ECMA nominee Elyse Aeryn Releases Fiery New Single, “Cowboy”
Nominated for the ECMA’s 2024 Rock Recording of the Year for debut album Joy State of Mind, singer-songwriter Elyse Aeryn is known for her fiery and rebellious rock and roll.
The winner of Music Nova Scotia’s 2023 Country Recording of the Year and The Coast’s Best of Halifax 2023 Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Artist has released her fierce new single, “Cowboy.”
Produced by Halifax’s Corey LeRue (Neon Dreams, Ria Mae), this driving rock track has a danceable energy, calling on fans of alt-rock, country-rock, and pop-rock alike.
“I was thinking about someone I know who lives their life with total confidence in themselves and their decisions… with no regard for the ‘rules’. I was imagining what it would be like to live so boldly. As the chorus started flowing, it hit me that I am stepping into that energy. I don’t need anyone to save me. I am the cowboy.”
Review
“Cowboy” radiates a bold sense of freedom and rebellion through its spirited lyrics and catchy melody. It vividly portrays a character who lives on their own terms, disregarding societal norms. Lines like “Never waits for permission” and “Doesn’t care for the rules” capture the essence of independence, akin to a wild horse roaming without restraint.
As the song progresses, it becomes a celebration of self-discovery and empowerment. The main character finds strength and comfort in their identity, symbolized by their connection to the cowboy figure. The chorus, with its catchy repetition of “Taking me away, laughing in the face of danger, faster, faster,” perfectly captures the exhilarating feeling of breaking free from limitations and embracing life’s adventures.
Overall, “Cowboy” is a call to arms for anyone feeling held back, urging them to release their fears and embrace the excitement of living boldly.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Elyse Aeryn and I am a singer-songwriter from Cape Breton Island making rock and roll music. I released my debut album, Joy State of Mind, in 2023 and have been touring across the East Coast with my 5-pc band (6 when we can swing it!). I lived another life before giving myself permission to chase the rock and roll dream but now I’m all in!
Tell us a bit about your new release.
‘Cowboy’ is a rock song with this slick dance groove and it just makes me want to move. I worked with producer Corey LeRue (Neon Dreams, Ria Mae) for the first time and we’re really excited about it. When I started writing I was thinking about someone who lives with no regard for what others think; someone who just does their thing. I can sometimes hold back worrying about others’ opinions and I envy that kind of boldness. As the chorus started unfolding into this scene of a saviour riding in and “taking me away”, I was seeing myself. I hit the turnaround at the end of the chorus and realized hey, I have been stepping into this energy. “The cowboy is me”.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
My process changes from song to song depending on how it wants to come through. If I’m inspired, a lyrical melody usually finds its way into my consciousness and I’ll record a quick voice memo then sit with it to fit a chord progression to the line. This might become a hook, a verse lyric, anything, and the words may change later, but I love building outward like that. If I’m less “inspired” but intend to write, I’ll draw on a feeling or an experience, past or current. It can be tougher to access these parts of myself because I think it’s human nature to avoid pain, but I’ll freewrite until something hits. Sometimes I’m rhyming, sometimes it’s just words, sometimes a melody unveils itself, but if I can find one spark to excite me it usually leads to a song.
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?
I have a music video to accompany the song on release day. Directed by Halifax’s moosecanfly, it’s a vintage-vibing, cowboy saves the day kind of theme but it leans into the empowering message of being your own hero. I’ll be sharing it on all my socials when it’s out!
I also have a handful of show dates with the band this summer including a showcase at the East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) in Charlottetown PEI on May 4th, Rock The Fiddle in Sydney NS with Adam Baldwin and Dave Sampson (Aug 10), and Nova Scotia Summer Fest in AntigonishNS with Honeymoon Suite and Kim Mitchell (Aug 17), for a full list of shows check out elyseaeryn.com/shows!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I consider the release of my debut album, Joy State of Mind, the point where things got real. Having a body of work that represents me as an artist, that is a piece of me, felt like an official coming out as an artist – especially when I held it on 12” vinyl. Releasing a full-length album gave me opportunities to perform at festivals across the East Coast and to get my name out there on the Canadian music scene. Joy State of Mind won Country Recording of the Year at the 2023 Nova Scotia Music Awards and is currently nominated for Rock Recording of the Year at the 2024 ECMAs.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
I recently got into a band called The Redhill Valleys from Ontario. For anyone who discovered me through our mutual love for Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, you’ll love their sound! Also, from just down the road here in Cape Breton, an Americana artist about to pop off right now is Goldie Boutilier. Go check them out!