Vancouver, BC-based singer-songwriter Myk Gordon is prepping hard for an exciting release as he gears up to drop his brand-new Americana roots-rock single, “Born To Be,” out now. It is the first single off his new album with the shared name. With a music career spanning over three decades, Gordon’s musical prowess and diverse talents have earned critical acclaim worldwide.
Gordon is different from your typical musical artist. Alongside his successful music career, he is a high-ranking teacher of Aikido and works as a psychotherapist in private practice. These vocations allow him to draw on all aspects of the physical, mental and spiritual world to channel his experiences into songwriting. His multifaceted approach to life and artistry has set him apart in the industry. Gordon’s musical journey has been marked by accolades and remarkable collaborations, including his solid partnership with multiple Grammy Award-winner Steve Berlin of Los Lobos (who’s production efforts helped Los Lobos a Grammy Best Americana Album in 2022).
Gordon and Berlin’s previous collaboration, “Set Free,” released in 2009, received unanimous praise from music critics across the board, with Gordon being hailed as “a poster child of the Americana genre” by Alternate Root magazine and described as “nothing short of a country-soul tour de force” by the Vancouver Sun.
“Born To Be” was recorded in the rich and vibrant music scene of Portland, Oregon. The project included a talented ensemble featuring members from acclaimed bands such as Neko Case, New Pornographers, NRBQ, and Mavis Staples. This new release showcases Gordon’s ability to blend various musical influences seamlessly, drawing inspiration from early Elvis Costello to Crowded House.
Gordon’s songwriting brilliance extends beyond the realm of music. He earned two graduate degrees: a master’s in psychology in 2008 and a PhD in 2019, alongside his thriving career as a psychotherapist. Gordon is also a 6th dan Aikido teacher with over 30 years of experience and is widely recognized as an author and scholar in his field.
Gordon has graced concert stages and festivals worldwide throughout his career, with notable residencies in London, Nashville, and Toronto. He hails from a musical lineage with family members who have significantly contributed to the music world. Gordon’s early years saw him share the stage with respected singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith in Toronto’s Queen Street scene, leading to extensive cross-Canada and international tours, a devoted fan base, glowing press reviews, and widespread airplay. In 2010, Gordon was granted the highest-level US touring visa, which took him on a musical journey across the United States for three years.
Key musicians featured on “Born To Be” include Portland bassist Damian Erskine, nephew of famed jazz drummer Pete Erskine, and the return of Vancouver-based guitar virtuoso Paul Rigby, known for his work with Neko Case and New Pornographers.
Lyrically, the single delves into the existential struggles of an imaginary protagonist who has overcome physical and spiritual obstacles in their quest for self-discovery, with the chorus posing a thought-provoking question:
‘Aren’t we, aren’t we ever free?
Aren’t we, Aren’t we born to be?’
To complement the release of “Born To Be,” Myk Gordon has prepared an accompanying music video that pays homage to one of the iconic moments in music history – Bob Dylan’s 1965 promotional film for “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Directed by Kryshan Randel, the video features a diverse range of individuals holding cue cards with lyrics from the song, capturing the universal yearning for freedom in a world that often pressures us to conform.
Stay tuned for more music from Myk Gordon as he continues to captivate audiences with his timeless talent and unwavering passion for music.
