in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
May 13, 2024
BY SOUTHGREY.CA — A 2022 Statistics Canada report lauded the return of live shows, following two years of empty venues and an uncertain future. Since then, physical events have made a substantial comeback and many artists have used that time to hone their craft or move in new directions. Local singer/songwriter Paige Warner is one of them.
In 2023, Paige released her single Stockholm Syndrome. Despite the dark subject matter, it's a decidedly up-tempo track with a smoky retro sixties vibe — a slight departure from her slower and often moodier alt-pop catalogue.
“Write happier songs! I’d heard it a hundred times, so I finally accepted this challenge and gave myself 10 attempts," Paige recalls. "Whichever of the 10 songs ended up the happiest, that’s what I would release." Stockholm Syndrome was the very accomplished result.
But true to her usual sources of inspiration, the song was born out of her analysis of a past relationship. "I had completely fallen in love with someone who clearly was taking advantage of and using me." Much like the coping mechanism to an abusive situation that the term Stockholm Syndrome defines, "I felt sympathy for him."
On May 10, 2024, she has followed that up with the release of Empty Home, a musical gem plucked from her upcoming album scheduled to hit streaming services in August. Another love ballad born of heartache, Paige's lyrics leave it all out on the floor. But it's plain to see that her music is progressing with more nuanced arrangements and captivating string accompaniment.
The new group of songs in the August release promises to be her greatest achievement to date. Recently, Paige gave a sneak preview of that album and sang a few selections from it, including Empty Home. The concert was met with good reception by the crowd at Markdale's Annesley Church on May 1 — an evening of emotive original tunes with one or two covers, including a beautiful rendition of If I Ain't Got You, a favourite hit made prominent by Alicia Keys.
Paige moved through her tunes in a way that highlighted her own songwriting progression, as she provided backdrop and stories between each song. Surrounding herself with talented musicians — Stephen C. Warner on piano and keyboards, Nic Nolet on guitars, Curtis Jagt on bass and Marty Sinclair on drums — the group had many opportunities to show off their noteworthy talents. Paige and her band ended the evening with an energetic rendition of a Prince classic — Kiss, which got the crowd up dancing in the aisles.
It is visceral events like this that have consigned those pandemic years to our rear view mirrors — where objects may be closer than they appear. Musicians and fans alike are returning to concert halls, music festivals, and club gigs with a renewed appreciation for the communal experience of live performances. The recent Paige Warner concert stands as testament.
And her music carries on in new and exciting directions.
Check out Paige Warner's recent release Empty Home on Spotify or other well-known streaming services.
For more information about Paige, visit her website.
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