(Toronto, ON) – Singer-songwriter Lesley Pike will release her new album November on July 24th via Fontana North in Canada and Bread & Butter (Essential) in the UK/EU later this fall. Known to many as an artist who blurs the lines between genres; Pike transitions seamlessly between lush pop ballads, hauntingly tender tracks, and versatile melodies on “November”. First single, White Lies (available at iTunes on July 10), is a delightful preview of her lyrical candor and the artistry and music mastery to come on the album.
Pike cut her teeth as an independent artist in Toronto and through a combination of hard work, talent and fortuitous connections, has been embraced by music communities around the world including New York, Los Angeles, and London. Having shared the stage with such notable acts as Jason Mraz, Joan Osborne, Matisyahu, Ari Hest, The Dunwells, Hawksley Workman, Pike is excited to once again showcase her music and honesty with the release of November.
Early forays to the UK proved to be highly productive for Pike since it was there that she met ace guitarist producer, songwriter and fellow Torontonian, now London-based James Bryan (Philosopher Kings, Nelly Furtado, Nikki Yanofsky, Lisa Marie Presley), and began recording November with a list of top-notch players. “Her voice and songs have a classic rootsy honesty about them that is distinctively Canadian, and that really drew me in and made me want to work with her,” says Bryan.
The result is an eight track album filled with versatility and impressive, heartfelt songs. Leading the way is White Lies, one of the most popular cuts and an original track from Pike’s 2012 release Tug of War. The fan favourite retained its irresistible melody, but was transformed in the best way possible with additional production. On the flip side is the riveting Ground Below, with its spirit of defiance and hint of anger. “It’s about a recent split with a manager,” says Pike, “and was also fueled by several years of colourful experiences within the music industry”. Lyrics like “I will grow my wings and you will still be face down on the ground” make this a song that can resonate on a wider level.
Pike has come a long way from the childhood sing-a-longs in her family’s lime-green station wagon. Her 2003 debut album Night Visions scored glowing reviews and significant CBC airplay, while extensive touring across Canada included opening for acts as diverse as The Devlins, Pilate (Pilot Speed), Peter Elkas and Danny Michel. The promise displayed on the debut disc was fulfilled with 2008’s Blink. A much fuller effort sonically, it was produced by Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Jason Mraz), and featured an A-list cast of players.
Pike endured an emotional roller coaster ride in the making of her third album Tug of War, which went through three rounds of producers before its release in 2012. The arduous three year process was worth it in the end and saw Pike co-produce the final incarnation of Tug of War with acclaimed producers Tim Glasgow (Metric, Sonic Youth) and JUNO Award winner Vincent Marcone (Johnny Hollow).
More recently, a partnership with Gibson Guitars named Pike as the featured artist for Robert Redford’s “Sundance Film Festival at the O2” in London in both 2013 and 2014.
Connect with Lesley Pike online: (Website) (Facebook) (Twitter)
NOVEMBER TRACK LISTING:
- My Own
- Every Time We Say Goodbye
- White Lies
- November
- The Ground Below
- Brooklyn
- Wishing Well
- In Another Life