The Strumbellas' frontman Simon Ward has announced his debut solo album as Simon and the Island. The vocalist and guitarist will release a self-titled album on November 19 through his Windsurfer Records imprint in Canada, and Glassnote Music in the rest of the world.
Produced by Brian Pickett, the nine-song Simon and the Island is said to find Ward choosing "to air his songs in their raw, undressed state," offering space for retreat, reflection and renewal and a reassurance across the listen.
"These songs are about my life," Ward shares in a statement. "Some of them are about my struggles with mental health, some of them are love songs to my wife, who is my soul mate. This album is about being in a dark place but seeing the sliver of hope shine in. I hope it comforts and encourages others that are struggling with their own mental health that they're not alone."
Ward has shared three songs alongside details of the album. Opener "Muse" can be heard below alongside a video of soothing sand art creations from James Sun of @fallinginsand, alongside "Scared of Not Knowing" and "Miss Maples."
The cover artwork for Simon and the Island, seen above, comes courtesy of Ontario artist Lucy Manley. Ward shares of the piece, "Lucy's painting originally struck me because it reminded me of home. I loved the way the brush strokes were done and the colours she used to showcase the nature that is found in and around where I'm from. I immediately felt warm and happy when I saw it."
The Strumbellas' most recent album remains 2019's Rattlesnake. Earlier this year, the band shared single "Greatest Enemy."
Ward's Strumbellas bandmates Daryl James and Jeremy Drury recently shared their favourite concert memories with Exclaim!.
Simon and the Island:
1. Muse
2. Moon
3. Sweep Me Off My Feet
4. On My Own
5. Scared Of Not Knowing
6. I'm Not Doing Fine
7. Ghosts
8. Miss Maples
9. Lighthouse
Pre-save Simon and the Island
Produced by Brian Pickett, the nine-song Simon and the Island is said to find Ward choosing "to air his songs in their raw, undressed state," offering space for retreat, reflection and renewal and a reassurance across the listen.
"These songs are about my life," Ward shares in a statement. "Some of them are about my struggles with mental health, some of them are love songs to my wife, who is my soul mate. This album is about being in a dark place but seeing the sliver of hope shine in. I hope it comforts and encourages others that are struggling with their own mental health that they're not alone."
Ward has shared three songs alongside details of the album. Opener "Muse" can be heard below alongside a video of soothing sand art creations from James Sun of @fallinginsand, alongside "Scared of Not Knowing" and "Miss Maples."
The cover artwork for Simon and the Island, seen above, comes courtesy of Ontario artist Lucy Manley. Ward shares of the piece, "Lucy's painting originally struck me because it reminded me of home. I loved the way the brush strokes were done and the colours she used to showcase the nature that is found in and around where I'm from. I immediately felt warm and happy when I saw it."
The Strumbellas' most recent album remains 2019's Rattlesnake. Earlier this year, the band shared single "Greatest Enemy."
Ward's Strumbellas bandmates Daryl James and Jeremy Drury recently shared their favourite concert memories with Exclaim!.
Simon and the Island:
1. Muse
2. Moon
3. Sweep Me Off My Feet
4. On My Own
5. Scared Of Not Knowing
6. I'm Not Doing Fine
7. Ghosts
8. Miss Maples
9. Lighthouse
Pre-save Simon and the Island
