Brooke MacArthur Unveils “Bittersweet Surprise” — A Soulful, Bluesy Breakthrough Track
Brooke MacArthur, a rising country artist from Prince Edward Island, is quickly carving out a name for herself in Canada’s country music scene. With a voice that blends soulful warmth and emotional depth, Brooke’s signature low register and heartfelt storytelling have already earned her national attention. Her previous singles — including a standout duet with country troubadour Lawrence Maxwell — received extensive radio play, including SiriusXM’s Top of the Country.
Fresh off performances at top-tier festivals like Cavendish Beach Music Festival and shared stages with acts like The Reklaws, Tim Hicks, and Steven Lee Olsen, Brooke returns with her most powerful release yet: “Bittersweet Surprise.”
Co-written with Nashville’s Dylan Guthro (Walker Hayes, Dan + Shay), the track is a smoky, blues-infused country gem. Drawing inspiration from the raw honesty of Megan Moroney and the grit of Chris Stapleton, “Bittersweet Surprise” tells the story of giving up on love—only to have it find you when you least expect it. With its laid-back groove, effortless vocal delivery, and timeless production, the song hits that rare sweet spot between modern polish and classic country soul.
“Bittersweet Surprise” is more than just a song — it’s a defining moment for Brooke MacArthur, signaling that her breakout is just around the corner.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey there! My name is Brooke and I’m a country singer-songwriter from the tiny but mighty Prince Edward Island. I picked up a guitar and hopped on stage at 12 years old, and I’ve been chasing the magic of music ever since. I grew up blasting Shania Twain and Faith Hill, and these days, I find a lot of inspiration in the honest storytelling of artists like Megan Moroney and Ella Langley. My songs are all about real, heartfelt moments with a strong country soul. You can usually find me performing around the island, and recently, I had the incredible opportunity to open for Steven Lee Olsen on his Canadian country tour!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
“Bittersweet Surprise” holds a special place in my heart. While I often gravitate toward writing breakup songs, this one felt different. I drew inspiration from soulful, bluesy country tracks like “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban and “You Make It Easy” by Jason Aldean. I wanted this song to have a waltz-like feel, but still carry a sense of momentum and drive. It’s about giving up on love, only to unexpectedly meet someone who changes everything. As one of the lyrics says, “I’m leaning into leaving doubt behind.”
It’s a song about opening up again, even when you thought your heart was closed off for good. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them, and love has a way of surprising you when you’re finally ready to let go of the doubt.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my own experiences with love, heartbreak, and everything in between, but I also love stepping into other people’s stories. Whether it’s a friend’s phone call or a conversation I overhear, I’m always gathering little pieces of real life to weave into my songs. I love listening to both classic and modern country music to spark ideas for strong storylines, themes, melodies, and hooks.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
I’m so excited to be playing at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival this summer and to be part of the Songwriters’ Circle on July 12th! You can also catch me at the Warm-Up to Cavendish Beach House in Halifax and Moncton on May 16th and 17th!
What’s your goal for 2025?
My goals for 2025 are to perform at numerous festivals and collaborate with a variety of songwriters and artists. I’m also planning to release a few more singles throughout the year, leading up to my debut E.P. in the fall of 2025!