Elder Sister Plum

The name has an organic flavour that suits her folk stylings. This debut album comprises songs written over a seven-year period. She has a hauntingly pure voice neatly framed by the co-production and instrumental accompaniment of The Sun Harmonic (Kaleb Hikele), while the cello work of Gary Simkins adds atmosphere to four songs. The album is already charting on the Earshot college radio chart, deserved recognition for a lovely record. - New Canadian Music - Kerry Doole

The name has an organic flavour that suits her folk stylings. This debut album comprises songs written over a seven-year period. She has a hauntingly pure voice neatly framed by the co-production and instrumental accompaniment of The Sun Harmonic (Kaleb Hikele), while the cello work of Gary Simkins adds atmosphere to four songs. The album is already charting on the Earshot college radio chart, deserved recognition for a lovely record. - New Canadian Music - Kerry Doole

Here’s a new jazzy folk album, from Toronto’s Elder Sister Plum. It’s got a bit of that relaxed Vancouver Island vibe, which really makes you feel like sitting next to the ocean with iced tea or driving under the speed limit (oh island life, how I miss you). - Adam Roper

Here’s a new jazzy folk album, from Toronto’s Elder Sister Plum. It’s got a bit of that relaxed Vancouver Island vibe, which really makes you feel like sitting next to the ocean with iced tea or driving under the speed limit (oh island life, how I miss you). - Adam Roper

From the Toronto folk circles comes the debut full-length from Tanya Semple, who goes by the old-timey name that suggests something Amish. But she's far more worldly in the words, and her tunes get some sonic upgrades as well. The Hempen Jig, basically a Euro-cabaret melody, gets tough with some dramatic, distorted electric guitar and cello, well singing, "Remember, it's only flesh and bone, so go ahead, take my body." Not Amish.

Elsewhere, things are a little more plain, such as on Platonic Lover, a tune played on a slightly rickety upright piano, its biographer tone and vocal reminiscent of Julie Doiron. Your Name is more upbeat, almost pop, but with the simplest of bands, the same piano, splashy natural drums and handclaps. There's even a lullaby of sorts, Grand Escape, with its gentle acoustic joined by the mellow cello.

The best attraction here is this interesting writer, singer, and personality. Semple's stories are slightly mystical, not so much in words as in atmosphere and delivery. There's a charm on the more toe-tapping numbers, and a hypnotic effect on the ballads. It doesn't take long to become enamored with her voice, and the lyrics keep giving: "We hadn't even spoken, but that's what dancing's for." Not Amish, no. - Bob Mersereau

From the Toronto folk circles comes the debut full-length from Tanya Semple, who goes by the old-timey name that suggests something Amish. But she's far more worldly in the words, and her tunes get some sonic upgrades as well. The Hempen Jig, basically a Euro-cabaret melody, gets tough with some dramatic, distorted electric guitar and cello, well singing, "Remember, it's only flesh and bone, so go ahead, take my body." Not Amish.

Elsewhere, things are a little more plain, such as on Platonic Lover, a tune played on a slightly rickety upright piano, its biographer tone and vocal reminiscent of Julie Doiron. Your Name is more upbeat, almost pop, but with the simplest of bands, the same piano, splashy natural drums and handclaps. There's even a lullaby of sorts, Grand Escape, with its gentle acoustic joined by the mellow cello.

The best attraction here is this interesting writer, singer, and personality. Semple's stories are slightly mystical, not so much in words as in atmosphere and delivery. There's a charm on the more toe-tapping numbers, and a hypnotic effect on the ballads. It doesn't take long to become enamored with her voice, and the lyrics keep giving: "We hadn't even spoken, but that's what dancing's for." Not Amish, no. - Bob Mersereau

Elder Sister Plum is Tanya Semple, a 25 year old Vancouver Island girl who is now based in Toronto. Her new album ‘People Like Us’ just came out and is full of soft, catchy ballads that feature her amazingly beautiful voice. And if you haven’t already noticed from the last name… she’s my little sister :)

Anyone looking to support a very talented artist on the rise can purchase a digital or hard copy of People Like Us here… http://eldersisterplum.bandcamp.com/ - Jeremy Semple

Elder Sister Plum is Tanya Semple, a 25 year old Vancouver Island girl who is now based in Toronto. Her new album ‘People Like Us’ just came out and is full of soft, catchy ballads that feature her amazingly beautiful voice. And if you haven’t already noticed from the last name… she’s my little sister :)

Anyone looking to support a very talented artist on the rise can purchase a digital or hard copy of People Like Us here… http://eldersisterplum.bandcamp.com/ - Jeremy Semple

It’s been seven years in the making, but storytelling music can take a while - if you take the time to live the stories first. Self-described as a musical autobiography, Tanya Semple’s People Like Us, is a rainy-day-feel collection of songs that hits you in just the right place when feeling reflective and open to experiencing new music.

Tanya Semple grew up along the ocean in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, B.C. She learned to play classical piano at an early age and by 16 was writing songs and playing guitar. At 17, Semple began performing as Elder Sister Plum. Her music has brought her from the west coast to the streets of Montreal, and Toronto, then up to the banks of the Yukon River, from Dawson City down to San Francisco and back.

It was through an artistic collaboration with long-time friend and musical companion, The Sun Harmonic (Kaleb Hikele), that Semple began to further develop her musical footfprint, first working as a back up singer in Hikele’s basement studio. People like Us was recorded and released in July 2013, at The Townhouse Recording Facility & Sound Studio in Toronto.

Stay tuned for details on Elder Sister Plum’s CD release show coming up in Toronto on August 18th. - InRetro Magazine

It’s been seven years in the making, but storytelling music can take a while - if you take the time to live the stories first. Self-described as a musical autobiography, Tanya Semple’s People Like Us, is a rainy-day-feel collection of songs that hits you in just the right place when feeling reflective and open to experiencing new music.

Tanya Semple grew up along the ocean in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, B.C. She learned to play classical piano at an early age and by 16 was writing songs and playing guitar. At 17, Semple began performing as Elder Sister Plum. Her music has brought her from the west coast to the streets of Montreal, and Toronto, then up to the banks of the Yukon River, from Dawson City down to San Francisco and back.

It was through an artistic collaboration with long-time friend and musical companion, The Sun Harmonic (Kaleb Hikele), that Semple began to further develop her musical footfprint, first working as a back up singer in Hikele’s basement studio. People like Us was recorded and released in July 2013, at The Townhouse Recording Facility & Sound Studio in Toronto.

Stay tuned for details on Elder Sister Plum’s CD release show coming up in Toronto on August 18th. - InRetro Magazine

Vancouver native Tanya Semple of Elder Sister Plum delivers a heartwarming folk reverie with her newly released EP ‘A Taste of Plum’. Akin to the imagery of early Laura Veirs, Elder Sister Plum thaws hibernating hearts with her tracks ‘Colour Blind ‘and ‘Northern Bound/Take Me’. Vernacular dances from her lips to our ears, beckoning listeners into the song paintings she reveals where kisses are stolen, journeys are taken, and treasures are reconsidered. - Forget The Box