Victoria Houser Unveils Poignant Tribute To East Canadian Roots In “By the Ocean” From New EP Somewhere Close To Home
Toronto-based Singer-songwriter Victoria Houser showcases her superb storytelling once more in her new single “By the Ocean” from her new EP Somewhere Close To Home.
The song is an ode to her East Canadian roots and explores the magic of her upbringing in the coastal town of Hubbards, Nova Scotia. Each verse pays homage to a member of her family and the crucial role they played in her early life.
“My family and the vibrant tales of our home served as the heartbeat behind ‘By the Ocean.’ Each verse encapsulates the essence of one of them; my mom, my dad, my two sisters, and my brother, all of whom played roles in shaping who I am.”
For Houser, now based in Toronto, ON, writing the song was second nature, and the words “poured out effortlessly, resonating with my deep connection to home.” The song is a thank-you to the people and the memories that made Houser who she is today.
Not only do Houser’s carefully crafted lyrics reflect the tranquility of her hometown and the comfort of family life, but the musical composition itself—a clever blend of folk, roots, and country—further envelopes the listener in the sounds of the coast. Blended with Houser’s warm voice and authentic narrative, the song transports us into a peaceful, seaside life.
“The musical arrangements in ‘By the Ocean’ sought to echo the coastal melodies of my childhood, serenading listeners with the sounds of my home,” Houser says.
“By the Ocean” is Houser’s second single from her new EP, Somewhere Close to Home. The album’s title is derived from a lyric of “By the Ocean”: “In my final resting place / Please lay me somewhere close to home / Near the singing of the waves.”
The title, lovingly chosen by Houser, “mirrors the emotional compass guiding these four tracks—a longing for the sanctuary of home, whether it’s the serene coastal vibes of Nova Scotia or the nostalgic comfort found in the company of dear friends and lovers.”
The second single comes on the heels of Houser’s heart-wrenching “When You’re Sober,” an upbeat, unusually melancholic, and infectious track about the turmoil of a failing relationship.
“Every song on Somewhere Close to Home carries a piece of my story, inspired by moments of joy, heartache, and the intricate threads that connect us to our roots,” Houser says. “By the Ocean” is no exception, and the earnest new single wraps listeners in the luxury of coming home.”