A beloved vintage RV, an unforgettable journey, and one irresistibly catchy summer anthem.
Award-winning Cape Breton duo Hearts of Kin are hitting the road this summer with the release of their new single, “Rhonda.”
Inspired by true events, “Rhonda” tells the story of the duo’s beloved 1985 vintage RV, affectionately named Rhonda, whose epic maiden voyage to a music festival became an adventure no one could have planned. Along the way, the aging camper broke down multiple times, overheated, needed countless boosts and roadside repairs, and even made it back on the road thanks to an actual Band-Aid holding together a loose electrical connection.
With the help of many kind strangers armed with tools, jumper cables, and plenty of encouragement, Rhonda eventually rolled into the festival—smoking, sputtering, but in one piece.
The unforgettable journey captured the hearts of Hearts of Kin’s followers, who watched the adventure unfold online. The duo promised they would write a song about Rhonda’s legendary trip, and they kept that promise.
Blending clever storytelling with an infectious chorus, “Rhonda” is a feel-good summer anthem celebrating adventure, resilience, and the kindness of strangers. Listeners unfamiliar with the backstory may think the song is about a woman, thanks to playful lyrics like, “She’s got a Jesus on the dashboard” and “She runs hot on the weekend,” before discovering the real star of the song is an old RV with plenty of personality.
Comprised of sisters Danielle MacDonald and Shellie Tobin, Hearts of Kin have earned a reputation for heartfelt songwriting rooted in East Coast storytelling. Their debut album, Beautiful Burn, was recognized with Music Nova Scotia’s Country Recording of the Year, and the duo continues to build audiences across Atlantic Canada through festival performances, radio airplay, and authentic songs inspired by real life.
With “Rhonda,” Hearts of Kin invite listeners to roll the windows down, turn the volume up, and remember that sometimes the best stories begin when everything goes wrong.
Review
“Rhonda” is a charming country-folk anthem that proves some of the best songs come from real-life adventures. Inspired by the duo’s beloved 1985 RV, the track cleverly leads listeners to believe it’s about a woman before revealing the true star of the story. Lyrics like “She’s got a Jesus on the dashboard” and “She runs hot on the weekend” give the aging camper plenty of personality and add to the song’s playful charm.
Musically, “Rhonda” is bright, catchy, and made for summer road trips. Its infectious chorus, warm harmonies, and easygoing groove pair perfectly with Hearts of Kin’s knack for vivid storytelling, making the song as memorable as the journey that inspired it.
At its heart, “Rhonda” celebrates resilience, adventure, and the kindness of strangers. Danielle MacDonald and Shellie Tobin once again showcase their signature East Coast storytelling, delivering an uplifting track that reminds us the best stories often begin when everything goes wrong.