- 2024-12-30
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MUSIC
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The August Arrival Releases Debut Album “Hillsides”
Yukon-based indie-folk band The August Arrival released their debut album “Hillsides” on October 11, 2024.
August Arrival is the solo project of Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah MacDonald, who is supported by friends and an array of musicians.
The album comprises 8 songs, which features Jordy Walker on guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, Tara Martin on drums, Odette Burns on harmonies, and Darcy McCord on cello.
All songs were written by Sara MacDonald and produced by Jordy Walker.
The album was written during what Sarah MacDonald describes as a “growth phase”, and the songs offer an honest and vulnerable examination of change, loss, longing, and, finally, appreciation.
The album draws inspiration from bands such as Postdata, Bon Iver, and Manchester Orchestra, and its driving melodies, poetic lyrics, and atmospheric instrumentation create an emotionally charged journey that lingers long after the final notes fade.- Sarah MacDonald said of the album, “Challenging events, including the journey leading to my son's Autism diagnosis, an unexpected health scare, and the loss of a loved one, deeply impacted me while writing this album. These experiences made me reflect on how life constantly pushes us to grow, remain humble, and accept change. The songs on Hillsides were born from contemplating the fleeting nature of life and how, maybe, the growth and understanding we gain from challenges can leave a meaningful, lasting impact.”
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Sarah MacDonald explained about some tracks for the album.
“Camped Out”
“The song 'Camped Out' was inspired by a podcast about someone undergoing neurotherapy to get over an ex-partner. I listened to the podcast while out for a run; as soon as it ended, I kept running and developed a framework for the song in my mind. The idea that people, thoughts, and emotions can consume us really resonated with me. The song is a journey through the tangled web of the mind, exploring the universal experience of overthinking and fixating. It might resonate if you have ever found yourself overthinking about anything, anyone, or anywhere.
The track features Jordy Walker on drums, electric guitar, bass, and synth. 'Camped Out' wasn't initially included in the list of songs for the album. When I played it for Jordy in the studio, I prefaced it with, 'I'm not sure, but I think there could be something here... maybe?!' After hearing it, Jordy supportively said, “Yeah, there's something there!” So, we decided to run with it and had a lot of fun recording it together.”
“Fleeting and Forever”
“'Fleeting and Forever' is, in many ways, symbolic of the entire album. It’s a song that explores themes of challenge, impermanence, and acceptance. Even though it was written during a difficult time, creating it was a healing process because it gave voice to the feelings that were shaping my life then - that life is fleeting, but it’s still meaningful. The song helped me find a more hopeful perspective, reminding me that there’s always some beauty somewhere, even when things aren’t great, and to embrace the constant change of this existence.”
“Whisper”
“'Whisper' is a song about witnessing a loved one struggle. Writing this song was meaningful in many ways. It gave voice to the intense emotions that can surface when someone close to you faces hardship, which allowed me to gain some distance from those feelings. Additionally, the process of writing the song affirmed my commitment to doing everything possible to help that person. Ultimately, through writing 'Whisper,' I came to believe that it was all going to be okay.” - source : Apple Music
