Montreal singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright dropped by the Global News Morning studios Tuesday morning, to perform a song from her new album Goodnight City.
But before belting out the lyrics to Around the Bend, Wainwright shared her memories of another Montreal artist and dear friend — the legendary Leonard Cohen.
WATCH BELOW: How Leonard Cohen inspired the inspirers
Wainwright remembers discovering his music when she was 14-years-old.
“I discovered his cassette I’m your Man, it was lying around the house,” she said. “I played it obsessively.”
She later became good friends with Cohen’s daughter Lorca, spending a lot of time with the family.
READ MORE: Global National correspondents share their favourite Leonard Cohen songs
Wainwright said Cohen has had a huge influence on her music, but she is especially thankful for the long conversations and good advice.
The best advice he gave her: “To not sell your publishing, if you can avoid it.”
Cohen also reminded her to stay true to herself.
“Do what feels right in your heart,” he told her.
That’s something Wainwright strives to do in her new album.
“There’s a lot of songs on there about my kids,” she said. “I wrote half the songs and then the other half were written by friends and family with me in mind.”
READ MORE: Rufus Wainwright admits sister Martha may be more talented
Fans of the singer might be happy to know that her children could one day follow in her footsteps.
“They love to perform,” Wainwright said. “They see a stage and they run for it…they’re hams is really what they are.”
Wainwright said watching them perform is a joy.
“They are very funny,” she said. “And that is the greatest thing to watch.”
While you won’t get to see her kids perform any time soon, Wainwright hits the stage Wednesday evening at the Rialto Theatre.
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