Montreal-based Brazilian-Canadian singer-songwriter and Exclaim! New Faves alum Fernie returns today with a new single called "Pain" — his first release for Secret City Records.
Produced in collaboration with Patrick Watson, "Pain" arrives nearly three years removed from Fernie's Aurora EP, as well as his 2022 track with Magi Merlin, "DOLLA BILL," which was featured in Exclaim!'s Staff Picks.
"Ultimately this song is about the universal feeling of emptiness," Fernie explained in a statement. "From my experience surrounding the idea of pain… it blinds you. Aside from love, pain is one of the most powerful feelings on earth. I'm talking neglect, addiction, obsession, euphoria and delusion."
Of Watson's involvement, he added, "Surprisingly enough, I hadn't shown Patrick this song at first. I felt as though it was too much visibility on my part and was extremely hesitant with the idea of even showing him the demo. He, of course, grew extremely fond of the demo. He took my pain and transformed it into something so beautiful. I can't thank him enough."
"Pain" is an incredibly raw dispatch that is polished into something pristine, showcasing Fernie's gravity-defying, lit-from-within vocal talent. The piano ballad is further fleshed out by a string section, giving it a sense of both grandeur and softness.
Watch the movingly choreographed video directed by Maïlis below.