Shaela Miller has built a staunch reputation as one of Canada’s finest country performers, with her evocative and powerful voice at the helm. Anyone who is familiar with the modern country scene, and we don’t profess to be experts, will know that input from other genres and fresh experimentation has broadened out country’s sonic horizons to seemingly endless limits. For Miller, she also doesn’t want to be hemmed in by any one style. And so, new single ‘Mourning Tonight’ offers a distinct new format for the songwriter’s creativity.
Opening with a commanding drum beat, quick tempo bass, and atmospheric synth chords, ‘Mourning Tonight’ initially sounds like the furthest thing from that country sound. However, we’re reconnected with the genre through Miller‘s iconic, Loretta Lyn-esque voice. Using those mellifluous tones, the artist speaks to the complex and varied experience of grief, something which Miller went through after losing a close friend.
Sharing further insight into her own experience of grief and what this song means to her, Shaela Miller shares: “It’s about the volatile emotions we can feel as we navigate through complex feelings of grief and sorrow whilst juggling day-to-day tasks. When I first began writing the song, it was very slow in tempo. When I came back to it later that evening I decided it needed to be an upbeat dance song. A great example of the unpredictable moods we experience during suffering a loss.”
The lyrics are candid and intimate, depicting sleepless nights, spent tears, and bittersweet memories. Through this palpable sorrow, the contrast of the upbeat synth-laden pop-rock landscape conveys brighter times ahead.
Produced by Graham Lessard at Studio Bell in Calgary’s National Music Centre, ‘Mourning Tonight’ is also accompanied by a vibrant music video. The visuals feature a crochet skeleton, made by artist Shanell Papp, and a band of skull-faced musicians whose engaging performance is another element as to why this release has captured our attention.
You can also listen to ‘Mourning Tonight’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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