This is one of those songs that just makes you feel good. “We Are Gold” by Canadian-Irish duo Dandelion Highway will make you feel better simply for having heard it. The accompanying video, shot at Press Club Vinyl in Scarborough, Ontario, works in the same way as we experience a joyous performance of the song alongside a small but committed audience. The performers take delight in the song and the act of playing and that is transmitted to us clearly. The song itself hangs on a terrific bass-line from Canadian Chris Sytnyk; its pulsing melody is totally absorbing and provides a great foundation for flourishes of electric guitar and violin. Floating above the music, the vocals of Sytnyk and his band-mate Kayleigh McGavock are seemingly effortless and gently understated, blending perfectly and creating a celebratory mood.
“We Are Gold” was inspired by a chance meeting between Sytnyk and an ex-partner. The realisation that they were happy for one another is at the heart of this warm, feel-good song.
Director and producer Mark Zerenyi says of the video: “”We Are Gold” follows the day-in-the-life of a song, from its seed, to sprout, to final growth, the simple beauty and real work of the artist as they make the imagined a reality. An interspersed narrative, Chris and Kayleigh rehearse at home before recording with their compatriots in the studio, and finally performing live for the audience. The authentic joy of creating art mirrors that of simply being alive.” Indeed, joy is the feeling we’re left with.
This is the second single from Dandelion Highway’s upcoming EP “The Crossing”, which was recorded with Canadian producer, musician and composer Ron Lopata (Jacksoul, Jully Black, Lindi Ortega). Sytnyk says of working with Lopata: “Three of the five songs on the EP were not even written when we began working with Ron. The three of us together have had some of the most magical and inspirational music sessions I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. Ron is a producer on another level and vibrates on a higher frequency then almost everyone one I’ve ever worked with before. We were also lucky enough to have him play on our tracks. Every note he plays is the right note at the right time and it is a joy and honour to be in the room with him and watch him work.” It’s certainly a collaboration that has enhanced the duo’s natural gift for songwriting.
Irish folk singer McGavock and Sytnyk began collaborating after attending a show by Irish singer CMAT. Ultimately, they bonded over Irish Folk Songs, puppies and grapefruit tea. McGavock was raised in a small town in Ireland where she was immersed in Irish music. She explains: “Music was always a huge part of communicating love and emotion for me. When I was 8, I started playing guitar and that’s when music became about self-expression. It’s my therapy and how I process things, which is why I used to be hesitant to share my songs.” The combination of Irish and Canadian musical traditions, with a contemporary twist, results in engaging, heartfelt music.
