Today I’m pleased to present Canadian singer-songwriter Danté Ravenhearst and her enchanting debut single “Asphalt“. Born and raised in Kawartha Lakes, Ontario and currently based in Toronto, Danté is also a scientist and conservationist. Her pleasing style of alternative folk draws from classic country, traditional folk, Americana, soft rock and jazz elements, which she delivers with thoughtful, compelling lyrics and warm, comforting vocals.

Recorded in November 2023, “Asphalt” was a labour of love and friendship between Ravenhearst and a group of close Toronto and Hamilton-based session musicians who helped bring her beautiful song to life. For the recording of the song, Ravenhurst played acoustic guitar and sang vocals, Ben McWebb played organ, Kurt Van Bendegem played lead guitar, bass and sang backing vocals, and Jonathan Horvath played drums. The track was produced by Matt Fasullo, who also sang backing vocals, and engineered by David Worthen.

The song is a stunning feast for the senses, with vibrant twangy guitar notes, throbbing bass and shimmery percussion layered over a somber organ riff, all coming together in glorious alchemy to create a mesmerizing backdrop for Ravenhearst’s captivating vocals. As the song progresses, the music builds to a soaring cinematic crescendo while her vocals overflow with passion, leaving me covered in goosebumps.

Ravenhearst shared her thoughts about her inspiration for writing the song: “I am really entranced by the correlation of loss between our emotional and physical spaces and the mourning that comes with that. ‘Asphalt’ is about searching for a connection that existed in a world that physically no longer exists. Its question “Where are you? Where are you?” hauntingly chanted to the listener, is only asked and never answered.“

You can also find “Asphalt” on Apple Music