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Denielle Bassels Laments The Fallen Songbird

The Toronto singer-songwriter explores loss and mourning in her somber single.

Denielle Bassels sings an elegy for a troubled Songbird who could not escape their cage in her haunting new ballad — showcasing today on Tinnitist.

The Juno-nominated Toronto singer-songwriter’s latest single — and the third preview of her upcoming album It Goes Like This — explores the complexities love, loss and addiction against a backdrop of societal judgment. Smouldering, somber and introspective, Songbird (out Feb. 7) gives voice to the heartbreaking inner turmoil and self-destructive struggles we all must endure in our lives — and pulls back the masks we wear to conceal our feelings from both the world at large and those closest to us.

Crossing arbitrary genre boundaries between folk, blues, country and jazz with this gorgeous and tender vocal performance, Bassels tells the story of a seemingly joyful songbird by day who becomes a lonesome wolf by night. It encapsulates the emotional trauma of losing a deeply troubled partner, and the burden of mourning in silence. The melodic turns and vocal harmonies from Bridgette Anderson are stunning; Drew Jurecka’s string arrangement is heartbreaking; and Ewan Farncombe’s brief organ solo is as engaging as it is subtle.

Photo by Jen Squires.

Songbird tells the story of a relationship with a person whose struggles with addiction led to their untimely passing,” outlines Bassels. “It’s meant to evoke a quiet, profound sense of mourning — an unspoken grief that remains unsolved in the face of social stigma.”

Indie-swing sensation and 2024 Juno nominee Bassels captivates audiences with her potent fusion of jazz manouche, blues, folk and pop. Denielle’s uniquely powerful voice, reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald and Norah Jones, delivers solid heart punches and unforgettable performances. From sweet Doris Day melodies to the ferocity of Big Mama Thornton, Denielle’s vocal versatility, coupled with her natural storytelling flair, creates an enchanting concert experience that lingers in the minds of her listeners.

Her journey as an artist reflects her resilience and commitment to her craft. She has weathered industry challenges and personal trials with a sense of humour and fortitude, using every experience as fuel for her creative expression. Drawing inspiration from her experiences, Denielle continues to push boundaries, seeking out new collaborations and experimenting with different sounds and textures. Her work defies categorization but is always grounded in authenticity, emotional depth, and respect for the jazz tradition.

Check out Songbird above, pre-save the single HERE, hear more from Denielle Bassels below, and find her on her website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.