(December 9, 2020) – Toronto-based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and long-time Fast Romantics member Kirty returns with a new single and video titled “This Year’s Been Hell”. Although written before the pandemic hit, the aptly titled tune provides a timely backdrop to this incredibly tumultuous year. “This Year’s Been Hell” was inspired by Kirty’s decision to press pause on her own life to work through the struggle of a close relative in their final chapter of life. Co-produced with long-time collaborator Josh Van Tassel and Fast Romantics bandmate/songwriting partner Matthew Angus, the dreamy, early 90s-inspired pop rock track provides a first glimpse into her eagerly anticipated third solo album set for a 2021 release through Postwar Records. Featuring Kirty’s lush, ethereal vocals, paired with moody guitars and warm, glassy retro synths, “This Year’s Been Hell” is premiering now via Indie88 and is available on all major DSPs. Click HERE to listen and purchase.
“It’s a wild, wild coincidence that I wrote and recorded this song and held onto it long enough to release the track in the middle of a pandemic, civil unrest, environmental crisis, and a political circus,” shares Kirty. “This Year’s Been Hell’ is about working through pain and loss and understanding that there are times when you need to put everything else in your life on hold. Just for a bit, and focus on the people around you. It’s about witnessing someone experience their final chapter of this grand ol’ life, and the mix of feelings that bubble up from that experience.”
Watch + Share the video for ‘This Year’s Been Hell” HERE
Kirty’s forthcoming LP follows her 2016 acclaimed self-titled sophomore release which the Toronto Star dubbed “your new favourite thing” and the National Post praised “it makes a fine soundtrack for everything from a walk in the park to an evening under the stars… and fits right in on a playlist with the likes of Jenny Lewis, Lana Del Rey and Neko Case.” The release found success on CBC Radio’s Top 20 chart and garnered international placements in commercials and TV including landing lead single and one of CBC Music’s Songs You Need To Hear “That’s Not Me” on a global marketing campaign for EOS, as well as notable sync features in popular teen drama Riverdale and Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience.
Canadian singer-songwriter and captivating storyteller Northcote (moniker for Matthew Goud) releases “Freedom”, the latest single from his anticipated new album Let Me Roar, available October 23 via Black Box Music. Self-produced and recorded at the Noise Floor on Gabriola Island, BC, “Freedom” is a heart achingly beautiful stripped-down folk Americana ballad about letting go, having self-compassion and living in the moment. Simple guitar melodies compliment the vulnerability of the lyrics and the heart-on-your-sleeve emotions displayed by the talented songwriter.
Canadian singer-songwriter and captivating storyteller Northcote (moniker for Matthew Goud) announces his new album Let Me Roar, available October 23 via Black Box Music. Along with the album announcement, the talented troubadour releases “Streets of Gold”; a Springsteen-esque ballad featuring Northcote’s signature raspy-sweet vocals paired with anticipatory rolling snare and delicate guitar melodies. The track, which is premiering today via American Songwriter was inspired by the songwriter’s musings while observing Pioneer square, a small city park located blocks away from where Northcote resides.
Canadian singer-songwriter and captivating storyteller Northcote (moniker for Matthew Goud) shares a dreamy video for his gorgeous new single, “Nine To Midnight”. The track, which features Northcote’s signature raspy-sweet vocals effortlessly laid over soulful, twangy guitar riffs can now be streamed on all DSP’s HERE. “Nine To Midnight” follows previously released tracks “Dancers and Queens” and “Keep On Saying Goodbye”, which both found global support on marquee playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Folk and Renegade Folk, Apple Music’s Southern Craft and Breaking Singer Songwriter, and Amazon’s Fresh Folk & Acoustic and Fresh Folk & Americana. “Nine To Midnight” will appear on Northcote’s anticipated follow-up to 2015’s acclaimed LP Hope Is Made of Steel set for a fall release through Black Box Music. Additional details about the release will be announced in the coming weeks.
Alexisonfire is set to officially release a fan-fuelled video for “Season of the Flood” tonight at 9:00pm ET via YouTube HERE. The video is notably comprised of footage shot exclusively by AOF concert-goers in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. During the band’s January 2020 Western Canadian tour, fans were encouraged to shoot footage of the live performance of “Season of the Flood” from their mobile devices and submit it to the band. Earlier this week, Alexisonfire sent the finished video to everyone who submitted footage, ensuring their fans were the first to give their collective work a proper global debut ahead of tonight’s public premiere.