St.Arnaud Leans Into Earnest Romance and Wry Charm on New Single “Love You (For Real)”
Edmonton, AB’s St.Arnaud, the music of Ian St.Arnaud, shares “Love You (For Real),” a buoyant, indie pop track that balances romantic sincerity with a knowing smirk. Built around a warm, locked in groove and conversational lyricism, the song captures the fleeting clarity of connection; those moments when everything clicks, feels true, and doesn’t need to be overthought.
Recorded in a blur of momentum, “Love You (For Real)” came together once the rhythm section found its pocket. With Connor Mead (drums), Jesse Shire (bass), and Tory Rosso (guitar) laying down a relaxed but driving foundation, the lyrics slid naturally into place.
“This one was a blur to record,” Ian explains. “Once the guys found that soul groove, the lyrics were really easy to inlay with the right kind of smirk I was going for.”
One of the track’s defining lines arrived unexpectedly during a moment of playful frustration. Producer Graham Lessard, stuck at a lyrical impasse, threw his arms up and declared, “This is a new time, a YOU TIME!” The phrase stuck immediately, both as a punchline and a thesis.
“That got a good laugh and stuck as the line,” Ian recalls. “It’s so great when you can start with a little kernel of an idea and everybody in the room just gets it and rolls with it.”
Romantic, wistful, and quietly earnest, “Love You (For Real)” thrives on its imperfections. Rather than polish away its humanity, the song embraces it by letting feel-good groove and personality lead the way. It’s indie pop that doesn’t take itself too seriously, even while meaning every word.
The forthcoming self-titled St.Arnaud (Cordova Bay Records, 2026) marks the project’s third record and the first to fully represent the sound and chemistry of a band. Released initially as three deluxe singles and later as a full album, the project treats each release like a musical movement, grouping songs by production mode rather than genre. Drawing from the raucous charm of ’70s folk and power-pop touchstones like Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers, the record blends pop hooks, sardonic lyricism, and collaborative energy into St.Arnaud’s most expansive work to date.