Toronto, ON-based up-and-coming folk singer-songwriter, Reid Zoé released her new single, “When I Go” from her upcoming EP, Shed My Skin, which is set for release on June 4, 2021.
Driven by Zoé’s storytelling and vocal melodies, “When I Go” comes to life with soaring harmonies weaved with the earthy instrumentation of acoustic guitar, violin, and cello. Aiming to reflect on her deep connection with the natural world in her songwriting, Zoé examines the wonder of life and death on “When I Go”.
“On the surface, ‘When I Go’ is a song about dying- but it’s really all of the questions that come with being a human on this earth. It’s the acceptance that we don’t know everything, and that that’s okay. We are part of everything. It’s about the joy that can come with the realization that ‘nothing really matters.”
Check out “When I Go” below, and find out more about Reid Zoé via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Reid, I’m a singer-songwriter from a small, rural town east of Toronto.
I’ve spent the last few years as an Outdoor Educator by day and playing shows and open mics by night. Staying in connection with the natural world has been vital to my songwriting, and I love being able to weave those experiences into my music.
Alongside my solo project, I’m also in a folk trio called Sleeping Bees and play bass in a side project with my partner.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
My songs are mostly stories. Either things that I’ve gone through or things that have happened to people I know. I lean heavily on nature metaphors because they’re timeless–they will never be irrelevant. And it’s what I know.
I grew up listening to Neil Young, and I would definitely say that his songs have had a huge impact on the kind of songwriter I am. I love songs that are simple but meaningful, that you could sing around a fire with your friends.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
Recording my EP has taken up most of my time, but I’ve felt pretty blocked in terms of writing new music (I think my brain needs to purge these old songs before creating anything new). So instead I decided to start learning piano and bass!
I’m also a visual artist so I’ve been diving into an older project of mine called ‘Trees By Reid’ which is nature-based textiles and jewelry.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
I think it would be my upcoming single ‘When I Go.’ To this day I’ve made sure to play it at every show, it’s my go-to.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
I have my classic favourites, but in terms of new music, I’d say Cat Clyde, the Lifers, Luna Li, Annie Sumi.