Issues of addiction are painful for all concerned. From those in the horrific throes of substance abuse to those loved ones and friends who are trying to intervene or provide tough love, it’s a situation that affects everyone. For Americana folk rock artist Tyler Mullendore, that issue is addressed honestly and movingly in “Mama Cry,” a soothing single from Mullendore’s debut EP Time Heals Everything. It’s a song Mullendore says hits quite close to home.
“‘Mama Cry’ is probably the most emotional song on the record, and it’s very personal to me,” Mullendore, a native of Lake Ainslie, a small locale in the western portion of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, says. “The song reads like an intervention letter.”
Mullendore, now based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, says a close friend was struggling quite badly with addiction during the time he was writing “Mama Cry.” “His close friends and family had been watching him go downhill for quite some time, and we were all very saddened and concerned to see him that way,” Mullendore says. “I was also having my own issues with substance abuse at the time. I remember having a very emotional phone call with his very desperate and worried mother; shortly after, I gave my friend a long-handwritten letter. It was my best brotherly attempt at helping him turn things around. The song was inspired by that whole situation.”
“Mama Cry” is a mid-tempo, melodic masterpiece that Mullendore guides from its soothing, soulful opening to its fantastic finish. The single, written by Mullendore, contains some great backing harmonies and recalls work by talented singer-songwriters such as Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams, Bob Seger, and Astral Weeks-era Van Morrison. And, of course, fellow Cape Breton rock icon Matt Minglewood can also be heard in his work. Mullendore provides lead vocals and guitar on “Mama Cry” and is accompanied by bassist Nick Patterson, guitarist Adrian Dunn and keyboardist Sam Fraser. Backups are provided by long time friends, Wendy Martin and accomplished roots reggae artist Jhamiela Smith (Jah’Mila)
“Mama Cry” is the latest single from Mullendore’s six-song Time Heals Everything EP. The effort features quality material from the soulful roots emanating from “365 Days” to the piano-led Seger-esque “Living The Dream,” which screams for being on an open road with the wind in your hair. Meanwhile, “You’re Just A Dream” is a softer but thoughtful piece of quality pop rock that is another gem. Mullendore left nothing to chance with Time Heals Everything, taking five years to finish the effort.
“The album’s title was inspired by a decade of love, loss, and hard times, as well as the will to heal and look to a better future ahead,” he says. “The theme across this record, as well as in other songs of mine, is that life is hard, and times are tough sometimes. We all have regrets, we all experience loss, pain, and suffering, we all fall down; but we get up. The sun comes out, things get better, time heals.”
Mullendore, who cites Seger and John Prine as influences, was a finalist on Canadian Idol in 2007 which helped launch his career nationwide. He also earned top spot in eOne’s national “Big Break” songwriting competition, which garnered the attention of its judges for the singer’s authenticity. Recently Mullendore performed at Nova Scotia Music Week in Wolfville, performing both solo shows alongside band performances. On November 21 he plays an EP release show at Halifax’s The Carlton. And he’s slated to perform as part of The Last Waltz concert lineup set for Halifax’s Marquee Ballroom on Nov. 23, a tribute concert honoring The Band’s legendary farewell show. A second album release show takes place in Mabou, NS at The Strathspey Performing Arts Centre on Nov. 30th.
Now with “Mama Cry” and his Time Heals Everything EP, Tyler Mullendore is about to embark on another chapter in what has already been an impressive career. It’s a testament to his perseverance that Tyler Mullendore is destined for bigger audiences and recognition thanks to songs and music that get to the heart of life’s ups and downs.
