10 Things You Never Knew About Sarah McLachlan—And What She’s Up to in 2025

Sarah McLachlan’s voice is like a warm embrace—comforting, nostalgic, and deeply emotional. From her soul-stirring ballads to her groundbreaking work with Lilith Fair, the Canadian singer-songwriter has left an indelible mark on the music industry. But how well do you really know her?

Here are 10 fascinating things you might not have known about Sarah McLachlan—plus an update on what she’s up to in 2025.

1. She Was Adopted as a Baby

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sarah was adopted into a loving family at just a few days old. She credits her upbringing for much of her grounded nature and deep emotional connection to music.

2. She Started in a New Wave Band

Before her rise to fame, McLachlan was the lead singer of a New Wave band called The October Game in high school. It was during a performance with the band that she was first noticed by Nettwerk Records.

3. Her First Record Deal Came With a Catch

At 19, she was offered a contract with Nettwerk Records—but there was just one problem. She had no original songs yet! The company believed in her talent so much that they signed her anyway, and she moved to Vancouver to launch her career.

4. Lilith Fair Was Born Out of Frustration

In the mid-'90s, McLachlan noticed a glaring problem in the music industry: female artists were rarely booked together for major tours. So, she created Lilith Fair, an all-female music festival that became a massive success, raising over $7 million for women's charities.

5. She’s a Devoted Philanthropist

McLachlan is passionate about music education, which is why she founded the Sarah McLachlan School of Music in Vancouver. The school provides free music lessons to underprivileged children, ensuring that young talent gets the opportunity to flourish.

6. “Angel” Was Inspired by a Tragic Loss

One of her most famous songs, Angel, was written in response to the overdose death of Smashing Pumpkins’ keyboardist, Jonathan Melvoin. The haunting ballad has since become a symbol of healing and hope for those who have experienced loss.

7. She Lent Her Voice to a Pixar Classic

Remember the heartbreaking ballad When She Loved Me from Toy Story 2? That was McLachlan. The song went on to receive an Oscar nomination and remains one of the most emotional moments in animated film history.

8. She’s a Decorated Artist

Over the years, McLachlan has won multiple Grammy and Juno Awards, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. In 2017, she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy.

9. She’s Collaborated With Some Big Names

Throughout her career, McLachlan has worked with artists across various genres, from Bryan Adams to Josh Groban. Her ability to seamlessly blend her ethereal voice with different styles is part of what makes her so enduring.

10. She’s Faced Deep Personal Struggles

Despite her success, McLachlan has endured hardship, including the loss of her mother to cancer and a public divorce. These experiences have heavily influenced her songwriting, making her music deeply personal and universally relatable.

What’s Sarah McLachlan Up to in 2025?

While McLachlan hasn’t announced a new album, she remains as active as ever. She continues to perform at benefit concerts, supports emerging artists, and expands the reach of her music school. Fans speculate that new music could be on the horizon, but for now, she’s content making an impact through her philanthropic efforts and live performances.

One thing is certain: Sarah McLachlan’s voice—both literally and figuratively—continues to inspire.

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