“I wrote Rain Check when remembering the feeling of not being able to let go and move on,” says Orillia-based folk-rock singer-songwriter Shane Cloutier of his new single — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
“It’s about feeling guilty for being stuck in difficult circumstances, and gives a glimpse of hope that someday in the future, you’ll be able to embrace the present,” he continues. “I think sometimes we carry a lot of luggage from our past, and this can inhibit and sometimes prevent us from living life the way we are supposed to. Rain Check, for me, is my inner dialogue in those moments of apprehension and uncertainty. I truly believe our inner voice is how our spirit pushes forward, even when that voice feels dark.”
The track lands as an early preview to his forthcoming album, one that promises to further embody Cloutier’s emotive voice and unique approach, complete with his signature heavy metal influence, a sojourn into programmed beats, and a nod to his collaborations with multi-award winning blues drummer Tom Bona and legendary guitarist Frank Marino and his band Mahogany Rush.
“I wasn’t planning on recording again this soon,” says Cloutier, who issued his latest solo album Red Wagon just last year. “But everything came out more naturally because I didn’t have time to overthink anything. Everything felt very organic. The material for this new record feels really good to me. I am in a great place in my life and, because of this, I was able to branch out lyrically to more topics and feelings that are important to me. I feel the isolation we have all been in has really pulled some different topics and feelings out.
“The album Red Wagon was very much a prequel and sequel to In Light,” Cloutier continues. “When I wrote In Light, it was very much a cathartic response to some traumatic events in my life, facing the death of my wife and mother of my children. It is very much an album of perseverance and strength, as well as surrendering to vulnerability. When I wrote Red Wagon, I was in a much happier place, and I feel I had a much more enlightened perspective. Both albums helped me emotionally, physically, and spiritually move forward. They tethered me to real life, sort of, and didn’t allow me to sink — which was exactly where I felt like I was heading.”
Watch Rain Check above, hear more of Shane Cloutier’s music below, and keep up with him on his website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
