Multi-instrumentalist and indie singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton released his third single (and first in French!), “Nous,” out now. Following on the heels of previous releases “So Lost Without You” and “The Well of Friendship,” these songs and more will all be available on his upcoming album Old Enough To Know Better.
“The start of this piece came from a news article from RAD.CA, a Radio-Canada show on contemporary issues,” MacNaughton recalls. “The article was talking about how the biggest obstacle to tackling Climate Change was not technological but rather social and political . . . That started me thinking about the false binaries that surround us, and from there, the lyrics just came out.”
Building on the lyrical legacy of juxtaposition a la John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Prince’s “Controversy,” the (translated) lyrics include–
There’s no me, there’s no you
There’s no left, there’s no right
There’s no predator, there’s no prey
There’s only us
There’s no peace, there’s no war
There’s no Heaven, there’s no Hell
There’s no father, there’s no mother
There’s only us
Through his clever presentation of contrasting ideas and concepts, MacNaughton invites listeners to reflect on the arbitrary divisions that often separate us and highlights the urgent need to overcome these differences for the greater good. By presenting these opposing elements side by side, MacNaughton emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the shared responsibility we have in addressing global challenges like climate change.
“Ultimately,” says MacNaughton, “I want the overall message to be one of hope – I really do believe that if we can work together toward the common goal of saving the planet and halting Climate Change, we can do it! Convincing people to pull together in the same direction is the hardest part!”
Musically, “Nous” draws influence from various Quebecois artists, including Beau Dommage, Mitsou, Les Cowboys Fringants, and Corcoran, while incorporating a touch of Steely Dan’s eclectic sound. The results are nearly two and a half minutes of pure funk, grooving along the foundation set by MacNaughton’s fierce stylings on the jazz guitar.
Doug MacNaughton’s upcoming album, Old Enough To Know Better, slated for release in the Fall of 2023, showcases his artistic growth and diverse influences. Drawing from his extensive experience singing a Frank Zappa tribute concert with a Montréal-based electronic music ensemble, his time in Les Misérables, and his contributions to various stage productions, MacNaughton brings a wealth of musical expertise and storytelling prowess to his songwriting.
