Montreal’s Ariel Posen has unveiled his new album, Reasons Why.
Recorded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Montreal, Quebec in early 2022, Reasons Why represents reflection and growth for Ariel Posen – some songs are personal, others are observations; there are songs about relationships, forgiveness, pushing toxic people out of your life, mending broken relationships. The title refers to the explanation behind how and why we act, and how choices can further affect oneself and others. Posen started working on Reasons Why at the beginning of 2020, and the Covid lockdown provided an unintended creative boon to his work.
Reasons Why shows once again that “best” is a high standard for Posen. The new songs represent another step forward in every aspect – lyricism, musicality, playing, sonics. The songs are nuanced but impactful, deeply resonant but universally accessible. Posen blends craftsman’s care with the daring do of a seasoned live player, resulting in an immersive adventure that reveals fresh merits on every listen.
On Reasons Why Posen determinedly defies any easy genre identification and refuses to be sealed in any sonic cubbyhole.
“I classify my music as roots, which isn’t the most embraced term out there,” he explains. “However, roots is like this perfect definition in my mind for what I do. It takes in rock, but it’s not rock. It takes in blues, but it’s not blues. It’s soulful, but not what people would classify as soul and R&B. There are elements of Americana, pop…It’s this amalgam term that I’m trying to put out there so one day when people ask what my genre is, I can say ‘roots’ without any further questions. I think when you listen to so many different styles of music it tends to come out in your own sound.”
Listen to Reasons Why below and learn more about Ariel via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Ariel Posen, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
This is my 3rd record and the work I’m proudest of yet. I think it’s the most authentic representation of “my sound” so far.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
From everything I’ve ever listened to, as well as colleagues and friends that inspire me greatly!
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
Yes!
Sept 8 – London – The Garage
Sept 23-24 – Los Angeles – Crossroads Festival
Sept 26 – Calgary – Commonwealth Bar & Stage
Sept 27 – Edmonton – Starlite Room
Sept 28 – Saskatoon – Broadway Theatre
Sept 29 – Winnipeg – Park Theatre
Oct 18 – Dallas – Sundown at Granada
Oct 19 – Austin – Parish
Oct 21 – Los Angeles – Lodge Room
Oct 22 – Pioneertown – Pappy & Harriets
Oct 24 – San Francisco – Bottom Of The Hill
Oct 26 – Portland – Polaris Hall
Oct 27 – Seattle – High Dive
Oct 29 – Vancouver – Hollywood Theatre
Nov 9 – Ottawa – SAW Club
Nov 10 – Montreal – Theatre Fairmont
Nov 11 – Burlington – Higher Ground
Nov 12 – Boston – Sonia
Nov 14 – Philadelphia – Milkboy
Nov 15 – Washington DC – Jammin Java
Nov 16 – New York – Gramercy Theater
Nov 18 – Hamilton – Mills Hardware
Nov 19 – Toronto – The Great Hall
Dec 7 – Asheville – Salvage Station
Dec 8 – Atlanta – Eddie’s Attic
Dec 9 – Nashville – Blue Room
Dec 10 – Indianapolis – Hi-Fi Indy
Dec 12 – Chicago – Sleeping Village
Dec 13 – St. Paul – Turf Club
What’s your goal for 2023?
To get this new album into as many new ears as possible and to play as many shows as we can!
Connect with Ariel Posen:
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