The Heels stand up and speak up with their anthemic new single High Heels On — premiering exclusively on Tinnitist.
A defiantly powerful tale of domestic violence and self-empowerment voiced in spellbinding three-part harmony and set against slow-burning country-pop, High Heels On is a bold step forward for Canadian pop-country queens Bobbi Smith, Brittini Dominelli and Kyla Rawlins — collectively known as The Heels.
“This is a song about stepping into power,” the Vancouver trio explain in a press release. “This song is an evolution of another song in our live show called Blue Lights. It was one of the first songs we ever sang together, written about running and hiding from violence, abuse, manipulation and fear. Inspired by the chaos of personal past traumas and struggles, we sang, feeling grateful it was no longer our reality.
“High Heels On is the evolution of our survival — the rebirth and the revolution. As we have continued to grow and create together we have learned how deeply we are affected by the lyrics and emotions of music and the power it has to heal when it comes from a place of empowerment. Worldwide, a third of women experience domestic violence or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. And a third of women who are killed are killed by an intimate partner. High Heels On is part of the healing process; a reclamation of unshakable power. This song is the anthem of survival and the manifestation of an escape.”
The Heels’ story began at a North Vancouver café co-owned by Kyla, where Brittni worked behind the counter and Bobbi was a regular. After joining forces, momentum quickly built — their debut single Come Around hit radio in 2017, and performances at the Calgary Stampede and Sunfest Country Music Festival further raised their profile. Their debut album Love, Heels, garnered six B.C. Country Music Award nominations in 2018, and an additional slew the following year.
Since then, while winning over audiences with a dynamic live show that showcases each of their distinctive voices and personalities, they have also penned more than 100 songs during several trips to Nashville — and at their home base in Vancouver — for their upcoming sophomore album I Am. By incorporating influences ranging from classic country, gospel and Motown, through to powerful contemporary female artists such as Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood and Whitney Houston, The Heels’ music, although it may be categorized as country, displays a unique musical vision that transcends the genre.
Bobbi, Brittni and Kyla still get a kick whenever someone assumes they’re sisters. They know it’s not just because of their seamless harmonies, but because of the obvious personal chemistry they share. And when that chemistry comes down to spreading positive energy, there is just no limit to how high The Heels will lift us.
Check out High Heels On above, here more from The Heels below, and keep up with them via their website, Facebook and Instagram.
