FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– September 11, 2024
West Vancouver, BC—The West Vancouver Memorial Library is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sam Lynch as its inaugural Sound Artist in Residence. This pioneering residency continues the Library’s tradition of serving as a creative hub, fostering a vibrant community centred around music for over a decade, thanks to a generous bequest in support of music from the estate of Robert Leslie Welsh through the Library Foundation.
Sam Lynch, an acclaimed Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, musician, and producer, is celebrated for her exploration of profound themes such as existence, isolation, and introspection, reminiscent of her influences like Feist. Her award-winning songwriting, including the 2022 Western Canadian Music Award for “Songwriter of the Year,” has firmly established her as a leading voice in Vancouver’s contemporary music scene.
Lynch is excited about this residency because it offers a unique blend of community engagement and personal creative work. “What drew me to this opportunity was the chance to work closely with the community, create new music, and share the insights I’ve gained through my professional journey,” she explains.
While at the Library, Lynch will divide her time between advancing her own musical projects and providing mentorship to the Library community. As part of her residency, Lynch will access the Library’s state-of-the-art Recording Studio, equipped with industry-standard gear to work on her next album and show the public how recording and producing music in a real-life studio really works. The studio features a Control Room and a Live Room capable of accommodating up to six musicians, providing a unique opportunity for community members and artists of all levels to explore their creativity in a professional environment, free of charge.
“The idea of working at the Library is exciting because it’s a place that fosters community and creativity and provides structure around my creative process. I’ve never encountered a library with a dedicated recording studio of this capability that truly bridges the gap between a professional studio and a home recording setup,” says Lynch.
She plans to offer various programs and workshops at no cost, welcoming musicians and patrons of all skill and musical levels to use the Library’s Recording Studio.
Her residency is capped off with Behind the Curtain: What Does a Career in Music Look Like Today?, a free panel discussion on Thursday, November 14, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., where local artists, producers, and music professionals share their personal journeys in the industry. Hear firsthand about the challenges, successes, and unique paths they’ve navigated as they provide an inside look at the realities of building a music career in 2024.
Upcoming programs include:
- September 19–Meet the Sound Artist in Residence: Lynch will share insights into her current artistic process and the role of collaboration in her creative practice.
- September 27–Sweet Dreams: Create Your Recorded Lullaby or Bedtime Story: A workshop where participants will craft and record personalized lullabies under her guidance.
- October 7—The Power of Song: How Music Connects to Memory and Emotion: This interactive session will explore the emotional impact of music on our memories.
- October 17—Voice Memo to Demo: Coaching Sessions: This program will combine hands-on workshops and coaching sessions, during which Lynch helps participants turn rough voice memos into polished demos.
- October 25—Friday Night Concert: Sam Lynch – Sound Artist in Residence: Lynch will perform a selection of her work, including currently released material, songs from her upcoming album Outline (set for release in November 2024), and material developed during her time at the WVML.
- November 14—Behind the Curtain: what does a career in music look like today? An industry panel discussion will explore the current landscape of the music industry and the artist’s role within it.
Programs are now available to register on WVML’s website.
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About the West Vancouver Memorial Library
Opened on November 11, 1950, as a War Memorial, West Vancouver Memorial Library (WVML) is a municipal library governed by the BC Library Act and managed by the West Vancouver Memorial Library Board. As a shared community resource, WVML connects people with ideas, the world of imagination, and each other. WVML’s mandate is to support all people in the community, foster the joy of learning and growth, maintain a high standard of integrity, and centre community needs.
Media contact
Sarah Barton-Bridges, Head of Communications
sbarton-bridges@westvanlibrary.ca
604-925-7407