Clare McNaul, a song finder and song maker for nearly five decades, has been inspired by the love, diverse landscapes, keen observations, relationships, and connections that have shaped her songwriting.
Clare’s masterfully crafted lyrics transform ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives. She's compelled to mine and share simple yet inspiring slices of life through her music, believing they deserve to be told, not left unsung.
Known for her rich, warm and powerful vocal style, Clare found her voice as a child, spinning records on the family turntable and singing harmonies with Ann Murray, Judy Collins and Karen Carpenter.
Clare's passion for music was ignited when her dad added a guitar into the mix, giving her a Yamaha on her sixteenth birthday. She quickly learned chords, played folk masses, and navigated the Toronto music scene, doing open mics in church basements and high school auditoriums.
Life came to a new and exciting turning point when she met Blain, who, on their first dinner date played Nanci Griffith’s version of Deadwood South Dakota. Clare was captivated. She'd never heard anything like it. This led to a spark and since that moment they have collaborated in music and life, eventually forming the six-member Celtic-folk band Crazy Man Michael. When this musical odyssey came to a close, they became Drifting Tunes.
Embarking on an adventure through Appalachia, and traveling deep down into the desert Southwest in a ’92 Econoline van named ‘Harles’ brought LA house concerts, playing with desert rats in local bands, Friday night gigs in dusty Saloons deep in the Mojave and leading worship in the local Baptist church. In amongst the Joshua Trees, cholla bushes and creosotes Clare found the beating heart of Roots music, Americana, gospel and cowboy blues. These experiences broadened her musical horizons and continue to shape her songwriting today.
Emerging now onto the Edmonton music scene, Clare is bringing her soulful vocals, thoughtful lyrics and signature roots-folk sound honed over many years, creating a heartwarming and soothing atmosphere for introspection and your musical enjoyment.
Clare is seasoned, ready and looking forward to sharing it all with you. Will you join her?
Clare’s masterfully crafted lyrics transform ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives. She's compelled to mine and share simple yet inspiring slices of life through her music, believing they deserve to be told, not left unsung.
Known for her rich, warm and powerful vocal style, Clare found her voice as a child, spinning records on the family turntable and singing harmonies with Ann Murray, Judy Collins and Karen Carpenter.
Clare's passion for music was ignited when her dad added a guitar into the mix, giving her a Yamaha on her sixteenth birthday. She quickly learned chords, played folk masses, and navigated the Toronto music scene, doing open mics in church basements and high school auditoriums.
Life came to a new and exciting turning point when she met Blain, who, on their first dinner date played Nanci Griffith’s version of Deadwood South Dakota. Clare was captivated. She'd never heard anything like it. This led to a spark and since that moment they have collaborated in music and life, eventually forming the six-member Celtic-folk band Crazy Man Michael. When this musical odyssey came to a close, they became Drifting Tunes.
Embarking on an adventure through Appalachia, and traveling deep down into the desert Southwest in a ’92 Econoline van named ‘Harles’ brought LA house concerts, playing with desert rats in local bands, Friday night gigs in dusty Saloons deep in the Mojave and leading worship in the local Baptist church. In amongst the Joshua Trees, cholla bushes and creosotes Clare found the beating heart of Roots music, Americana, gospel and cowboy blues. These experiences broadened her musical horizons and continue to shape her songwriting today.
Emerging now onto the Edmonton music scene, Clare is bringing her soulful vocals, thoughtful lyrics and signature roots-folk sound honed over many years, creating a heartwarming and soothing atmosphere for introspection and your musical enjoyment.
Clare is seasoned, ready and looking forward to sharing it all with you. Will you join her?