Sarah Siddiqui is a Toronto-based independent singer/songwriter and producer. Her style
encompasses alt-folk & soul influences. She also branches out from time to time in world & pop music. With 14 official releases spanning
from 2000 to present day, this seasoned artist has devoted herself to her craft and made a
distinctive contribution to
Sarah Siddiqui is a Toronto-based independent singer/songwriter and producer. Her style
encompasses alt-folk & soul influences. She also branches out from time to time in world & pop music. With 14 official releases spanning
from 2000 to present day, this seasoned artist has devoted herself to her craft and made a
distinctive contribution to the Toronto independent music scene for over 25 years, establishing a
loyal following along the way.
Her voice has been described as stunning and angelic, and her music as poetic, haunting, and
beautiful. The powerful lyrical visuals Sarah creates through her songs reflect back like dreamy
cinematic paintings. She was privately trained on classical voice by Royal Conservatory teacher
Cheryl Lake from 1996-1999, and studied with Bill Vincent Voice & Company from 2000-2003.
Originally self-taught, Sarah started playing guitar in 1995, and received private guitar lessons
from Davidson Yeager Music between 2002-2005. Since elementary school and all throughout
high school, Sarah was cast for many solos in choirs and musical theatre productions.
Born to critically acclaimed Poet Laureate mother Syeda Nuzhat Siddiqui, writing, poetry and
the need to express were all-encompassing and at a high throughout Sarah’s childhood, and
where it all comes from speaks for itself. Sarah is also the fraternal twin sister of critically
acclaimed Mixed Media Artist Zahra Siddiqui.
Sarah's first live show was at the tender age of 15, at a restaurant on Danforth Avenue in
Toronto with guitarist Juan Dino Toledo (Santerias), with a South American/world/folk acoustic
vibe. During her teen years after school, she sang backup for many local indie rock bands as
well, performing around Toronto at prestigious venues including the Opera House at the age of
17. In 1998 at the age of 18, Sarah had an Artist Development Agreement with EMI Publishing
Canada, but soon after decided to journey on her own path. She has since inspired a devoted
following from near and far, on a soulful journey from Toronto, and online all the way to South
Asia and Europe.
“For me both singing and songwriting is a deeply personal and spiritual experience. It
chose me, and it was never a decision for me to become a Singer-Songwriter,” says
Sarah. “Songs for me are like paintings. I want to take people on a journey and share the
real stuff, such as my personal experiences of mental health and recovery, loss and grief.
I can’t sugar coat, and I’m not here to emotionally convenience listeners.
The songs are
always authentic, pure and true to my emotions.”
Her last album, 2018 No More Waiting Rooms was self-produced and received funding from
the Toronto Arts Council. The album features musical heavyweights such as Tony Rabalao,
Kevin Fox, Tim Bovaconti, Don Kerr, and Cris Derksen. In 2019 Sarah was a Featured Artist for
Indie Week Canada, as well as Folk Music Ontario. Sarah has played live in just about every
venue in the city including Horseshoe Tavern, Rivoli, Cameron House, The Painted Lady,
Hugh's Room, to name a few. She has also showcased in New York City, Los Angeles,
Montreal, and across Canada. Sarah has shared the stage with many top musicians and
songwriters including Shaye (Kim Stockwood, Dahmnait Doyle, Tara McLean), Dayna Manning,
Tim Bovaconti, Chris Birkett, Digging Roots, Cecile Doo-Kingue & Quiqe Escamilla, David Celia,
Arthur Renwick, Elana Harte, Bob Cohen, Sean Pinchin, Tony Rabalao, Don Ross, Rhitom
Sarkar, Christien Paul, Taima (Juno Award Winners), Chris Brown & Kate Fenner, Don
Stevenson, Sandra Bouza, Derek Downham, and Dawn Langstroth. Her studio collaboration
credits include Jesse Cook, Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene), Michael Oesch (Indo
Canadian Slide Project), and Doc McKinney;(Esthero, The Weekend, Drake).