BIG NEWS: On Thursday April 30, the official video for “The Heart Will Buzz” will be premiering exclusively on Roots Music Canada’s website. The video was edited by Kingston's own Josh Lyon, and features the beauty that is Prince Edward County, Ontario. Special thanks to Jim Hardy for the take-your-breath-away footage.
“[Kennedy Road’s] debut album is a finely-crafted little gem featuring delectable homespun harmonies and stirring (mostly) acoustic arrangements. I could see this making a few year-end lists this year.
Sending love and lyrics to the great John Prine
When we chose this album title a few months ago, we had no idea how appropriate it would feel today. These are unprecedented times and we, like many of you, find ourselves turning to art for comfort and relief. Art in all its forms - music, dance, poetry, prose, painting, film, tv and comedy. Does wearing the same outfit for four days straight and eating popcorn for dinner also count as art? Then that too.
It's been really striking to notice that when the non-essentials are taken away, the yearning for human connection endures. I haven't made this many actual phone calls since high school. My ear hurts. It's also pretty inspiring to see the lengths that people will go to to stay connected. I watched Top Gun online with 10 people in different cities last night and I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time. Who knew there were so many side-lit shots involving blinds in that movie? And why is every character sweating in almost every scene? What I'm trying to say is, we need each other, now more than ever.
This album is the result of over a year's worth of writing and recording together, and it features 11 of our original songs:
1. The Heart Will Buzz
2. Time
3. Oh Darlin' Don't You Know
4. Never Enough
5. Kennedy
6. Release Me
7. Born Grieving
8. Freshen Up
9. I Can't Recall
10. Job Song
11. The Ocean
A very special shout out to Brian, who produced and engineered the album, and who poured countless hours and energy into it. He also essentially taught himself to play drums and banjo in the process.Thank you to the spectacular musicians who joined us on this album: Drew Jurecka, Bret Higgins, Tim Watson and Amanda Walther. Thank you to Jen Squires for your stunning photos, and to Amanda Walther for your beautiful album design choices. Thank you to the inimitable Nick Austin at Indiepool - your responsiveness and expertise are much appreciated. And a final thank you to Brian's Instant Pot - your delicious and timely meals never ceased to make us say "THAT ONLY TOOK FIVE MINUTES?" and you fuelled many a late-night recording session.
If these days have taught us anything, it's that a) memes are the greatest, and b) connection is essential, which is to say that art is essential. Like everyone, musicians are very much feeling the dramatic impact of their normal activities coming to a halt. Sylvia Tyson has a great line in one of her songs that pretty much sums it all up: "No crowd, no show". Touring is a lifeline for most musicians. That's where we sell our cds (to those who still buy cds), and it's where we maintain and hopefully grow our fan base for the next time we come through town. Each show begets the next. Take the touring outlet away, and musicians are essentially left to rely on the income generated from streaming services which, it hardly even bears mentioning, is anything but a living wage. But maybe it does bear mentioning. Maybe this experience is precisely the wake up call necessary to reveal the degree to which so many creative people are teetering on the brink of unnecessary vulnerability. Maybe we'll all come away from this with a much altered sense of what, when it comes down it, we truly value.
Our hearts go out to the many people around the world who are suffering and sick as a result of this pandemic. None of us can be too cautious right now, and we encourage everyone to do their part to help slow and eventually stop the spread of this virus. In short, stay home and consume whatever art gets you through the night. And get that art directly from the source wherever possible.
If you'd like to support our music-making, please buy our album.
Thanks for listening,
Sheila and Brian
We've been working so hard towards the release of our new record, and we were so looking forward to our tour this month. It is now crystal clear that this is a critical time to think about the the health and well being of the greater collective, and to temper the decisions and behaviours of the individual to serve that goal.
Although we both feel really heartbroken about having to make this decision, and about all of the cancellations that have been made (Art! Community!), we are completely committed to looking after ourselves and each other through all of this.
We are planning on rescheduling all of our shows further down the road, and we may even announce a few tentative dates as they come in. In the meantime, we are putting all our energy towards flattening that curve!
We are still beyond excited to share this music with you in person and on record, and as soon as the time is right, we'll do that.
Refunds will be available at the point of purchase. If there are any issues please let us know.
We are all hit hard by this, so where you have the ability, please consider helping those who really need it (artists, neighbours, the elderly, local businesses).
We both feel blessed to have those to check in on and those that check in. Let's be extra aware of where that might be missing for those around us. Xo
Sheila and Brian
Brian and Sheila will be celebrating the release of their debut album with a whirlwind tour across Southern Ontario! Be sure to catch them at one or more of their stops in Oakville, Hamilton, Belleville, Picton, Cobourg, Toronto, Guelph and Kingston. Ticket info on the “Tour” page.
The official video for “Kennedy” is now out! An ode to our teenage times in Brampton and Scarborough, featuring Agincourt Mall, Sonny’s, Holy Spirit School, an 80’s Volvo with a turbo button, and suburbia in all its glory.
Special thanks to Amanda Walther for the video magic
Full debut album coming October 2019!
Listen to the single
Brian and Sheila are thrilled to announce that they will be joining Jadea Kelly this spring for part of her Southern Ontario EP Release Tour!
Check out Brian and Sheila’s cover of Tom Petty’s ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’, which will be featured on the forthcoming ‘Canada Covers Tom Petty’ playlist. Now available on all streaming services. Have a listen here
We are so excited to be part of this tribute to Tom Petty, and to be in such incredible company (Sweet Alibi, Matt Mays, Terra Lightfoot, Jadea Kelly, Dwayne Gretzky and Royal Wood, just to name a few!) Our cover of "Mary Jane's Last Dance" will be DROPPING next week people!
We'll also be playing the tribute concert at The Dakota Tavern on December 20th. Get your tickets here: