Folk Artist Doug MacNaughton Is Cultivating Boundless Connections In “The Well of Friendship”
Brandon, MB-born, Toronto-based lyrical wizard and music magician Doug MacNaughton delivers a new pop-infused indie folk song, ‘The Well Of Friendship,’ out now.
Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, MacNaughton’s spark for music began when he first heard Mike Oldfield’s 1973 album Tubular Bells. Fascinated by Oldfield’s ability to perform every instrument, MacNaughton found this multi-instrumentalist songwriting adventure something he would love to pursue.
Armed with a background in performing and a love for all things rock and jazz, MacNaughton began to develop his songwriting talent five years ago, leading him to be a regular face in and around the Toronto music scene. MacNaughton is now to release his first 8-track album in 2023.
With inspiration by artists such as Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, and Frank Zappa, the second single off the album, “The Well Of Friendship,” draws on the celebration of human connection with the opening riff coming to him in a dream. When MacNaughton opened his eyes the following morning, he grabbed his guitar, and this single was born.
The result is a guitar-lead folk-pop song full of joy and upbeat messages surrounding the importance of friendship. From its thumping bass intro to its 12-string guitar overlay, ‘The Well Of Friendship’ is a foot-tapper from beginning to end. The chorus is catchy and enlightening, allowing a gentle flow of friendship themes to run riot. As the song builds, MacNaughton showcases his songwriting talent by allowing separate vocal lines to intertwine and become instruments. Delivering not only a well-loved tune but a composition masterpiece as well.
MacNaughton dips into his box of musical hats, offering lead and backing vocals, guitars, bass, and penny whistle throughout. Support arrives from Jessica Stuart on backing vocals, guitars, bass, and percussion, plus Ryan Granville-Martin contributing backing vocals, drums, and percussion. The three work excellently together under MacNaughton’s leadership.
Lyrically, it’s simple, but that’s what makes it great. A clear message allows overlaying musicianship to shine right on through.
“Visit the well of friendship
Drink deep of what keeps you sane
Friends have peace, hope, love to share
Forget your worries, forget your pain
Forget your worries; forget your pain.“
MacNaughton explains about the single,
“There are lots of songs about love, but not so many songs celebrating friendship – to me, friends are as necessary to life as water, and the image of friendship as well as a community’s source of water, just came to me right away.
The first time I tried that opening riff on the 12-string, it gave me a total Genesis or Harmonium vibe! I loved it, and we kept it in the recording.
You may catch a Beatles reference in there, and this is also one of the only songs that use the words’ existential ennui’ successfully.”