Vikki Gilmore “Cowboy”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Vikki Gilmore’s song “Cowboy” from her forthcoming album. The album was produced by Gert Taberner, mixed by Aaron Fung, and mastered by Brandon Peralta (Enamoured Sound).
“Cowboy” is Vikki Gilmore on vocals; Gert Taberner on guitars, bass, and other instruments; Mathieu LeGuerrier on drums; and Dylan S Keating on pedal steel. We had tried chat with Vikki about the song. The premiere appears just beneath this interview.
Americana Highways: Your work has drawn comparisons to artists like Kacey Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, and Ella Langley. Who were some of the artists you grew up listening to, and what influences have stayed with you as you’ve developed your own sound?
Vikki Gilmore: Our families are often our first source of music and I’m lucky I had exposure to so much variety: Charles Anznavour, CCR, the Guess Who, and of course my mom’s favourites Genesis and George Michael. The ones that more personally influenced my sound and stood the test of time were Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks of course), Leonard Cohen, Dolly, and Neil Young.
AH: Your music has been described as folk-western, with a vintage warmth. How would you describe your sound in your own words, and what do you hope listeners feel when they hear your songs?
VG: I love that! I would describe my sound as the perfect background music for a fall drive through the changing leaves. My sound is largely autumnal in nature: reflective of change, bracing for the cold, and reminiscent on the warmth (I say this as someone from Montreal that often faces sub 30 Celsius in the winter). I hope listeners find a safe space for the feelings that can be a bit more difficult to talk about like grief (even the anticipatory kind), mental illness, loneliness, etc. I hope they feel comforted and heard.
AH: “Cowboy” is a deeply personal song written in memory of your late relative. What was it like to revisit the song and decide to share it with the world?
VG: I wasn’t originally going to share it. At least, releasing this song wasn’t my intention when writing it. But this song brought me solace during a difficult time and I wanted to offer that to anyone else who might need it. And to honour my loved one. This is a way for the stories of his adventures to live on.
The animated lyric video feels grounded in long ago eras, while Vikki’s honest, easygoing vocals evoke weariness from travel – and it’s a metaphor for life itself. “Take a rest while you’re done, look at all you have become.” This is a note to self to slow down and appreciate everything that’s already been accomplished, instead of racing to the next item on the “to do” list, and the next, and the next. Written in homage to someone who has passed away, it serves as a reminder that life is sweet and fleeting.
You can find the music here: https://vyd.co/VikkiGilmoreCowboy