From its opening explosive fiddle riff, to its driving dance-floor chorus, the award-winning Derina Harvey Band has created a dazzling ball of Celtic rock in its latest single ‘Waves of Home’ from the new album of the same name. Due for release on May 19th, this new single arrives with powerful sweet vocals from frontwoman Derina Harvey, accompanied by a raucous fiddle, solid instrumental backing and a stomping beat. This single doesn’t pull any punches right from the get-go.
With the Derina Harvey Band being described as if Great Big Sea has upped their rock game and recruited Adele on vocals, you know exactly what to expect before you listen. This band and their music is full of high energy that leaves audiences out of breath and hollering from their seats at every show.
Harvey delivers an exciting Celtic stomper, ‘Waves of Home’, from her and the band’s latest album featuring eight original tracks and three re-imagined folk songs. This single sets a precedent for the entire album’s fully fuelled road trip, which takes us on a heart-thumping journey exploring themes of connection, perseverance, and the joys and hardships of Canada’s people.
Hailing from the East Coast, but now based in Edmonton, Harvey explains, “I’ve always been inspired by the honest folk songs of my native Eastern Canada. I believe that people across Canada are connected by their triumphs and tragedies.”
With a further explanation of the lyric themes, Harvey goes on to say, “The lyrics of the album explore connections to self, connections to community, and our interactions with the land.”
‘Waves of Home’ is described by Harvey as a Celtic pop-rock anthem, an invitation to Canada’s east coast that kicks off with overdriven guitars and an unmistakable riff that is layered with Irish-inspired fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, and bouzouki; one that weaves in and out of the vocals and instrumentation.
Additionally, Harvey’s vocals are musical, powerful and empowering, with the band putting everything into playing just to keep up. There are hints of UK folk ensemble Bellowhead running throughout this single. And there are some quiet moments during ‘Waves of Home’ which allows us to focus on the talent of the entire Derina Harvey Band’s harmonies working alongside Harvey herself.
Lyrically, ‘Waves of Home’ is a song of connection and reflection that stomps its message throughout the single.
‘Come home with me, roam these streets that I remember
And we’ll get carried away (we’ll get carried away) on the waves of home
One hand to the sky with a wink and a smile, we’re getting caught up in it
So drink it all in
You’re drifting in the waves of home.’
Harvey talks about how the single and album tracks were recorded, “The majority of these songs were written and recorded in Edmonton, Alberta. That said, if we’re considering the entire writing process – from inspiration to finished work, then technically, these songs were written across the country, with songwriting sessions happening everywhere from a shed by the ocean in outport Newfoundland to behind the wheel on a Rocky Mountain highway.”
The album features more than just original songs. The Derina Harvey Band presents their re-imagined versions of Labrador folk songs’ Northern Lights of Labrador’ and ‘This Is My Home’. These two poignant, pared-down tracks provide a balance to the energy of the rest of the record, staying true to their traditional selves with thoughtful arrangements and an undeniable honesty in Harvey’s vocals.
The album was mainly recorded at the Audio Department in Edmonton, engineered and mixed by Derina Harvey Band’s own Scott Greene.
Alongside Harvey is a band made up of talent that also hails from Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland & Labrador, and New Brunswick, featuring Steve Pinsent on drums and percussion, Edward Smith on bass, keys, and vocals, Jessica Blenis on fiddle, viola, Hardanger fiddle, and vocals, and Scott Greene on guitars, bouzouki, banjo and vocals. Now all based in Edmonton, Alberta, this top-rated pool of musicians always keeps up with Harvey, supporting her energizing vocals and allowing her intention to shine through.
If you need a potent dose of a foot-tapping Celtic blast, then the ‘Waves of Home’ single is perfect.
‘Waves of Home’ is unleashed on all music platforms from May 19th, and the album arrives with us on June 23rd.
Derina Harvey Band Tour Dates:
June 14, 2023 MacLab Theatre, Leduc, AB
July 21, 2023 Milton Cultural House, George’s Brook, NL
July 22, 2023 Garrick Theatre, Bonavista, NL
July 27, 2023 Wabush Come Home Year, Wabush, Labrador
August 4, 2023 Glengarry Highland Games, Maxville, ON
August 5, 2023 Glengarry Highland Games, Maxville, ON
August 18, 2023 East Coast Kitchen Party Festival, David Thompson Resort, Nordegg, AB
August 19, 2023 East Coast Kitchen Party Festival, David Thompson Resort, Nordegg, AB
