Jean Smith
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jean Smith is the lead singer of the Vancouver, Canada based band Mecca Normal, as well as a painter, novelist and filmmaker. Her lyrics explore themes of feminism and anti-authoritarianism.
Smith met Mecca Normal bandmate David Lester in 1981 while the two were working together at a Vancouver newspaper. As a result of her work in Mecca Normal, Smith is now considered a forerunner of the '90s politically-charged riot grrrl movement, influencing many female artists within the genre.
In August 1993, Smith's first novel I Can Hear Me Fine was published by David Lester's publishing company Get to the Point. Her second novel, The Ghost of Understanding, was published by Arsenal Pulp Press in 1998. A chapbook The Family Swan and Other Songs was published by Get to the Point in 2002.
Kill Rock Stars released a spoken word 7" Carboni Angel (wordcore v.3).[1] and a solo album in 2000.
Mecca Normal's CDs have been released on K, Matador and Kill Rock Stars.
In 2000, Smith's series of self-portraits (1973-1999) were put on display at Olympia's Ladyfest Art Show.[2] Smith has several art series, most of which can be viewed from the Mecca Normal official website. In addition to her personal artwork, Smith designs all posters and album covers for Mecca Normal.[3]
Mecca Normal's 2006 album The Observer is inspired by Smith's experiences using online dating services, a subject which also inspired her short film Attraction is Ephemeral.[4]
