Category: News

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The Road and the Radio is going to be released December 5th! I joined forces with Claire Hunter to make this song special.

The Song

This summer, after being on tour alone for 12 days, I thought I was untouchable. I felt like I could conquer anything. I drove to Sudbury to perform, and drove home that very same day. I spent over 12 hours in the car by myself, mainly listening to Hobo Jungle Fever Dream by Corin Raymond past the point of madness. I wrote the first few lines of The Road and the Radio when I was at a Muskoka gas station on the way up to Sudbury, and in a couple of weeks the song was complete. During this trip, I took time to reflect on my experiences touring and the loneliness that comes with it. Being away from familiar people and places is exciting, but also tiring.

The Collaboration

Meeting Claire Hunter is a story all in itself! We have many mutual friends, so without meeting her in person I invited her to play a show with me in London. I felt comfortable around her fairly quickly, and when I asked where she grew up, we both discovered she grew up with one of my cousins! That same night, I asked her if she would be interested in singing The Road and the Radio as a duet with me. She was excited to try it out, and everything fell into place.

The first time I taught her the harmonies and instrumental, I was surprised at how quickly we connected. Our voices blended so naturally, and it felt like we were breathing in sync. Nuances in the song were unspoken, working together felt easy. We had only practiced twice before we recorded the song professionally

Recording The Road and the Radio was my best experience in the studio yet! Tyrone Harding from Cultivate Music gave us complete control, providing a low stress environment so we could give the best performance. Claire and I recorded the song live, translating the energy we have together directly into the recorded version. There was a lot of laughter, time for breaks, and we got the golden take! When I first listened to the rough mix, I cried because it exceeded expectations.

Stream it here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3WhMFp6mnkD9MAK751wVj1?si=5yHk2b31RPqPPp5f1nSj9A

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-road-and-the-radio-feat-claire-hunter-single/1488534421

Bandcamp: https://saffrockmusic.bandcamp.com/track/the-road-and-the-radio

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This years conference was a full experience. It was amazing to see my friends from last year, my Canadian crew, and meet new folks!

There were many highlights, include my first showcase in the Mavens Subculture room. It was the best way for me to kick off my performances because I had a 20 minute set to show the full scope of my art.

Another notable moment was playing in the Oh Canada showcase, standing on the hotel bed and leading everyone in singing “I have power”.

I wore the Consent Pants around the conference, and they created quite a stir! It was fun to make a statement against sexual harassment and engage people in dialogue about how they relate to the art that I do.

I am very proud of all the Canadian talent that was present in the Semi and Official showcases. My friends Annie Sumi, Tragedy Ann, Piper & Carson, Benjamin Dakota Rogers, David Newland and Siqiniup Qilauta all performed beautifully! It brought me great joy to see these artists rise to the occasion and captivate the crowds.

At these conferences, I always feel led to reflect. When I attended NERFA last year, I went on a months notice. I didn’t know many folks there. I was a completely different person and performer. This year, I knew the lay of the land. I was excited to see my friends. I spoke confidently about the purpose of my music, not just the sound and style.

Thanks to everyone who provided me a platform to perform, and to all the folks who empowered and inspired me this weekend. Community is more valuable than competition!

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“Alt-rock upstart Saffron A traces out her weary, tired bones like an Etch A Sketch, the charcoal lines collapsing at the slightest vibration. With “Flashes,” emotionally tightened with a visual exemplifying her entrapment, she seemingly stands in place as the world chugs along behind her.”

Read the full article here