Singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton is back with his latest single, “Energize,” the fifth release from his highly anticipated album Old Enough To Know Better, scheduled for a Fall 2023 launch.
“Energize” is a mesmerizing vocal and guitar-driven tune that invites listeners to find moments of tranquility in the midst of life’s chaos. The song encourages us to connect with our inner peace while trying to look through life’s challenges and everyday monotony. With a mellow melody and MacNaughton’s distinct jazzy folk sound, the song creates a soothing atmosphere that allows listeners to embrace the quietude within themselves.
“I wrote this in 2020 while riding my bike around the back roads near Guelph, Ontario,” says MacNaughton. “The tempo changes between the verse and the chorus are like what happens when you keep the same speed as you go from the flats to riding up hill.”
MacNaughton’s airy and experienced vocals, coupled with his technical guitar skills, shine in “Energize.” The indie single is skillfully complemented by the rhythmic blend of drums and percussion by Jessica Stuart and Ryan Granville-Martin that finishes a Celtic-themed backing to the song.”
“This also comes from a time when I had just started studying Carnatic music with Professor Trichy Sankaran, and the idea of that music’s rhythmic complexity in a form where the time signature and the tempo don’t change was something I was thinking about constantly,” says MacNaughton.
MacNaughton, originally hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, is known for his eclectic musical influences including the likes of Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Frank Zappa, and more. With a background in performing, a love for rock and jazz, and a deep passion for storytelling through music, MacNaughton has been a prominent figure in the Toronto music scene.
In his upcoming 8-track album, Old Enough To Know Better, MacNaughton delves into the complexities of life, including themes of loss and adversity. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that love and human connection can conquer all obstacles, making it a central theme in the album.
With a diverse musical background that includes musicals, operas, orchestras, tribute concerts, and more, MacNaughton’s extensive career has led him to this pivotal moment. Having penned his first songs in 2017, the singer-songwriter is now on the verge of releasing an album that has been long-awaited by his fans.
While the complete album is nearly here, “Energize” is already available for fans and new listeners alike. It serves as a compelling preview of the musical journey that awaits in Old Enough To Know Better.
