Canada’s STARPAINTER announces new LP Cayenne Flowerbed with new single “Rabbits”
After sharing the stunning single “I Found a River” at the beginning of June, Starpainter today officially confirms their new album, Cayenne Flowerbed, will be out Sept. 9 on Ram On Records. The pride of Lethbridge, Alberta has also released the single “Rabbits” and announced fall Canadian tour dates in support of the album.
Cayenne Flowerbed is the follow-up to Starpainter’s acclaimed 2023 album Rattlesnake Dream, and carries their musical vision into uncharted territory with the help of producer Chris Dadge (Alvvays, Chad VanGaalen). “Rabbits” showcases the band’s more meditative side, musically echoing artists like My Morning Jacket and Fleet Foxes.
Singer/songwriter Joel Stretch explains,
“‘Rabbits’ explores the ghost-like space certain people take up in my mind after they’re no longer physically present — friends, family, or artists I admire who have died, or even just people I used to be close to that I’ve lost touch with. I still live with their guiding presence and perspectives sort of looming over me even though they’re not around in my life anymore. I really love the parts everyone in the band laid down on this one. It’s one of my all-time favourite arrangements on a Starpainter tune.”
Starpainter — who along with Stretch is comprised of Joel Gray, Mickey Hayward, Dylan Wagner, Bailey Kate, and Tyler Stewart — intended Cayenne Flowerbed, to be a bold artistic statement, exploring new sides of their signature indie-twang sound. Across the album’s eleven tracks, the blend of cinematic folk, fuzzy country rock, and richly textured pop songs reflects how the band has honed its approach over the past few years of performing together.
Tying it all together is Chris Dadge’s adventurous taste and irreverent pop sensibilities, with further sonic flourishes added to the mix by Jon Anderson (Andy Shauf, Ocie Elliott), as well as during the mastering by Philip Shaw Bova (Feist, Bahamas).
“I Found A River” and “Rabbits” offer further proof that Starpainter is a band determined not to be pigeonholed, but instead evolve with each album.
As Stretch says,
“I guess the through-line with the artists that inspire me the most is longevity and a willingness to try out bold ideas and create something that reflects wherever they’re at.”
