Jackson Welchner is an up-and-coming vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger/producer based out of Toronto. Singer of jazz, classical, folk, and improvised genres, Jackson always strives to “serve the music.”

“When UR” is an ode to all the friendships that drift apart for months, sometimes years, but when you eventually reconnect it’s as if things had never changed. That joy is what Jackson aims to share in this song.

The original song was written in 2016 as a piece for Jazz Choir, and it was his first attempt at writing something pop-y and catchy. His goal with this song was to write a pop song that wove together three equidistant key centres as seamlessly as possible. The song ended up being in A♭ major, with the verse starting in C and then halfway pivoting to E major.

The saxophone solo was improvised by the masterful Patrick Smith, one of Toronto’s best young sax players. The solo you hear on the track was done in one take!

https://songwhip.com/jacksonwelchner/when-ur

“Writing this song taught me that I can infuse nerdy jazz ideas into a fun, accessible pop-like song,” says Jackson. “Sometimes that’s hard to do, but it’s a reminder that it CAN be done. Melody is key to all of it!”

Our most fundamental questions—about how to exist in this world we share, and how best to love the people we love—so often keep us awake at the end of the day, at a loss for answers. From the plaintive opening notes of David Myles’ new album, It’s Only a Little Loneliness, the New Brunswick-based songwriter testifies that he’s no exception.

Myles puts together a mesmerizing take on one of country music’s greatest songs—Jimmy Work’s 1955 heartbreaker “Making Believe”—which addresses those feelings that bubble up when you just can’t get over a lover leaving, even though you know it’s the end.

Myles drifts straight into a daydream with the help of Joshua Van Tassel’s intricate rhythms and Asa Brosius’ sweeping pedal steel. Halifax-based songwriter Rose Cousins’ harmonies envelop Myles’ vocals as both singers descend deeper into the reverie, confessing: “I’ll spend my lifetime loving you and making believe.”

Watch and share the video for the song here:

The collaboration of dear friends are featured all over the album—driving home that important sentiment: we need each other to get through, even if it’s just a little loneliness. In a way, It’s Only a Little Loneliness is a follow-up to the instrumental album That Tall Distance (2021). He asks questions about religion, the mystery of relationships, love and confusion and loneliness.

“It’s the kind of thing you say to yourself when you’re feeling a bit down: ‘It’s only a little loneliness,’” says Myles. “But then at the same time, you know—it’s actually quite a big thing. It’s overwhelming. You try to tell yourself it’s not a big deal but it feels quite fundamental. And you realize, ‘I need people. I need a community. I need my friends. I need my family.” 

Golden Feather is a project started by Steve Kiely and Brad Germain, inspired by their love of the Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, and other bands that like to jam and take the listeners on a musical journey. The group was set to play its first show in March 2020 when the global pandemic hit, suddenly ending all hopes of live performance. Brad and Steve, along with bassist Ronson and guitarist Chris Wheeler, worked on songs remotely and recorded their debut album Light On Water. Not long after that album’s November 2020 release, Gareth Inkster joined the group on keys to complete the definitive lineup that makes up the band today.

The band’s followup Now & Then EP was self-produced and recorded live off-the-floor at a barn turned studio dubbed Heaven. Title track, “You’ve Been On My Mind,” was written by Brad for his childhood best friend. While their lives diverged in their 20’s, this song is a way to continue to send peace and love to him. If you miss someone, let them know.