Begonia Announces New EP & Shares Single, “Get To You”
Begonia, aka Alexa Dirks, is not slowing down after celebrating the one-year anniversary of her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Powder Blue, which secured a spot on the coveted 2023 Polaris Music Prize Shortlist and earned her a 2024 JUNO Award Nomination. Powder Blue explored self-discovery and challenging personal beliefs; in her upcoming EP, Open Swim, she continues that journey by exploring communication with candour and sincerity. Alexa describes the EP as a project that “encompasses the feeling of working through conflict and the elation that can surface when you’re honest with others and ultimately yourself. Sometimes in the process, you can feel like you’re swimming for your life through choppy water but on the other side there is the feeling of relief, like floating on your back in the sun.” The Open Swim EP was co-written and produced by Begonia and Marcus Paquin (The National, The Weather Station, Arcade Fire, Julia Jacklin) along with contributions from her frequent collaborators and producer duo, deadmen. Open Swim will be released on July 17, 2024, via Birthday Cake Records.
“Get To You”, the first single from the EP, begins by unspooling a story about longing to connect with someone. As each instrumental component builds, the song fills with emotions underpinned by the Poly 6 and Prophet 8 synthesizers working in tandem with Alexa’s sensitive, breathy vocal delivery.
Alexa states
“this song is about trying to get through to someone you can’t seem to get through to. When you feel like you’re constantly showing someone who you are and they can’t or don’t want to see it.”
The single is rooted in R&B grooves and showcases a different side to Begonia’s abilities. While she maintains her signature relatability, charisma, and vocal prowess – which are foundational to her sound, there is a reserved maturity to the composition of “Get to You” that feels distinct.
Begonia heads back to the UK this May to perform in Wrexham for Focus Wales, Brighton for The Great Escape, and London to perform at Strongroom. Her summer is packed with festivals including Toronto Pride, Rochester International Jazz Festival, and Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival among others.
Upcoming Shows:
May 9 – Wrexham, UK @ Wrexham University (Focus Wales)
May 10 – Wrexham, UK @ Tŷ Pawb (Focus Wales)
May 11 – Wrexham, UK @ Queen’s Square (Focus Wales)
May 11 – Wrexham, UK @ St Giles Church In Wales (Focus Wales)
May 14 – London, UK @ Strongroom
May 16 – Brighton, UK @ The Hope & Ruin (The Great Escape)
May 17 – Brighton, UK @ The Green Door Store (The Great Escape)
May 18 – Manchester, UK – YES (Pink Room)
May 19 – London, UK – Colours
Jun 2 – Winnipeg, MB @ Pride Winnipeg
Jun 8 – Uxbridge, ON @ Springtide Music Fest
Jun 15 – Brandon, MB @ Keystone Centre 50th Anniversary
Jun 21 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Jazz Festival
Jun 22 – Beaumont, AB @ Beaumont Music Fest
Jun 28 – Toronto, ON @ Toronto Pride
Jun 29 – Rochester, NY @ Rochester International Jazz Fest
Jul 19 – Yellowknife, YT – Folk On The Rocks
Jul 27 – Salmon Arm, BC – Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Aug 9 – Ear Falls, ON – Trout Forest Music Festival
Aug 24 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage