Edmonton-Based Singer-Songwriter Dahlia Wakefield Releases Soft Rock Single “Still Waters”
Following the release of “Now’s The Time” last November, Edmonton-based singer-songwriter Dahlia Wakefield strikes a delicate balance between a sweet ethereal sound and profound lyrics in “Still Waters.” In her latest track, the artist embodies discernment while examining the deeper meanings in life. Wakefield doesn’t shy away from being earnest as she begins the single with gripping lyrics.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink
You can give people knowledge, but you can’t make them think
You know the truth by the way that it feels
You gotta look beyond potential and see what is real
“Still Waters” begins with a soft tune, inviting listeners to relax. By the bridge, Wakefield’s vocal control and command are evident, as the song slowly builds up to a powerful melody.
Overall, the single showcases softer vocals than she had planned. Wakefield was at the tail end of a cold when she recorded the final vocals for the track back in December. However, her light airy vocals only add a layer of an ethereal quality as listeners enter the softness of “Still Waters.” It’s described as a “bit of a happy accident.”
Wakefield co-wrote the track with Kevin Frey. While it is the first co-write between the duo, it is not the last. “There’s lots more to come,” says Frey. The single was recorded at Dominelli Studios and showcases guitar features by Alan Tymofichuk, supporting keyboard melodies by Jann Arden’s touring keyboardist Darcy Phillips, a steady layer of bass by Mike Hill, and drums by JUNO Award-nominated Sandro Dominelli.
The song begins with guitar picking, showcasing Wakefield’s light country influence. The artist’s soft vocals enter, along with steady light drums, bringing the track back to the soft rock styles Wakefield is accustomed to. Throughout the latest single, her songwriting skills are at the forefront, inviting listeners to enter a world beyond their every day passing experiences.
Wakefield is no stranger to the music scene, and she doesn’t stick to one lane — she wears many hats within the industry. From songwriting and performing to teaching and managing, there’s no doubt she’s a multifaceted artist. Her many roles and accolades in the scene shouldn’t come as a surprise, she’s been performing since the young of five, and still today, you won’t have trouble finding her on stage solo or joined by one of her bands.
Wakefield has a large discography to discover and her command of the stage is not to be missed. But, as for leisure listening, “Still Waters” is a must-listen. Be transported to a place of stillness and inquisitiveness with “Still Waters,” out now.
Care to introduce yourself?
Hi! I am Dahlia Wakefield – an Edmonton based; Maidstone Saskatchewan-raised; Cebu City, Philippines-born singer, songwriter, performer, and recording artist. I’ve been singing on stage since the age of 5 and graduated from the Music Program at Grant MacEwan University. I’m also a piano and vocal coach. I am a member of five bands, two duos, and one trio, and have a partridge in a pear tree. (No, not really 😉 I also sing solo at various events. Music is my life and couldn’t see myself doing anything else for a living!
Tell us about the process of recording “Still Waters”?
On Nov 4, 2023, (my Birthday!), the magic started to come together at Dominelli Studios in St. Albert. Scratch tracks of my vocals and acoustic guitar by my long-time guitarist and friend Alan Tymofichuk were recorded. The acoustic guitar laid the foundation for the rest of the song and that track was kept. Session musicians soon added their parts – Mike Hill on bass and Juno-nominated drummer Sandro Dominelli (producer and owner of the studio) recorded their parts together in the studio at the same time a couple of weeks later. The track was sent digitally to keyboard player Darcy Phillips (who also performs with Jann Arden). Alan came back in to record some tasteful electric guitar tracks a week later. Final vocals and my backup harmonies were added mid-December. Unfortunately, I was at the tail end of cold; I struggled a bit for control (whilst guzzling copious amounts of “Throat Coat Tea” and eating salt & vinegar potato chips supposedly a trick for phlegm-free singing lol). I remember wishing that I should have waited a bit to record but the resulting “breathiness” of the track was a bit of a “happy accident” and lent itself to the ethereal quality of the song. Soon after the New Year, the mixing began. Goosebumps and excitement started to build as the song was refined through each step of mixing and mastering, and by the end of January, the master was complete. My co-writer, Kevin Frey, was there most every step of the way!
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
The first Canadian artist to blow me away was Amanda Marshall. I remember listening to her song “Let It Rain” as I was driving to the mall in Lloydminster, and had to pull over and park to listen to the rest of the song. It was then that I knew that I wanted to leave Lloydminster and move to Edmonton to attend the music program at Grant MacEwan. Before my first semester, I got to see Amanda perform live. The opening act was Chantal Kreviazuk – another amazing Canadian artist. In 2023, after 20 or so years, I saw Amanda again at the Jubilee Auditorium – she was just as fantastic and energetic as she was the first time I got to see her! What a voice!
The most recent Canadian artist to blow me away was Joni Mitchell, who, at the young age of 80, sang for the first time at the Grammys, even though she was an 11-time Grammy winner. She proved that it’s never too late. She had even survived a brain aneurysm and had to re-learn how to sing. Props to her! I regularly sing her hit “Big Yellow Taxi” and always give her a shout-out. Apparently, she even lived in the same small town that I used to live in – Maidstone, S!. I didn’t know her, but like me, I’m sure she couldn’t wait to leave that small town and head for the big city and bright lights! I was not meant to live in a small town.
What’s an album that you have in your collection that would surprise people?
– I’m not sure if there’s an actual album that would surprise people as I have an eclectic taste. I listen to many genres and sing many genres in my many bands – from classical to metal. In my duo and Villains band, I sing many genres. (You can’t please everyone – but I like to try! 😉 From ABBA to Zeppelin, I love it all….from all time periods and most genres (except some rap and screamo and various songs from the Baroque period LOL). I love singing the “oldies” at seniors’ homes so perhaps people wouldn’t realize that I sing a lot of show tunes … So maybe I’d have to say that due to my love for the movie “The Sound of Music”, I actually have that album in my collection. I regularly sing the song “Eidelweiss” to seniors and they love it. Some cry, some look wistful and some sing along and it’s all so sweet, humbling, and endearing.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Listen to everything music-wise that you can and try writing in every style you can. Good or bad, each thing you try will lead to new and better things as you grow. From solo writing to co-writing to group writing, there is no one magic bullet. Trial and error and working with different people are the best tools to help you grow. However, while writing, remember that music is subjective – trust your gut … not everyone has the same artistic vision as you so be true to yourself! Make music that you can be proud of!
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