In Canada, singer-songwriter Holly McNarland has it all: rave reviews for her full-length debut Universal album, “Stuff”; heavy video and air play for the single “Numb,” and sell-out shows.
The United States is playing catch-up since its stateside release in early October.
“We’re working on it,” McNarland said recently. “We’ll be doing a few shows with the Wallflowers, so we’re just trying to get good opening slots. The more you play, the more people will hear you. The other stuff will work itself out.”
Canada was introduced to McNarland’s striking voice a year ago with the EP “Sour Pie,” and that led to inevitable comparisons to fellow Canadian Sarah McLachlan.
“We both play honest music; that’s the thing we most have in common,” McNarland said. “But I think most of the comparisons were made for ‘Sour Pie.’ It was really pretty and melodic. But ‘Stuff’ is a lot more moody and introspective. It has more of an edge to it.
“Whenever anyone gets big like Sarah, you start getting compared to them, because they have broken a lot of ground. Some people are saying that I’m a lot like Alanis (Morissette), but I’m nothing like her. I am my own person, and I write about things that are important to me.”
McNarland can’t make any predictions about her prospects in the United States.
“It’s all a crap shoot, really,” she said. “But I know it’s a really good record, and that’s all that matters.”
BWF (before we forget): McNarland was named best new solo artist at the 1998 Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys. … Fans can find her on the Web @ www.hollymcnarland.com.