Zoë Ferris blossoms into one of Canada’s most promising new singer-songwriters with her gorgeous and eloquent debut EP Pushing Daisies — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The emerging Toronto pop artist is blessed with a sound that evokes nostalgia, reflection, and the raw emotions of love and heartbreak. That much is evident from the first notes of the opening title cut, which just might be the catchiest pop song of the present day that isn’t written and performed by someone named Taylor, Miley or Carly Rae. Like those pure-pop singer-songwriters,Ferris transforms heartbreak into sweet sonic confection.
Buoyed up by sparkling guitars and gorgeous vocal harmonies, the song Pushing Daisies finds her balancing the inevitable, impending, long-delayed end of a romantic relationship against the attempt to wring as much love and joy as possible out of it before that happens. “The concept of the song originated from the phrase ‘pushing up daisies,’ which refers to something being dead or buried,” says Ferris. “Something that flowers are now growing over, because it’s so long lost. I heard the phrase, and to me, it relates to the feeling of being in a relationship in which the end is long overdue. It’s often hard for us to admit and accept a relationship’s obvious fate, so we continue to hold on, even when it’s not the healthiest thing to do.”
Another beautifully produced song about romantic complications, Fuel deals with the vagaries of self-sabotage — as in, when it comes to giving up on the relationship, “I’m my own fuel.” Says Ferris: “It’s about recognizing destructive behavior, the regret that follows, and the inability to break free from this pattern.” Meanwhile, the relationship in the soaring ballad First Glance also runs the risk of falling apart — this time over unrealistic expectations for a new partner to fully get us right from the start. But Ferris understands that “to get a piece of another, gotta give a piece of yours,” and appreciates a partner who takes the time to move past the first glance. “It’s a realization that relationships require time, grace, and patience,” she says, “both for learning how to understand each other, and how to love one another.”
Touch Ground features gloriously swirling production from co-producers Annelise Noronha and Ferris, that leans in a more alternative-rock direction, with a hint of country in the vocals. From the gentle squeak of distorted acoustic guitar strings in the opening; through atmospheric reverb and distortion, applied to multiple guitars, vocals, and synth; to Ferris’s naked vocal at the end, the sonically adventurous Touch Ground captures the struggle of losing touch with reality and succumbing to self-sabotage, only to find your foundation again through the support of a partner. “It symbolizes a return to oneself, appreciating the real, tangible beauty of a relationship, rather than the distorted narratives created in the mind,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s about breaking free from cycles of doubt, and re-connecting with the love that keeps us grounded.”
Raised in a small town in Eastern Ontario, Ferris’s passion for music and storytelling began early, inspired by her father’s tales of his band days and the purple Hannah Montana guitar she got for her eighth birthday. Songwriting quickly became her way of navigating life’s experiences; it’s a practice she’s carried with her since her teenage years. Her sound is characterized by lush, layered vocals and warm, dreamlike tones, paired with heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply. Drawing inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, Lizzy McAlpine and Gracie Abrams, her songs reflect the highs and lows of her early 20s. Through her music, she hopes to offer listeners both solace and joy, creating a connection that feels both soothing and familiar.
Beginning her journey with an coustic guitar, Ferris has since expanded her artistic horizons, delving into music production. This passion has ignited her dedication to supporting the growth of female producers and writers in the industry. In September of 2025, Ferris will take this passion further by attending Berklee NYC’s master’s program in music production and songwriting, continuing to refine her craft, and inspire others in the process.
Listen to Pushing Daisies below, watch the videos for Touch Ground and the title cut above, and follow Zoë Ferris on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
