Martha Wainwright

Martha Wainwright

For anyone who has seen or heard Martha Wainwright the best description might be, equal parts punkster and ingénue. Wainwright struggled to find her musical identity, not the easiest task given that her older brother is the acclaimed singer Rufus Wainwright, her mother was Quebec folk legend Kate McGarrigle, and her father was the equally accomplished American musician and songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. Their home in Westmount was a gathering spot for musicians from all across North America and although Martha Wainwright once said that she had no classical training, she had angst and heartbreak and fantastic music all around her.

She has frequently performed on recordings by her family members. Her song "Year of the Dragon" appeared on her mother and her aunt's The McGarrigle Hour and she has released several of her own; I Know You're Married But I've got Feelings Too came out in 2008 and her tribute to the French torch singer Edith Piaf, Sans Fusils, Ni Souliers à Paris was released in 2010. Her new album is scheduled for release later this year. She also starred in the Martin Scorcese film The Aviator.

Martha lives with her husband Brad Albetta and their son Arcangelo in New York, where she spoke to Ken Rockburn.