PREMIERE – Stephanie Ratcliff releases new single, “Supplication”

Photo Credit: Joey Chaos

Today marks the release of Vancouver-based indie folk-pop artist Stephanie Ratcliff‘s newest single, “Supplication”, the second single from her upcoming EP, Land In Unknown Places which is set for release on July 27, 2018.

Stephanie shares on the single,

“This song grew out of a longing to see change in the world, and feeling helpless to make it happen. It acknowledges the fragile state we are all in and yet, in that state, still resilient, still strong, and still able to be changed and to find a new way. It’s a call to God to bring the transformation we can’t, and belief that even though we can’t always see transformation happening, it is happening all around the world and in us, too. At the eleventh hour, when all seems lost and weariness is prevalent, there is hope.” 

Check out the premiere of “Supplication” below and find out more about Stephanie in our Five Questions With segment.

Care to introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! My name is Stephanie, but my friends call me Steph so you can too. I was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario (nope, I don’t know Shania but I did go to high school with her cousin. Does that count?) but have made my home in British Columbia for the past 15 years and Vancouver the past 6. When I’m not writing, playing, or working on music, you can find me helping my friends with their creative endeavours, doin’ my day-job, eating burgers, and soaking in the outdoors.

Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.

Music has the ability to move past our defences and walls and reach our hearts and souls, in ways we can’t even imagine. It softens, deepens, clarifies, and creates space for us to feel and see. At least, this is the impact music has had in my life and because of this, I hope to write music that helps reach others in the same way. In everyday life, I’m quite logical, practical and systematic, so when I write music it’s a chance for me to take all of that, and turn it on its head with my heart fully engaged. I love metaphors and wordplay and taking important topics or stories and looking at them with different eyes and vocabulary than I maybe naturally would. Music has been such a teacher to me in this way and I often see the world and people from a different point of view when I write. I also really connect with ‘ebb and flow’ in melody, and love soaring, cinematic moments in songs where all seems right with the world.

Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?

I have an EP Release Show coming up on July 27th in Vancouver, and then I’m heading on tour for 2 weeks to Ontario and the East Coast of Canada. Cannot wait!

Live-wise, I really feed off the audience and love finding connection with whoever is listening. Because I’ve got a pretty dry sense of humour and can be a little awkward (endearingly so?), there’s usually some banter with the audience, some sharing a little about the songs, and then diving deep into the music. My songs tend to be about more serious topics or experiences, so I like using the spaces in-between to keep it lighter.

If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?

Lionheart, from my “Things Above Ground” release in 2017. This song has all my favourite things packed in 5 minutes and 15 seconds – lyrical mystery, metaphor, key changes, cello, an emotional bridge, great rhythm, and a story that is relatable.

Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?

Yes! Canadian music!

I’m a pretty big Jordan Klassen fan!. He’s musically innovative, an incredible storyteller and I absolutely love his heartfelt, sincere writing. His music has definitely inspired and impacted me both in life and in my songwriting style.

And I always go back to Kathleen Edwards – I just keep spinning her Voyageur record over and over again and it never gets old. I respect her decision to retire (ish?) but really, really hope she puts more music out someday. The world needs more Kathleen Edwards!

Otherwise, I’m diggin’ The Long War, Bre McDaniel, and Jenny Banai – all very talented musicians from Vancouver. Oh, and of course, Feist. Because… Feist.

STEPHANIE RATCLIFF >> UPCOMING TOUR DATES
July 27th – Vancouver, BC – Reality Vancouver (EP Release Show)
Aug 5th – Guelph, ON – House Concert
Aug 7th – Gormley, ON – Meadowbrook Golf Club
Aug 11th – Dartmouth, NS – House Concert
Aug 12th – Charlottetown, PEI – Baba’s Lounge
Aug 15th – St. Stephen, NB – House Concert
Aug 16th – Perth, ON – House Concert
Aug 17th – Landsdowne, ON – Farmer’s Market (afternoon show)
Aug 17th – Ottawa, ON – House Concert (evening show)
Aug 18th – Barrie, ON – House Concert
Aug 19th – Toronto, ON – Burdock

Connect with Stephanie Ratcliff:
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