One only needs to be in the presence of Beth Hamilton and Connie Sinclair-Rossitter for a matter of seconds in order to realize that there is something special about them.
The Owen Sound residents who make up the musical duo 'Beckon' took some time out of their busy schedules this week to sit down with The Independent over some coffee at McGinty's to talk about their journey toward establishing a career in music.
Sinclair-Rossitter is a fourth generation resident of the area, Hamilton is a recent transplant, and together they are making music that resonates with images of tranquil living away from the big city, and an earthiness that can only be found in a rural community.
Any attempt to assign a traditional label to their style of music would prove as futile as trying to sort snowflakes by size and shape.
Their music isn't folk, yet it isn't rock, it isn't country, and it isn't pop. They make music plain and simple. Raw, organic, honest music. Music from the heart.
“In terms of labelling our music, it is just a difficult, difficult thing to do,” begins Sinclair-Rossitter, “It seems like every time we try and squeeze ourselves into a box, we don't exactly fit. Our music is very heartfelt. We don't want to be pigeon-holed.”
The duo met in Orangeville, and both later moved to the Owen Sound area and started making music together.
The first time they performed in front of an audience was in Meaford at Ted's Range Road Diner. It was November of 2008 and they were so nervous about performing their three song set during an open mic night that they forgot their guitars in the car.
Six months later they found themselves in Toronto at the Tin Pan North songwriters festival playing a full set in front of an urban crowd.
As they are still very early on in their emerging music career, precious commodities like performance grade guitars are not part of their current arsenal. Instead, for live performances they borrow or rent guitars.
“It's been a bit of a barrier,” said Hamilton, “Because every time we perform it's a different guitar, different equipment, all of these variables. Connie even borrows her brother's guitar.”
The two hope that by gaining exposure, and performing more often over the coming year that they will be in a position to invest in some new guitars, studio time to record a demo, and a laptop computer to help with communications and marketing efforts.
Their current focus is on building their repertoire, and the duo is spending a lot of time writing new material, and polishing it just enough to perform, but not too much so as to spoil the raw energy and emotion of their musical creations.
As the two discuss their approach to songwriting and performing, the chemistry between them is quite apparent, and their passion and energy is infectious. Both Hamilton and Sinclair-Rossitter would like to eventually make recording and performing music their full time career. If the old adage of doing what you love and loving what you do leading to success is to be believed, then one would have to assume that Beckon is well on their way to reaching their goal.
And for a pair of artists who are letting their career grow organically using their outstanding talent, and borrowed guitars, you can't help but root for them to succeed.
Having recently performed in Meaford as a supporting act for Sean Cotton at McGinty's Upstairs, they have a busy time ahead including a special performance this coming weekend in Owen Sound.
On Saturday June 12th, Beckon will perform at the Bring It Home Benefit Concert which is presented by the Safe 'N Sound Homeless Initiative. The concert will take place at the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
That performance will mark a departure from their standard shows, as Beckon will be joined on stage by bassist Tyler Wagler, and drummer Marty Sinclair, which will most certainly be an interesting contrast to their usual duo performance with just the two of them playing acoustic guitars, keyboards, and using their warm voices to entertain the crowd.
The benefit concert also features Larry Jensen and Anne and Dave Beverly-Foster.
For tickets call 519-470-7233.
