November 12 [12:00 EDT] -- Holly McNarland, 23, is a Canadian singer/songwriter with a silver stud in her lower lip, a debut LP called "Stuff" from Universal, and a new friend in ex-Pixie guitarist Joey Santiago.

While shopping for a guitarist who had Pixies influences (McNarland is a fan), a friend capriciously suggested she just contact Santiago. She did, he liked her demo and agreed to play on the LP, which McNarland can only describe as "a dream come true."

The Winnipeg native released a six-song EP in '96 called "Sour Pie" which was well received critically. The Canadian press has since made comparisons between McNarland and Alanis Morissette, but McNarland objects, feeling they only share two things: calling Canada home and being women.

• Holly McNarland
• The Pixies