Canadian JUNO-nominated powerhouse vocalist DENIELLE BASSELS releases a new single, “Songbird,” a haunting and introspective ballad that explores the complexity of love, loss, and societal judgment Releasing on February 7th, 2025, on all platforms, “Songbird” is the third offering from Bassels’ forthcoming album It Goes Like This, and once again showcases her dynamic range as a singer and songwriter.
“Songbird” finds jazz/blues chanteuse extraordinaire Denielle Bassels crossing arbitrary genre boundaries with a gorgeous foray into a folk ballad with country vibes. In an astonishingly beautiful and tender vocal performance, Bassels tells the story of a seemingly joyful songbird by day who becomes a lonesome wolf by night. It encapsulates the emotional turmoil of losing a deeply troubled partner, and the burden of mourning in silence. The melodic turns and vocal harmonies from Bridgette Anderson are stunning; Drew Jurecka’s string arrangement is heartbreaking; and Ewan Farncombe’s brief organ solo is as engaging as it is subtle.
“‘Songbird’ tells the story of a relationship with a person whose struggles with addiction led to their untimely passing,” says Bassels. “It’s meant to evoke a quiet, profound sense of mourning – an unspoken grief that remains unsolved in the face of social stigma.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! I’m Denielle Bassels, a singer/songwriter and bandleader of jazz, folk, and blues from Toronto. I love telling my stories, both real and magical (sometimes those overlap), through music. This year I was nominated for my first JUNO for “Little Bit a’ Love” and I’m about to release my follow-up album “It Goes Like This”, a collection of self-contained stories, like little novellas that reveal different facets of the same main character.
“Songbird” feels like a deeply personal track. Can you share the moment or experience that inspired you to write it?
Yes, it is. “Songbird” is about someone I lost far too soon. Our love was real, but he wasn’t accepted by my family or society. For a long time, I didn’t feel free to mourn him. I felt like a songbird by day, putting on a brave face, but when the doors were closed, I was a wolf, crying out to the skies. It’s a sad song, yes, but also a beautiful one. Real love never dies. That’s a blessing.
The song crosses into folk and country territory, a shift from your jazz/blues roots. What drew you to explore these genres for this track?
I tend to throw out little country/folk loops on all my albums. Last time it was “Little Bit a’ Love” and before that, it was “We Smile” on the Wishbags album. I was raised with all sorts of genres from Aretha Franklin to Shania Twain, punk and ska music, and then jazz. I just like to serve the song when I write. Songbird started a capella and when I arranged it for the band, it was originally a 6/8 blues. It just didn’t capture the innocence of who I was when I lived through this moment. I needed it stripped down to its core, intimate and vulnerable. When we started playing it in 4/4 time with an intimate and stripped-back approach, it felt right. Even the vocals needed to be pulled back. I wanted it to feel like I was talking to someone in the dark, perhaps myself, perhaps someone I was confiding in. I’m really excited about how it turned out.
Bridgette Anderson’s harmonies, Drew Jurecka’s string arrangement, and Ewan Farncombe’s organ solo add rich textures. How did these collaborations influence the final sound of “Songbird”?
This track wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible artists who brought it to life. It was produced with Drew Jurecka who also wrote the heart-wrenching string arrangements, played them, and recorded them. When I wrote the harmonies, I had to decide to sing them myself or have another voice and I ultimately went with Bridgette who adds a layer of support and beauty that really brings out the emotion in the chorus. Ewen’s organ solo is the perfect compliment to the song – it’s subtle,and delicate and his restraint in playing speaks volumes. All of these elements together form a soundscape that’s simple, but full of emotion. I can’t forget to mention Thom McKay who also co-produced and recorded my vocals. I feel like it’s my best vocal to date. He really gets you to tell the story with all your guts out from beginning to end. Vic Florencia mixed the track so beautifully.
“Songbird” is the third single from your upcoming album It Goes Like This. How does this song fit within the album’s broader themes and sound?
The title of the album speaks to the concept of storytelling – the way I communicate through my music. The cover art is designed to reflect that storytelling vibe, like I’m in a speakeasy, poised to tell you the most epic and magical tales. “Songbird” is part of that collection. There is an underlying mystery about the singer and her love, she hides her emotions, secrets, and the truth of what has happened. She is both a songbird and a wolf and although it contrasts sonically with some of the album’s more theatrical moments, it’s a reminder that storytelling in music doesn’t always have to be grand. Sometimes the most powerful moments are the quietest. Jazz at its core is about the freedom to explore in ways that feel honest. Folk music carries that same spirit of storytelling and raw emotion, making “Songbird” a natural fit with the album world.
Are there any upcoming performances or events where fans can experience “Songbird” live?
Yes! Next Thursday, February 13th I’ll be at Drom Taberna for my CD Launch. We’ll be bringing an eight-piece band, with special guest trumpet player, Alexis Baro joining us for a few tunes making it a nine-piece. Most of the players from the album will be on stage including Drew Jurecka, Bridgette Anderson, Eric St. Laurent and we will of course be playing Songbird. Tickets are $20 on Eventbrite and $25 at the door.