There’s no rulebook for processing grief, but Sadie McFadden’s song might offer a salve for some.
Queen’s alumna Sadie McFadden, ArtSci ’22, BEd ’24, is a key figure in the Kingston music scene. Wrapping up an Ontario-wide solo tour after completing her second degree, McFadden is set to release her newest single “Grieve at 23” on Oct. 3. The song explores McFadden’s journey with grief, after the ing of her mentor, Suzanne Pasternak, in 2023.
A musician who values community connection within her art, this latest single is the first of many more tracks she hopes to release soon.
During her time at Queen’s and beyond, McFadden has reveled in connecting with the music community in Kingston. From organizing an open mic night at CoGro this summer, being a member of the Queen’s Music Club, participating in Muse Tiny Desk, and working at CFRC, this connection with Kingston creatives has remained strong both in, and out, of university life.
“I feel like I’ve always tried to like create spaces for creating, to use it in a communal setting, you know? Community is very central to what I’m doing,” McFadden said in an interview with The Journal.
Taking a year off between her two degrees, McFadden used this time to figure out how to balance her two paths. After her successful run as the lead singer for band Hinterwood, McFadden decided to shift the focus onto her solo career.
“That was kind of a decision I made on my year off […] I was also emergency supply teaching on the school board here. I decided – wow, I really enjoy teaching – and it also works really well with being a musician. So, I went back to school for it,” McFadden said in an interview with The Journal.
She used her free time this August to tour around Ontario, gaining valuable experience along the way.
“After I finished my Bachelor of Education, I just decided to take the last month and a half playing everywhere. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’ve been really appreciative for all of my friends and family and fans that have come out and been so ive of my music. It’s been a great opportunity to try out new things,” McFadden said.
From an impromptu jam-style performance with JUNO award winning jazz musicians, selling out her hometown show in Hamilton, and making unexpected connections along the way, McFadden’s tour has been a success.
With a variety of musical influences, ranging from choir singing in childhood, a high school love of rap, and inspirations from rock and blues, McFadden’s soulful voice has now settled on a sound she describes as “folk-pop-rock.”
McFadden’s single deals with the difficulties of grief, and was inspired by the loss of her mentor figure, Suzanne Pasternak. Pasternak was a close figure in McFadden’s life, musically and otherwise. Pasternak also introduced her to Kingston musician Miss Emily who continues to play a big role in her life.
The two established artists were influential in McFadden’s development as an artist. “They really taught me not to put up with sh — t, and to recognize my value as a female artist. I think that’s very important, and they just make me feel so powerful as a woman,” McFadden said.
McFadden’s song “Grieve at 23” explores the complexities of this sudden loss.
“It weighed really, really heavily on me. And so, I just needed to get it out in this song,” McFadden said.
“This song is kind of like me pleading to understand how to experience this.” McFadden said. “I want to live my life as beautifully as she has.”
McFadden’s next focus is recording and releasing more music after her recent string of shows. She has high hopes for her next records, hoping to record her song “Fallen,” soon at Port William Sound.
With a focus on community and connection woven into the fabric of her music, McFadden hopes “Grieve at 23” will resonate with those living through loss.
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