Returning to music last year after a 15-year hiatus, acclaimed singer-songwriter Andrew Spice continues that momentum with the release of “Gentle Sentinel.” Inspired by his late cat, Bea, the ballad pays tribute to the enduring love and quiet guardianship of animal companions. The single marks a deeply personal and poignant re-entry into music for Spice, whose career has drawn comparisons to the likes of Tori Amos and Thom Yorke.

Produced by two-time JUNO nominee Matthew Barber, “Gentle Sentinel” features a breathtaking string arrangement by Grammy nominee Drew Jurecka, whose strings subtly mimic a cat’s purr in an especially moving section. The track’s delicate piano and tender vocals are elevated by a graceful bassline, creating a grand yet intimate atmosphere.

1. Tell us the story of this performance, why did you choose to capture this song specifically?
Of the songs on my forthcoming album, ‘With Animals’, “Gentle Sentinel” holds a very special place in my heart and I knew that it needed a video. “Gentle Sentinel” is the first song I wrote after a 15-year hiatus from the music industry. It is a tribute to my cat Bea, who was 18 years old when I wrote it and who has since sadly passed away. I hope that the song and video resonate with people who have loved their animals and have had to cope with the grief of losing them.

2.What were you feeling inspired by the day of this performance?
The video was filmed in my home and features my other cat, Auggie, so those were my sources of inspiration. The video tells the story of writing the song as well as losing a pet, and it brought me back to those moments.

3.What was the process of making this video?
The director, Mark Pariselli, and I went through a few different concepts before settling on this one. The other ideas were more expansive in scope, and the contained approach we ended up taking just felt more genuine. It was very comfortable, as far as video shoots go: Mark and the cinematographer, Andrew Nguyen, came over and we spent the day together. The three of us worked on my previous two singles, “High Park” and “Rage Stage”, so it was a reunion of our little dream team.