Today, Safia Nolin returns with Rue de l'ours, her first original song in two years. For this double single, she offers two interpretations - a "wack version" and a "Sunday version" - of the same song.
Co-produced with Félix Petit (Les Louanges, Bellflower, Laurence-Anne), the two versions reflect the duality that inhabits the singer-songwriter. The wack version, which features a piano, is a more experimental and abrasive production, and reveals the lesser known side of Safia Nolin; the side that is into noise music and unconventional arrangements. Though the Sunday version echoes the acoustic style for which Safia is known, it stands out thanks to the smooth production and an ethereal saxophone, a first in the singer-guitarist's repertoire.
Rue de l’ours is available now on all music services.
To complement the tracks, Safia Nolin has used simplicity and candor to create two DIY videos that embody the lyrics of the song and the moods of each version. Watch and share them via her YouTube channel.
Originally written for a television show by Simon Boulerice, Rue de l'ours tackles the difficulties encountered during her teenage years, the most miserable time in life, according to the singer-songwriter. The inspiration for this song came to her while she was in the forest, struggling to light a fire. She eventually reworked the original, creating the slightly darker wack version and the more hopeful Sunday version. I didn't want to choose between the two and I don't want to choose for people either, says Safia Nolin. So I decided to make two versions - the best of both worlds, just like Hannah Montana.
This summer, Safia will travel to Gaspésie and perform at the Festival BleuBleu in Carleton, as well as at the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée. A double feature concert with Martha Wainwright will also take place at Festival La Noce, in Chicoutimi, on July 8th. For all tour dates, see the list below and visit safianolin.com for more details.
Tour dates
27/06/21 Carleton-sur-mer, QC - Festival BleuBleu
02/07/21 Petite-Vallée, QC - Chapiteau de la Vieille Forge
03/07/21 Grande-Vallée, QC - Chapiteau Québecor de Grande-Vallée
04/07/21 Petite-Vallée, QC - Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée
08/07/21 Chicoutimi, QC - Festival La Noce