Having established themselves as one of the biggest breakthrough artists on the international Americana scene with their debut album Go By Feel, Canadian folk/country/roots collective The Hello Darlinshave returned with an even more ambitious collection of material for 2024, The Alders & The Ashes, available March 1 on all digital platforms and as a double CD package.
Led by Romani-Canadian musician Candace Lacina and world-renowned keyboardist Mike Little, The Hello Darlins are comprised of some of Canada’s most in-demand professional session and touring musicians who came together to forge a distinct hybrid of country, gospel and blues. With millions of streams and three Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations, The Hello Darlins took their show on the road for 187 days in 2023, proving that the band sounds just as powerful on stage as it does in the studio. As individuals, the members of The Hello Darlins are known for backing some of the biggest names in music, and as a band they have paid their dues playing live in other configurations.
Once referred to as a “One-band Americana Festival,” international audiences had the first chance to see The Hello Darlins at the start of 2023 when the band showcased at UK Americana Music Week, along with performing on Canada Day in London’s Trafalgar Square as part of their third tour of Europe. From there, The Hello Darlins joined with their friend Matt Andersen for a 36-date, cross-Canada tour that marked their formal introduction to audiences in their home country. Playing sold out shows in revered venues such as Toronto’s Massey Hall and Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, the Darlins demonstrated they were truly ready for big stages by delivering a tight, uplifting show that highlighted the musical skills of each member.
Often compared to The Eagles, The Band, Bonnie Raitt and classic country acts like Dolly Parton and The Carter Family, it’s impossible not to be moved by the band’s flawless group harmonies and ability to deliver the highest level of musicianship in a variety of styles that encompass the Americana genre. “It’s like having a songbook that doesn’t fence you in.” Candace says. “We love to play everything, and the new album represents our live show. Mike comes from the blues and rock worlds, and my background is in bluegrass and gospel. We were also bottle-raised by folk and country music. But most of all, we really love songwriting.”
That is evident throughout The Alders & The Ashes with standout tracks like “Forgiving Cain & Loving Abel” and “Best Worst Mistake” offering folk-y songs about forgiveness and personal struggle, as well as the down home bluegrass workout “Died with His Boots On,” a true story about Candace’s grandfather. The Hello Darlins have also included some of their signature vintage Soul style in songs like “Better Days” featuring guest vocalist Dave Fenley and “Stranger in the Mirror,” a nod to Lowell George, sung by beloved troubadour Martin Sexton.
The Hello Darlins’ ambitious sophomore effort was recorded at L.A.’s famed United Recording Studios with multi-Grammy winning engineer Ross Hogarth(John Mellencamp, Edgar Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Jewel), and contributions from bassist Bob Glaub (Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty) and drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Dolly Parton). The Hello Darlins were also fortunate to partner for a second time on mixes with Grammy Award winner Mike Poole (Robert Plant, Patti Griffin, Alabama, Dolly Parton, Buddy & Julie Miller).
The title The Alders & The Ashes is symbolic of change and growth. Candace explains, “We’ve been through a lot over the past few years, personally and professionally. There were many new beginnings and a few painful endings, but it feels like a new season and it’s exciting.” The Darlins certainly have a lot to be excited for in 2024 already, with two more tours of Europe on the horizon, and a prime slot at the iconic Tønder Festival, headlined by Rodney Crowell. With 17 new tracks and another album already in the works, The Hello Darlins are definitely ready to see many future seasons of excitement.
