CANMORE – Five decades worth of words, passion and inner art has come together for Trundled’s debut album High Water.
The two-piece indie-folk band – Canmore’s Ellen Braun (guitars, vocals), and Prince George, B.C.’s Joe Shea (guitars, vocals, keys) – said the 10-track album follows themes of family, unconditional love, and self-discovery, which influenced the duo to reach into their hearts in a real, deliberate way.
“We definitely had a ‘give no f--- attitude,’ ” said Braun. “We felt that previously in studio recordings we held back a little bit, so we really wanted to be as authentic as possible and bring the true feelings of each song to the recording and I think we did that.”
Thanks for spinning our new single, "High Water" this morning on @cbcradio @daybreaknorth @Rupertsmaven. Here's a link for your listeners to find it on their favourite streaming service (hint: @bandcamp is best!). @CBCMusic @Alberta_Music @musicbc https://t.co/gyBXDW1vLw
— Trundled Music (@TrundledMusic) October 28, 2020
Trundled started in 2016 and have released an EP and singles along the way. But for High Water, they took a leap of faith and worked acclaimed the 2020 Daniel Ledwell to winner of Canadian Folk Music Awards Producer of the Year to work at his studio in Nova Scotia in June 2019.
“We were scared to even email him,” said Braun with a laugh. “To work with a producer, a few years ago, we thought that would have been unattainable.”
The “leap of faith” Trundled took paid off in the recording studio, said Braun, with each singer-songwriter having career defining moments.
“We found our own individual voices,” said Braun.
“It’s a beautiful time for me to be exploring my art. The most important thing is I feel good about it, especially with what Joe and I have created. I’m so happy with it.”
The album represents a "highlight in our musical careers," said Shea in a press release.
"Releasing it now is surreal to say the least, but we really hope that people can pick up these songs and feel that nostalgia for pre-pandemic days," he said.
Before the official release of High Water on Friday, Trundled is hosting a live online Listening Session Thursday (Nov. 19) at 6 p.m.
Got your ticket yet to our @sidedooraccess Listening Session, November 19? Exclusive video, "High Water" album songs in their full produced glory, and everyone's smiling faces. Half the proceeds of this show will be donated to the @downiewenjack Fund. https://t.co/NUtcjGqW4l
— Trundled Music (@TrundledMusic) November 12, 2020
Hosted by Side Door Access, the session will feature all 10 tracks off the album, plus music videos exclusive to the evening.
“It’s a way for us to celebrate the art we’ve created with the fans that have supported us and that’s how we’re looking at it,” said Braun.
“I’m a bit sad it’s only available for one night, but also makes it feel more like an authentic live performance when you can’t put everything in your pocket. It’s a one-time show and won’t be shared after.”
Tickets are $20 at sidedooraccess.com, and half the proceeds will be donated to the Downie Wenjack Foundation, which has the goal to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all Canadians.
