Jenn Grant’s new album Champagne Problems is out today. On her eighth studio record, Jenn celebrates 12 unique collaborations with some of the most celebrated artists in Canada including Kim Harris, Aquakultre, Basia Bulat, Bahamas, Dan Mangan, Hannah Georgas with Amy Millan, Kevin Drew, Ria Mae, Josh Qaumariaq, Slow Leaves, Joel Plaskett and Tim Baker. Champagne Problems was recorded and produced by Jenn (marking her first time in the producer’s chair) and her longtime collaborator and husband Daniel Ledwell at Lake Echo, Nova Scotia. The 12 tracks encompass a series of collaborative Canadian magic tricks spun into classic country, lost disco hits, and ruminative folk fables.
Jenn says: “This album I made for you, is something very special. It’s a collaboration of top Canadian artists and friends who came together to write music about the loves, longings and all of the wonders of the soul.
There’s a freedom and an ease to these songs. And they fit together in a way that was mostly effortless. It shows growth, has hope, and is something from home. The Canada that I honour is the one that will learn from its mistakes; is rich in diversity, and feels like a quilt your mother made you. With all the colours, edges, and softness we have to offer.”
Jenn teased the album with “Judy” (Kim Harris), “How I Loved You” (Amy Millan, Hannah Georgas), “All of This Time” (Bahamas) and the recent single, “One Hit Wonders” with Ria Mae (currently #16 on the CBC 2 Top 20). Today she shares an official video for the LP’s “Lion’s Mane,” her collaboration with Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew.
Of the track Kevin said:
“Backwards to move forwards usually is the bloodline within childhood reflections. It was beautiful to write this song with Jenny and go deep into her photo album of memory amongst watching her family life grow and continue”
Jenn went on to say:
“At some point in my songwriting career, I decided that I wanted my lyrics to be more intentional. I’d been playing around with several bits of music with Kevin and he was guiding me to go deeper with what I was singing about. Before this my instincts have sometimes been to protect people, and to sometimes be vague, mystical, metaphoric. This song digs into my past and my relationship with my father. There were some hard times growing up that I’ve had to face as an adult, but as in life, this song comes around to say thank you. For where I’ve been, and for who I’ve become. Working with Kevin made me want to go deeper and share my truth, which is something that I’m very grateful to him for and want to continue to grow into.”
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