photo by Jen Squires
- Artist Name: Harrow Fair (Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner)
- Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Miranda: Besides our new single, “Sins We Made (Acoustic),” Andrew and I are currently working on music for a theatre piece about The Great War that will premiere on Remembrance Day. I am very involved in artist advocacy and have been speaking all over the world at various forums like the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Trade Organization (although currently on Zoom) about fair remuneration for creators and the importance of copyright.
Andrew: I’m producing a few albums for other people and am performing in a livestreamed concert around Halloween called “Ghost Quartet” that I’m also music directing.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Andrew: I sang in choirs and played in bands as a kid. Music has always been there, and when I started making a living from it, I felt (and still do) so lucky.
Miranda: I’m not sure it was ever a choice for me. I started singing before I could talk and playing violin at age 4, but I’ve switched genres for sure. When I was 16, I wanted to be on Broadway, then at 20 I wanted to sing at La Scala, but I think I’ve found a home in roots/Americana… for now anyway. It just has to feel authentic.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
Andrew: Weatherman or shoeshiner
Miranda: Andrew is already a weatherman. I would be Governor General. There is still time!
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Andrew: Walking, cooking, tennis
Miranda: Cooking, reading, wine drinking, yoga
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Andrew: Tina Turner
Miranda: Domhnall Gleeson (swoon)
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Andrew: Detroit Tigers
Miranda: SPORTS!
What is the last movie that you watched?
Andrew: “A Hidden Life.”
Miranda: I’m not sure I’ve seen a full movie in a while, but I just finished the FANTASTIC French spy series, “Le Bureau.”
What is the last album you listened to?
Andrew: Sufjan Stevens “Ascension.”
Miranda: Ray LaMontagne “Monotone,” and Vikingur Olafson “Debussy-Rameau.”
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Andrew: I’m pretty sure no matter the album, that would be torture. (Stevie Wonder “Songs In The Key Of Life”)
Miranda: Emmylou Harris “Wrecking Ball”
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Andrew: Mississippi Sheiks’ “Sitting On Top Of The World” or Dolly Parton‘s “Jolene.”
Miranda: John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” or Iris Dement’s “Our Town”
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Andrew: Philadelphia and Belfast are up in the favourites for sure!
Miranda: Edinburgh and Istanbul
What is your favorite meal?
Andrew: cheese, some bread with butter, and an apple.
Miranda: steak tartare and frites with mayonnaise on the side and a good bottle of Cote du Rhone .
Who is your dream duet partner?
Andrew: Tina Turner (…and Miranda, of course) .
Miranda: Um… Andrew? Or also Ray LaMontagne
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Andrew: Mavis Staples, Shovels and Rope, Jack White, The Jayhawks, Tami Neilson.
Miranda: SAME! Calexico would be fun, too.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
Andrew: Same as it ever was. To keep excited about learning and creatively growing. Also, I want Harrow Fair to play Austin City Limits.
Miranda: I would like to always be able to feel challenged and stimulated creatively. I’d like for Harrow Fair to play the Tonder Festival in Denmark.