Yukon Indie-Folk Band The August Arrival Share New Single “CAMPED OUT”
Yukon indie-folk band The August Arrival shares their melodic and emotionally charged new single “Camped Out” out now on all digital streaming platforms.
Led by Yukon songwriter and vocalist Sara MacDonald, The August Arrival is a solo project supported by friends, incorporating live and recording contributions from an array of musicians who slide in and out of the lineup. Sara was working on her Masters while working on their forthcoming new album Hillsides (out on October 11th), so many of her thoughts and readings at the time were psychology-based, which is apparent on the lead single “Camped Out.”
“The song ‘Camped Out’ was inspired by a podcast about someone using Neurotherapy to get over an ex-partner,” says Sara. “This resonated with me, capturing how people, ideas, and thoughts can consume us. Writing this song allowed me to explore my tendency to overthink and obsess while acknowledging the strange comfort that comes from hiding within those fixations.”
Described as “well composed, intimate, even mystical folk rock,” The August Arrival unearths something profound within the listener. It conjures up a personalized sentiment that keeps you returning for more. Their upcoming album release Hillsides will resonate deeply with fans of intimate indie folk-rock, drawing inspiration from Postdata, Blind Pilot, and Manchester Orchestra.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Sara MacDonald. I am a singer-songwriter and guitarist based in the Yukon, where I perform under the alias the august arrival. This is a solo project, often brought to life with the help of talented friends and musicians who join when they can. For the past 13 years, the august arrival has brought a warm, introspective indie folk-rock sound to festivals and shows throughout the Yukon and Western Canada.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My latest album, Hillsides, is a deeply personal collection of songs that will resonate with fans of intimate indie folk-rock. Drawing inspiration from artists like Postdata, Bon Iver, and Manchester Orchestra, the music features driving melodies, poetic lyrics, and atmospheric instrumentation. Hillsides is an emotionally charged journey crafted during what I can best describe as a “growth phase” in my life, marked by struggle, change, loss, longing, and, finally, appreciation. During this period, I grieved the loss of a loved one to breast cancer, navigated my son’s Autism diagnosis (and its accompanying complexities), and faced a personal health scare. Through these experiences, Hillsides explores both deeply personal and universal themes, it’s an album that helps remind us of the strength and beauty that can emerge from life’s most challenging moments.
Jordy Walker produced and recorded the album at Stackwall Sound, a beautiful backyard studio in Whitehorse, Yukon, surrounded by mountains, greenery, and gardens. We completed the recording in 2022, and I’ve just been kind of waiting until it felt right to share it.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
When it comes to songwriting, I don’t follow a specific routine, although I am a bit of a night owl, so I often find myself writing at night. I have a piano and a guitar in my kitchen, which provides some great nighttime acoustics. For me, songwriting is now more about patience and perseverance. If I spend time with an idea, something meaningful will eventually come. The key is to keep going even if the song doesn’t come as quickly or easily as I’d like. I usually start with a few chords that resonate at the moment, then add the first line or two of lyrics and melody over the top. When a slightly uncomfortable or surprising lyric comes out, I know the creative process is starting to flow. From there, it’s a matter of staying open and sticking with it.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
A second single, “Whisper,” will be released on September 13, 2024, followed by the full album on October 11. Two songs, “Fleeting and Forever” and “Last Known Bird,” have videos. The august arrival has a few local shows in the works, and hopefully, will be planning some shows in Western Canada over the summer of 2025.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Playing at the BreakOut West Showcase festival in Calgary, Alberta (2023) was a great experience. Being in the company of so many amazing musicians was so inspiring! Another highlight for me was when I was the Jenni House artist in residence. My project for the residency involved meeting with seniors and writing songs about their lives, which was particularly impactful as it happened in March 2020, when, due to COVID-19, many elderly people were isolated from the community. Being able to write and record songs that were meaningful for them during a difficult time was a really fulfilling way to use my love of music and songwriting. Using my songwriting to help some seniors tell their stories and leave their legacies was a highlight.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward. What upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
I am a huge fan of an East Coast-based Canadian artist called Postdata. The project is led by Paul Murphy, who has written many incredible songs that have become the soundtrack to my life. I highly recommend checking out his work. If I could write songs like anyone, I wish I could write like him; all the music is just so, so good!