Soul Filter shares new single, “The City Knows”

PEI’s Alt-Rocker’s SOUL FILTER Say “The City Knows” with New Single

Award-nominated Canadian alt-rock band, Soul Filter has unveiled their new song exploring the unforgiving nature of big cities, all from the perspective of a small-town girl, with this, their fiery new single, “The City Knows.”

Produced by John Angus MacDonald of The Trews and dripping with ‘90s nostalgia, “The City Knows” is a page torn from a diarist’s letter to the era of cassette walkmans and no smartphones. Lending itself to be more of a dark fairy tale, the song reflects the artists that have heavily inspired Soul Filter — in this track’s case, think the introspective, confessional vibe or Fleetwood Mac coupled with the ethereal, high-energy flair of Florence & The Machine.

“The City Knows” is based on the true story of a small-town girl who finally makes it to the big city and quickly realizes it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

“Though I was in a city surrounded by people, I never felt so alone,” lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Karen Penton shares. “It’s forever seared in my memory… 

“Writing about it years later, I was able to see it from a new perspective.” 

Once a rough version of “The City Knows” came together, a demo was sent to John Angus MacDonald of The Trews for production. Colin MacDonald of The Trews and Halifax singer/songwriter/producer Chris Kirby was then brought in to help lyrically flesh out the rest of the song.

Fast forward to a recording session in Prince Edward Island with John Angus himself, and the result speaks for itself.

Listen to “The City Knows” below, and find out more about Soul Filter via our mini-interview.

Care to introduce yourself to our readers?

Soul Filter is:

Karen Penton – Lead vocals /rhythm guitar/songwriter
Mike Penton – Electric lead guitar/backup vocals/songwriter
Ronnie Arsenault – Bass guitar
Marc Robichaud – Drums

What do you love about living on Summerside?

Karen: We are surrounded by water. I can drive within minutes and be walking my dog on the waterfront boardwalk or sitting at the beach. I also love walking on nature trails. And dairy bars!

Mike: It’s a quiet, little laid-back town. Good atmosphere for creating and songwriting. A small population makes for less aura infringement

Marc:  Lots of Dairy Bars

Who was the first music artist to knock you sideways?

 Karen: I’ve been obsessed with and admired so many bands over the years, but I’d have to go with No Doubt.

Mike: Beatles / Led Zeppelin / Black sabbath

Ronnie: Motley Crue

Marc: The Police

What’s it like working with John Angus MacDonald of The Trews for the new single?

Karen: Both surreal and natural. There was a lot of back and forth over email for about 2 months. It was a great collaboration. To be able to have him in the room with us to record was epic. He was down-to-earth and laid back, but also focused and professional. Would totally love to work with him again.

Ronnie & Mike: Nothing but a completely positive experience. His ability to really be able to take a song to the next level and being able to clearly relay to each of us what he wanted was very inspiring. Nothing but respect for him!

Marc: Amazing musician! Down to earth, easy going, and gave great feedback to help bring the best in the performance.

You get to see one Canadian artist, anytime, anyplace, in concert – who would it be and why?

Karen: Alanis Morissette. Jagged Little Pill was the album that I needed. It made me realize that it’s not only ok to have those raw feelings and to go through shit, but to express that. Her voice, her words, her passion, and her emotion have always resonated with me.

Mike: The Tragically Hip & Rush

Ronnie: Esthero

Marc: Not because we worked with him, but The Trews. The Tragically Hip were always toted as having that “Canadian sound” I think The Trews have that element as well. Great songs. Great energy and distinctly Canadian.

Connect with Soul Filter:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok

Jenna Melanson

I’m Jenna, and I am the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be. I am so proud of what it has become over the last few years, with many talented music lovers and writers coming together to spread the word of Canada’s music.