Interview with Musician Munirih Sparrow (June Music Giveaway)

Munirih Sparrow’s performance weaves Baha’i prayers with originally written songs resulting in an intimate performance exploring the interplay of spirituality and art. You’ll be moved by her voice and story. Her performance is intuitive and genuine; and you will leave with the feeling that you’ve just made a new friend. (From Munirih’s website)

Here is our interview with Munirih.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: My name is Munirih Sparrow, I am from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan which is in the prairies of Canada. I currently living in Saskatoon and on buses, trains and planes because I do a lot of touring performing Baha’i writings set to music.

I was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK.  Under my first name “Farideh” and with other musical groups I’ve toured internationally, released two records and received national radio airplay. Although I experienced some success with my music career I ignored the deep longing and burning desire to sing the sacred Baha’i writings. Why? Because I was frozen by a deep fear: terrified to speak publicly about the Bahaʼi Faith, prayer and the big one, GOD. I finally reached the decision point to either quit being a musician or have to step out of faith and make the change.

Q: When did you start making music?

A: I started singing in the womb! When I was 2 I would climb on coffee tables and sing “I’m a little teapot”. When I was 12, I started writing songs and at 14 I began playing guitar. I was born knowing that this is what I wanted to do.

Q: What inspires you to make music?

A: I was compelled to write music to heal my broken heart and gradually I learned that my words helped heal the broken hearts of others. Now I am inspired to do the same thing! Through singing the Baha’i prayers and Writings I take the purest, most beautiful words in the world and sing them into the hearts of listeners. These words ease their pain, and nourish their withered faith.

Q: Tell us a bit about your CD Morning to Midnight.

A: In the creation of Morning to Midnight I gathered some prayers I had composed over the previous 5 years and then committed to the writing of 5 more. Sometimes a writing called to me, other times I just flipped through books waiting for the inspiration to come. When I was ready to record, I approached Louie Shelton (Seals & Crofts, Shadi Toloui-Wallace) be the producer of the album. Louis is an absolute legend, incredible at what he does; I was so excited when he agreed to be apart of my project. I flew to the Gold Coast of Australia to work with him and the album was released in late 2011.

Q: Where have you toured?

A: I recently completed a 3-month tour of the US where I performed 45 shows in 33 cities in 12 states. I cannot tell you how many inspiring souls I met! I’ve toured Canada and New Zealand before and I’m looking forward to a tour in the UK and another round of America later this year.

Q: Are you willing to visit other Baha’i communities?

A: I would love to sing for anyone who would have me! Seriously, I’m so passionate about this. I feel God made me for this distinctive purpose right now, to sing the words of Baha’u’llah – truly, I’m not much good at anything other then this! You can email me at munirihsparrow@gmail.com. I try to coordinate to have multiple shows in an area; because like most all of us Baha’i inspired musicians I fund this myself while pursuing music full-time.

Q: How are people using your CD?

A: People listen to the CD on their way to work, as part of their morning devotionals, at the evening devotionals with friends, they teach the songs to their kids. One Junior Youth Group even made the visuals for the prayer “O God Guide Me,” recorded them singing it and made a music video! That’s how I know I’ve made it!

Q: What is your message to other Baha’i artists?

A: My message is the same for artists as it is for everyone. Don’t be afraid. I avoided doing this record and performing this music for years because I was scared to talk about God, Baha’u’llah and His healing message. I still get scared! But I see now that my fear is a veil between me and God. Don’t let your fear become that veil!

People are way more responsive then I had ever imagined. I was on a bus going through the New Mexican desert when a rough cowboy sat next to me. We started talking and we traded phones for the ride– he listened to the Munirih Sparrow album and I listened his heavy metal and rap. I awkwardly explained the music and the words and I watched as he sat back and relaxed while soaking up the word of God. The world is in this incredible time where people’s hearts are ready for this message!

Visit www.munirihsparrow.com to purchase the CD.  Munirih is also on Facebook, youtube, and twitter.  Be sure to signup to her mailing list for more updates.

For a digital copy of the CD or to have a listen before you order, click here.

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To enter the June Music Giveaway competition:

• Leave a comment on this post by June 20 9pm (Eastern Standard Time) answering the following question: Munirih stepped out to make her CD on a leap of faith.  What is one thing you have always wanted to do, but not done (yet)?  How can you move one step closer to making this goal a reality?
  
• Only enter one comment per person per post please (each person will be entered into the weekly competition only once, but feel free to comment on each June Music Giveaway post so you can have four entries for the Grand Prize)

Two names will be selected to receive Munirih’s album and announced on June 21.  The winners will be emailed with details of how to download the album.

The weekly competition is now closed. 

Congratulations to Sarah and Nooshin whose names were drawn to receive Munirih’s CDs!

All names on this post who entered comments before June 30 9pm (Eastern Standard Time) will also be entered into the drawing for the Grand Prize – a copy of all our June Music Giveaway Featured Artists’ CDs.  One name will be selected from all comments entered into each of the four June Music Giveaway Interviews, and announced on July 1.

Thanks for your entry.  We look forward to sharing Munirih’s music with you!

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