Canadian Indie Folk Singer-Songwriter Ken Presse Shares New Single And Video “Somehow Better”
Esteemed Quebec-based singer-songwriter and performing artist, Ken Presse (pronounced Press-ay), announces his sophomore album, Someday, will arrive on January 17, 2025. Alongside the announcement comes a poignant new single and video, “Somehow Better”. Known for his vibrant songwriting woven from a myriad of influences, combining folk, indie, and country to create a sound uniquely his own, Presse’s latest single dives deep into feelings of isolation, self-doubt, and regret. Blending rich acoustic guitar, banjo, and drums with dynamic electric guitar and lush, evocative vocals, “Somehow Better” sees Presse once again deliver a captivating indie/folk anthem.
Speaking on the song and upcoming LP, Presse shared:
“This album, especially the song ‘Somehow Better’, is my way of raising awareness for mental health. It’s a topic that resonates deeply with me, primarily because of the impact it has had on certain friends and members of my family. I’ve witnessed firsthand the toll it can take, whether through drug or alcohol abuse. Seeing loved ones struggle with these issues has been incredibly challenging, and it’s something that occupies my thoughts frequently. I’ve also had to cope with my own mental health challenges, which for a long time lead me to abusing alcohol. The chorus of the song keeps repeating, ‘Tell me it gets better, Somehow Better’, and that’s really how I felt in those moments, just hanging on, hoping that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.”
The music video, directed by Bruno Labrie, expertly highlights those same themes. Combining striking imagery and evocative storytelling to portray the reality of living with mental illness, this latest video offers an honest depiction of struggle and a hopeful message of recovery.
“I’ve collaborated with Bruno on a few music videos, including the one for my last single, “Might as Well” which we filmed in Bromont, Quebec, a stunning mountainous tourist destination. Bruno has an impressive track record, having worked with artists like Matt Lang and Tebey. Although he has shifted more towards corporate films recently, he felt a deep connection to the lyrics and music. After just one conversation, we knew we had to move forward with this project. We were immediately on the same page and shared a clear vision for telling the story.”
Hailing from Montreal, Ken Presse started his musical career as a member of The Franklin Electric, where he traversed over eighteen countries, gaining invaluable experience along the way. He released his debut album, In My Mind, in late 2022. Since then, Ken has taken his captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics across Canada and the United States, while sharing the stage with iconic acts such as Men Without Hats, Jon Bryant, and Hans Williams.
His tracks “Sometimes” and “J’avoue” have resonated far and wide, gracing the airwaves of radio stations from Quebec to France and South America. Additionally, his talent extends to more than the stage, having produced and mixed records for talented Canadian and American artists such as Ryan Kinder, Celina Wolfe, and Meghan Oak.
Yet, amidst his diverse endeavors, Ken has always harbored a dream of crafting his own artistic narrative. Since releasing In My Mind, he’s realized that dream more and more, accumulating over 750,000 streams across all platforms, and earning critical acclaim along the way. His magnetic presence has also graced Quebec’s most-watched television shows, including appearances on Salut Bonjour. Ken Presse’s musical odyssey is not just about creating music; it’s about forging connections, touching souls, and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners worldwide.