random act of kindness, it makes me cry but in a totally different kind of way.

Hi Sarah McLachlan,

Thank you so much for doing this AMA! I just wanted to express my gratitude for you and your music. I've been enamored with you since Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, and your music has been a soundtrack to my life. I really enjoy the distinct sound that you developed with "Shine On." I have seen you during your Afterglow Tour, and I look forward to seeing you in Dallas later this year!

Question: You've talked about how your songs have different meanings for different people because of your emotional lyrics. What are some of other people's interpretations of your songs that have moved you?

I mentioned this before, but one of the most amazing validations that an artist can have is to have a person you don't know come up to you and tell you a story about a song that you've written that has helped them through a difficult time in their lives. And "Angel" is one of those songs that has seemingly entered into many people's lives in many different ways. I've heard of it being played at a lot of funerals, and in particular daughters playing it for their parents as they pass, and to be involved in those heavy and beautiful and important moments in people's lives in some small way, is a really intense and powerful thing. It's a validation thing, that something I put out in the world has made a difference in people's lives.

Hello Sarah, Amazon says my copy of Shine On is in the mail!

I was able to catch your "& Friends" tour in Austin and Chicago a few years ago, and thanks you to, I was introduced to Whitehorse. Is your "Shine On" tour going to be in the same style, or will it be a more traditional tour?

Also, what's the most visually impressive yoga position you can do? Which is the hardest to actually maintain?

Shine On tour is going to be an evening with. I'm going to continue to try to engage and bring in the audience on a more intimate level. So I will be taking questions from the hat again, and also contemplating bringing some of the audience up on stage to participate.

Side Crow is fun to pull out at parties.

What song of yours means the most to you and why?

After already answering that Angel is my favorite song, I feel like i have to say it's like saying I like one kid better than the other. It's really difficult.

Which song of yours is your favorite to sing live? You're songs are incredible. You are beautiful inside and out. Keep it up! God bless!

Depends on the day. Depends on my mood. I love singing In Your Shoes. Because the message is so positive. And there's a moment in the song where it takes off and it just feels euphoric and that's a great feeling. But also Beautiful Girl, which is more contemplative, but reminds me of the beautiful and difficult path we have to walk as parents, and how worth it it is.