Stewart Rubin: Karen Myatt — A voice that tells a story

I recently had an amazing conversation with singer-songwriter Karen Myatt, who is preparing to release her new album, Valise, in its entirety on September 4.

From the moment we began talking, it was obvious that music has always been an important part of Myatt’s life. She comes from a musical family, and much of her love of music can be traced back to her grandmother, who lived to the remarkable age of almost 103. Music was constantly playing in their home, and there was no shortage of variety. Everything from the Lawrence Welk era to show tunes, blues and jazz could be heard.

Although Myatt started her musical journey on the piano, she soon discovered that her real strength was her voice. At 16, she began taking vocal lessons, developing the powerful and distinctive voice that has become such an important part of her music. She possesses an amazing contralto voice, hitting notes with both accuracy and soul.

Myatt’s music combines elements of blues, rock and soul and her lyrics are deep, thoughtful and meaningful. The Celtic sound on some of her songs is at times very reminiscent of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, a band that I have followed for many years.

Myatt was born in Halifax but grew up in Vaudreuil. Her musical education continued at the Randolph Academy in Toronto, later graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. From our conversation, it was clear that her training played an important role in her artistic and musical development.

Her songs are about much more than melodies; they feel almost like narratives. There is a theatrical quality to the way she approaches her music, almost like a Broadway production where the emotion and passion of the lyrics help bring the characters and story to life.

Myatt explained that when she sings, she often steps into different roles, almost like a method actor taking on a movie role. Her songs can be existential, exploring deeper questions, emotions and thought processes. When she writes, her goal is to channel her inner voice or muse, whether that voice is spiritual or cerebral.

Music is very much a family affair for Myatt. Her husband, Stephen Patrick Clare plays lead guitar in the band, and his influences include Jeff Beck, David Gilmour and The Edge. Those influences can be heard in the wide range of guitar effects, sounds and tones that he brings to the music.

Myatt told me that he loves his guitar pedals and enjoys blending different sounds and tones to create the perfect mood. I particularly enjoyed the use of the old-school, 1970s-era EHX Memory Man on some of the tracks, which almost seems to mimic the sound of Myatt’s voice and adds another dimension to the music.

Myatt also shared the inspiration behind her first commercial release, which came from a memorable experience in Italy over cappuccino and cannoli. Sometimes inspiration can come from the simplest moments, and that experience clearly left an impression on her creative process.

While she has toured extensively in the past, the demands of creating Valise have kept Myatt extremely busy. Now that the album is completed, she is looking forward to getting back out on the road and bringing the new music to audiences.

Myatt recently performed at the Montreal Ribfest stage, where she covered James Brown’s It’s a Man’s World. She is also honoured to have legendary Montreal jazz singer Ranee Lee join her on a cover of On the Road Again, which is featured on the new album.

There is a very personal and meaningful project connected to Valise.  Myatt was also finalizing a video she is working on with Breast Cancer Canada. The video honours a close friend who is in remission, as well as all women who are battling or undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Myatt is honoured to be part of the project and to help raise awareness about the disease. The song chosen for the video is When We Were Beautiful, another track from Valise.

The album will receive a special live presentation at La Sala Rossa, where Myatt will be joined by 10 musicians complete with back up singers and horn section to perform the new material.

After speaking with Myatt, I came away with the feeling that Valise is much more than simply a collection of songs. It is an artistic journey built around powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, theatrical storytelling and a willingness to explore deeper emotions.

Karen Myatt has a voice that demands to be heard, and, more importantly, a voice that makes you want to listen to the story she is telling.

Myatt’s Band is Karen Myatt, vocals; Stephen Patrick Clare, guitars; Julian Shively, keys  and cello; Christian St-Germain, bass; Nick Baddeley, drums and percussion; Jonathan Moorman, violin; Frederic Bourgeault, trumpet and flugelhorn; Mathew Souaid,  saxophones; Rebele, background vocals; Madeline Joudrey, vocals and piano on If I Give My Heart To You, and Ranee Lee, vocals on On The Road Again.

Valise will be streaming on all platforms as of September 4th 2026.

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