In a soul-baring session for The Guardian's acclaimed 'Honest Playlist' series, acclaimed musician Martha Wainwright delves into the songs that form the very fabric of her being. The conversation is less a simple curation of tracks and more an intimate audio memoir, tracing the roots of her legendary musical family and the art that sustains her.
The Enduring Legacy of Leonard Cohen
Wainwright's connection to the late, great Leonard Cohen is profoundly personal, almost familial. She reveals the unique pressure and privilege of performing his masterpiece, 'Hallelujah', a song her brother Rufus also famously interpreted. Her choice, however, is the deeply poetic 'Famous Blue Raincoat', a track she describes as "perfect writing" that continues to reveal new layers with each listen.
Fleetwood Mac's Rumours & Raw Emotion
The raw, emotional turmoil of Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' album resonates deeply with Wainwright. She highlights Lindsay Buckingham's 'Go Your Own Way' as a pinnacle of musical catharsis. "It's the anger in it," she explains, praising the track's unparalleled expression of fury and passion, a sentiment she channels in her own powerful performances.
Tracy Chapman's Unshakeable Truth
The honesty of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' left an indelible mark on a young Martha. She recalls the song's stark narrative as a "wake-up call" to the realities of life beyond her own artistic upbringing. Chapman's ability to tell a complete, heartbreaking story with such simplicity is a quality Wainwright deeply admires and aspires to in her own songwriting.
A Mother's Musical Gift
The playlist takes a poignant turn with a piece by her mother, the revered folk artist Kate McGarrigle. Kate's French ballad 'J'ai un beau château' is more than a song; it's a cherished memory of a childhood surrounded by creativity and a testament to the complex, beautiful musical inheritance she received.
Wainwright's selections paint a portrait of an artist shaped by masterful storytelling, raw emotion, and an unwavering pursuit of musical truth—a legacy she proudly continues.
