As the whirlwind of summer fades – the late nights, the road trips, the festival haze – a quieter season takes its place. The return of school buses and long sleeves signals a collective exhale, an invitation to slow down and practice self-care. It is a time for reflection, and McKayla Daigle’s debut single, “Hold My Head Up High,” is its perfect soundtrack.
Daigle stands out as an artist who follows her own rhythm. This is a highly contemplative track with a valuable lesson: take the time you need to reach your destination. The song opens with nearly 30 seconds of her beautifully double-tracked guitar, a delicate tapestry of notes that, like a candle in a dark room, gently illuminates the space. When her voice enters, its low register is captivating, holding both vulnerability and resilience in a single breath.
The production, helmed by Colin Fowlie of East & Nowhere Songsmiths, is a masterclass in subtlety. Fowlie’s talent lies in elevating an artist’s vision without leaving fingerprints, and his touch is felt in the space he creates for Daigle’s performance to breathe. The song unfolds with an organic warmth reminiscent of a good glass of red wine—its calming effects linger long after the final note has faded.
In an era of fleeting trends, this track is an antidote to our fast-paced world. It refuses to conform to the formulas of commercial radio, asserting that true art is not a mathematical equation. What makes the single even more impressive is that Daigle performed all the instrumentation herself. This isn’t just a song; it’s her worldview, unfiltered and authentic. It’s the real deal.
As autumn settles in, “Hold My Head Up High” is more than just a recommended listen; it’s an essential companion for the season of introspection.
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Ollie LeBlanc, based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered his love for music in his parents' basement with a box of classic rock LPs. A lifelong fan, his fascination with music has only grown over the past three decades as a musician. Ollie has worn many hats, including bassist, producer, engineer, and photographer. As he matures, his journey has become more about contributing to the musical community and sharing its richness. What better way to give back to the medium that has given him so much!
