Stephen Fearing puts Indigenous and northern issues front and center in his new single and video Far From The Middle — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Inspired by a conversation with Cree singer-songwriter and far North resident Adrian Sutherland, Far From The Middle — which will appear on Fearing’s upcoming 15th studio album The Empathist this spring — is a hard-charging blues-rocker reminiscent of John Hiatt. Fuelled by a wicked groove, the track blends elements that recall the twangy guitar of the James Bond theme and the swaggering horn lines of the Peter Gunn soundtrack. But the lyrics are the real star of the show; Far From The Middle finds Fearing in a rage aganst the machine that holds Indigenous people down.
“We were backstage, waiting for soundcheck, snacking on chips and sipping bottled water, when Adrian mentioned that drinking tap water was a novelty for him growing up in Attawapiskat,” says Fearing. “That comment stayed with me. It felt deeply ironic that Canada is frequently ranked among the top 10 ‘most desirable places to live,’ while many Indigenous communities reside under boil-water advisories, and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women continues to grow. It felt like a story worth telling in a song.”
He’s aided and abetted in that noble endeavour by the thick, rich sax and keyboard of Jim Hoke, the hardcore Texas swagger of ex-pat Sue Foley’s stinging Telecaster, the rumbling bass of John Dymond and the groovy backbeat of former Uncle Tupelo / Wilco drummer Ken Coomer. Fearing and Coomer co-produced Far From The Middle at East Nashville’s Cartoon Moon Recording, with Gabe Masterson serving as recording engineer, John Whynot helming the mix and Johathon Wyner handling the mastering duties.
Fearing was born in Vancouver in 1963 and grew up in Dublin, where his schoolmates included future members of U2. Beginning in 1981, he became something of a musical nomad, living variously in Vancouver, Minneapolis, Guelph and Halifax before returning to the West Coast and settling in Victoria. A founding member of the Canadian roots-rock supergroup Blackie & The Rodeo Kings alongside Colin Linden and Tom Wilson, Fearing has two Junos and 28 albums to his credit: 15 solo LPs (13 studio, one live, one compilation); 11 with BARK; and two with Andy White as Fearing & White.
Over a vibrant and acclaimed career, Fearing has collaborated with marquee artists including Nick Lowe, Cassandra Wilson, Richard Thompson, Patti Loveless, Bruce Cockburn, Sarah McLachlan and Margo Timmins. He’s a sought-after touring artist throughout Canada, the U..K, and Europe, electrifying festival stages, concert halls, and intimate venues alike. His unique performance style has cemented his reputation as a roots troubadour, songwriting storyteller and master guitarist.
He also shares his knowledge and experience with fellow musicians through songwriting workshops. “The classes dovetail nicely with performing,” Fearing says. “My students are from all walks of life, and I enjoy helping to coax them out of their comfort zones to create songs they might not have otherwise found.”
Like the guests on his albums, the many awards and nominations that have come his way over the years speak to the respect he has earned among peers and critics. His abiding love for his craft and ability to delight audiences are further reflected in multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations and awards. His album Every Soul’s A Sailor won the 2017 Worldwide Album of the Year award from Blues & Roots Radio, while Fearing was named 2017 Contemporary Singer of the Year at the CFMAs.
Watch the lyric video for Far From The Middle above, hear more from Stephen Fearing and check out his tour dates below, and keep up with him on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
Stephen Fearing Tour Dates
Feb. 4/5 | Carleton – SOLD OUT | Halifax, NS
Feb. 6 | Decoste Centre | Pictou, NS
Feb. 9 | Trailside Music Hall | Charlottetown, PE
Feb. 12 | Fredericton Playhouse (Songwriting Workshop) | Fredericton, NB
Feb. 13 | Fredericton Playhouse (w/ MC Hansen) | Fredericton, NB
Feb. 14 | Marigold Cultural Centre (w/ MC Hansen) | Truro, NS
Feb. 15 | King’s Theatre (w/ MC Hansen) | Annapolis Royal, NS
Feb. 19 | Casa Del Popolo (w/ MC Hansen) | Montreal, QC
March 13 | Mary Winspear Centre (SF & The Sentimentals) | Sidney, BC
March 14 | Brackendale Art Gallery (SF & The Sentimentals) | Squamish, BC
March 15 | The Rogue Folk Club (SF & The Sentimentals) | Vancouver, BC
March 16 | Creekside Theatre (SF & The Sentimentals) | Lake Country, BC
March 21 | Festival Place (SF & The Sentimentals) | Sherwood Park, AB
March 22 | River Park Church (SF & The Sentimentals) (w/ Mia Kelly) | Calgary, AB
March 26 | Bassment (SF & The Sentimentals) | Saskatoon, SK
March 27 | Artesian (SF & The Sentimentals) | Regina, SK
March 29 | West End Cultural Centre (SF & The Sentimentals) | Winnipeg, MB
