Saskatchewan’s Marissa Burwell Shares New EP, Either Way
Saskatchewan indie-pop/folk artist Marissa Burwell has unveiled her new EP, Either Way, via DevilDuck Records.
Burwell shares the process and inspiration behind writing the EP:
“The songs on this EP were written through different points of reflection, some songs were written in the eye of the storm, while others were created after the city centre had been rebuilt. Each song explores an unspoken experience, whether it’s daydreaming about what could be or about what is. These songs were started and finished in varying environments; empty rooms where the vocals hung over your head and on the floors of a rental apartment booked for a reunion weekend with friends.”
Burwell teamed up with Madison Nicol and Chris Dimas (Bleeker, Surf Dads) to produce and record the EP, pulling on influences from artists such as Hannah Cohen and Haley Blais. Joining Burwell on the EP are fellow Regina musicians Tom Duffy, on guitar, and Lana Winterhalt, who contributes harmonies and a clarinet to “Kiss Her”.
Listen to Either Way below and learn more about Marissa via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am an alternative singer-songwriter who grew up in Saskatchewan. I started writing songs early in life but my nerves kept me from playing a show of my own until a couple of years out of high school. Some artists/bands that I am currently obsessed with include the New Zealand band The Beths, Canadian artist Haley Blais, and American artist Phoebe Bridgers (who has been a constant since 2017 but I can’t help but say her name every time).Â
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
My latest release is an EP titled Either Way (recorded and produced by Madison Nicol and Chris Dimas) which I am putting out with Devil Duck Records. I am feeling so excited for it to be out. Usually, when I write, the songs aren’t heard for maybe two years, but all of these songs have been written in the last twelve to fifteen months so the content of the songs still feels quite relevant to me. This explains why I have been feeling so vulnerable in anticipation of the record coming out, I am not as far removed from what I am writing about.Â
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
I might make a note on my phone after (or during) a conversation with a friend or a partner that sparks something within me, or if I see a scene or landscape that makes me pause and come up with a story in my head.Â
My main inspiration is definitely inner conflict, what is taking up the most space in my head? What do I need to work through? Writing provides a space for me to say whatever I want as directly or discreetly as I like, while still lifting a weight off my shoulders.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
As I am answering these questions, I am completing a run of German shows. I will be finishing this tour with a show at Reeperbahn festival on September 21, as well as an afternoon show at the shop Langbrett in Hamburg. As for Canadian dates, I am currently working on a run of shows in Ontario in November, so hopefully, those dates will be released soon!
What’s your goal for 2023?Â
2023 is ending soon so I want to answer this question as realistic as possible. I would say my goal is to write some more songs that I love and to play some great Ontario shows!