I’m a music lover always in search of the next song that I can’t stop putting on repeat. And while I’ve found so many great songs in the last year, it’s been hard to come by a new song that really moves me.
That all changed when I heard Burnstick’s new single Closer, released on Jan. 26.
Burnstick is a Manitoba-based folk music group, consisting of married couple Jason Burnstick and Nadia Gaudet. They are independent Indigenous artists who create cinematic folk music. Not only have they composed scores for film and television, but they’ve also won extensive awards. For instance, they were winner for Single of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards 2021. Jason Burnstick has been a JUNO nominee twice over his career and Nadia has been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award.
Considering the duo are family, it makes sense that their talents would soar when singing about family matters.
Closer is about the lengths we go to to protect and care for our loved ones. It starts with the beautiful sounds of Jason’s 100-year-old Weissenborn guitar and then builds in intensity to the end. The duo’s feathery and deep vocals contrast one another euphorically. When the lyric, “I’ll hold you closer before it all goes down” comes, the pair sing resonant harmonies and one can hear their cinematic influence as the song builds with percussion.
The lyrics, inspired by the overwhelming love they felt following the birth of their son, give the song further heartfelt depth. For anyone who has gone through trials with family or loved ones this year – whether that be related to health, death, emotional hardship or more – this song will likely strike a resonant chord.
The gift that Burnstick have to create cinematic songs is hard to deny. The duo has also composed for the Canadian TV Drama Little Bird and Jason also scored The Legacy of the Residential School System 2020, to name a few.
There is a lot on the horizon for the couple, including the release of their sophomore album at the end of May, 2024, Burnstick told Monday Mag.
But also, thankfully for Victorians, they are performing on Tuesday, May 15 2024 through HomeRoutes. Through HomeRoutes, people sign up to go see the show which will happen in a volunteer host’s house. Show attendees are notified closer to the date on the location. To find out more, visit homeroutes.ca/artists/burnstick.
Anyone coming to their B.C. shows will get a chance to buy an advanced copy of the record.