Internationally acclaimed, Toronto-based 13-member vocal group, Countermeasure is set to release their third studio album, Guest Sessions this September, in celebration of their 10th anniversary. Today, they teamed up with us, at Canadian Beats, to unveil the video for their latest single, “For Alice”.
The video, which was produced by Rachel Liley and directed by Cameron Walker, captures the emotional weight, and the ethereal, cinematic ambiance of the track.
“For Alice is a song that, for me, recalls a lot of imagery from a few years ago with my dad going through palliative care,” describes soloist, Daniel Boyle, “and the both universal and very intimate, personal experience of losing a loved one”.
Countermeasure Artistic Director, Aaron Jensen says,
“I wrote For Alice specifically for Daniel. I wanted to compose a song that both showcased his remarkable voice but also that resonated with him emotionally.”
As Jensen was contemplating the lyrics of the piece, he happened upon a short story by Alice Munro, The Moons of Jupiter, about a woman coming to terms with the imminent loss of her ailing father. Themes of Munro’s story, (acceptance, catharsis, and the curation of final shared moments) seemed to align with Daniel’s experience.
“For Alice” is the only co-write on Guest Sessions, and features guest instrumentalist and Scottish multi-percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie. She provided Countermeasure’s Aaron Jensen with several extended improvisations to choose from on a variety of percussion instruments. Jensen selected Dame Evelyn’s offering on the RAV drum (a resonant pitched hand percussion instrument).
If you have yet to have the opportunity to listen to Countermeasure, now is your chance to be blown away. Their style is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, with an incredible a cappella talent, vocal harmonies that will give you chills, and a video that pulls it all together flawlessly. “For Alice” will tug at your emotions, and you will be left wanting more. You’re in luck, as Guest Sessions will be released before you know it, and you can fully immerse yourself in all that is Countermeasure.
Check out the video below and be sure to stay up to date with Countermeasure via their socials.
Connect with Countermeasure:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram