Ellie Heath Embraces Joy, Growth, and Renewal on Debut Album, ‘Pushing Forty,’ Helmed by Bright Lead Single “That Sunshine’s Mine”
Canadian singer-songwriter Ellie Heath shares her debut album Pushing Forty alongside its bright and empowering lead single “That Sunshine’s Mine.”
Rooted in joyful reflection and forward momentum, Pushing Forty captures a pivotal chapter in Ellie’s life; standing at the edge of change while embracing both the excitement and uncertainty that come with it. Blending pop, synth, indie, and rock textures, the record radiates with an effervescent energy that celebrates growth, transformation, and the beauty of stepping into something new.
“Pushing Forty began as a way to document a specific season of life,” Ellie explains. “I was entering the final year of my thirties, moving in with my partner, settling into a home and just about to welcome a dog into our lives. It felt like I was closing certain doors while opening others and I wanted to capture that emotional crossroads; the excitement and the nerves!”
At the heart of the record’s uplifting spirit is “That Sunshine’s Mine,” a playful yet powerful anthem about protecting your joy. What began as a lighthearted challenge in the studio quickly evolved into something more personal and resonant.
“We joked that writing a sunshine song was basically a guaranteed hit,” she says. “From there, it evolved into something more personal about protecting your joy and not letting others dim your light.”
Driven by punchy, high-energy production and a sense of uninhibited fun, “That Sunshine’s Mine” leans into a bright, confident pop-rock sound. Its fast-paced momentum and communal gang vocals create a feeling of spontaneity and release, tapping into a kind of childlike freedom.
“It makes me feel like a kid in the best possible way,” Ellie notes. “It feels fun, empowered, mischievous and free!”
The song’s playful spirit extends into its creation. Originally opening with a rooster crow as a theatrical wake-up call, the track underwent a last-minute shift when Ellie agreed to strip it back and let the energy of the song speak for itself. The result is immediate, vibrant, and undeniably infectious.
Across Pushing Forty, that same balance of intention and freedom defines the sound. Created alongside collaborators Hawksley Workman and Tristan Konkle in Peterborough, ON, the album embraces both precision and play, allowing moments of joy, humour, and connection to sit alongside introspection and growth.