I’m sure that I cannot be the only person who houses an overwhelming number of fresh tunes in a “saved for later” folder!? As much as I’d love to scribble thoughts about every interesting new cut that lands on my radar, sadly, there are a finite number of hours in one’s lifetime and only so much coffee – it is simply an impossible target to obtain given the incredible volume of new music creativity and talent out there at any given moment.
With the gigabyte capacities reaching critical condition, it was time to dip into the “saved for later” folder for a little spring cleaning. Talk about opening Pandora’s Box – a storage room holding a treasure trove of musical delights that brought true meaning to being a kid in a candy store. Focus, Martin, focus! Yes, I cleaned some out but also dusted off a few gems that will likely be featured here in the coming weeks. As for today’s choice, talk about being long overdue…
Montréal, QC singer-songwriter Geneviève Racette very quickly became a GDW favorite when being brought to our attention back in late 2020 (thanks, Louise T. in Toronto for twisting my arm) – one whose musical evolution remains an absolute joy to observe as her career develops and progresses. And with the recent deluxe version of her 2024 studio album, “Golden,” hitting streaming platforms, Geneviève shared previously unreleased singles “Common Denominator” (still in rotation on SiriusXM Radio) and “Come As You Are” – yes, a unique interpretation of the classic Nirvana early 90s hit.
Geneviève’s most ardent followers may choose to call me out here – and yes, I acknowledge that this tune was previously recorded back in 2016 ‘out of admiration for Kurt Cobain and Nirvana’s raw melodic instinct, a meaningful influence that shaped her relationship with music’ (official press release). But here and now, a decade later, Racette returns full circle to the song with a completely new perspective and some genre-bending arrangements – dark, ethereal, utilizing a harmonizer to further develop a truly haunting texture.
If you have been fortunate enough to catch Racette performing live, you’ll already know how easily this artist commands your full attention thanks to her genuine authenticity and warm vocal delivery. For those who have – and those who have yet to – the accompanying music video captures Geneviève doing what she does best and offers a glimpse of how she can take any tune from any genre and truly make it her own. Paired with a visually striking new video filmed around a fire rather than cold rooftops, Racette’s reinterpretation offers a subtle wink to the past while reflecting how far she has come, allowing a familiar song to evolve alongside her.
Consider this encouragement for you to go check out this clip today. “Take your time / Hurry Up / Choice is yours / Don’t be late / Take a rest / As a friend / As an old memoria…”
Photo Credit: Catherine Deslauriers
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
