Latest posts by William Brookson (see all)
- Interview: Alternative Songwriter David Jane Chases a Moment Outside of Time on Ethereal New EP ‘Ambleside’ - September 18, 2026
- Dwayne Gretzky Turn Their Viral ‘Dwayne’s World’ Series Into a 20-Track Live Album and Put Their Chemistry to the Test on Queen & David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” - September 17, 2026
- Toronto Artist Tilsen Explores The Moment When Love Is No Longer Enough on Introspective Alt-Pop Single “Train To Vienna” - September 16, 2026
In the late aughts, traditional music was the furthest thing from the minds of Matt Ellis, Travis Ellis, Jon Pearo, and Archie Rankin. Having left their Cape Breton homes for the allure of the big city, the musicians formed Mardeen – a group steeped in Halifax’s history of melodic pop-rock.
After amassing praise as Mardeen, the band wanted to evoke the sound of home. They found a new appreciation for Celtic and British folk, which transformed the band into the current iteration under the name Villages.
Their new track reimagines Lou Reed’s “Cremation (Ashes to Ashes)” as a traditional folk song, pairing themes of mortality and loss with uplifting melodies and sounds.
TOUR DATES:
Feb 18 – Edmonton, AB @ Station on Jasper
Feb 20 – Calgary, AB @ Block Heater
Feb 21 – Calgary, AB @ Block Heater
Feb 23 – Winnipeg, MB @ Festival du Voyageur
Feb 24 – Winnipeg, MB @ Park Theatre
Mar 4 – Pictou, NS @ deCoste Performing Arts Centre (w/ Matthew Good)
Mar 5 – Moncton, NB @ Casino NB (w/ Matthew Good)
Mar 6 – Halifax, NS @ Marquee Club (w/ Matthew Good)
Mar 7 – Halifax, NS @ Marquee Club (w/ Matthew Good)
Mar 10 – London, ON @ Rosewood Room, London Music Hall
Mar 11 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall (w/ Dave Mason)
Mar 12 – Hamilton, ON @ Mills Hardware
Mar 13 – Burnstown, ON @ Neat
