Sisters of Sound - Lorraine Segato: Canadian Icon and Social Justice Activist

Lorraine Segato: is an accomplished pop singer-songwriter, filmmaker, event producer, artist director, lecturer and social justice activist. Her career spans over 3 decades. She’s best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the Toronto new-wave pop rock group The Parachute Club. Their hit “Rise Up” was a national hit in 1983, and is hailed as a unique achievement in Canadian pop music.

Lorraine’s story begins as the lead in Toronto rock band Mama Quilla II in the late 70’s. She tells us what life was like for feminist artists on Queen St West and how the Parachute Club formed shortly after. The Parachute Club went on to receive five Junos, five BMAC’s, five Casbys, two Platinum and one Gold record as well as a SOCAN Classic Award for “Rise Up.”

“The song cut through everything and became this crazy anthem.”

Throughout her career, Lorraine shed light on issues important to her, and incorporated her activism into her music and productions. We talk about gentrification and how it affects not only Toronto’s music scene, but also the neighbourhoods we live in.

Sisters of Sound is produced and hosted by TA2’s Morgan Sheppard.