Ontario Songwriter Marty Kolls Explores Life’s Ebbs and Flows on Calm Folk-Pop Single “Waves”

Building upon years of writing, teaching, and performing music rooted in connection and observation, London, Ontario–based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marty Kolls releases her latest single. “Waves” is a calm and meditative folk-pop single that draws from the natural rhythms of water to explore struggle, surrender, and emotional grounding. Gentle yet resonant, the track reflects on the ebb and flow of life, offering a quiet space for reflection and release.

Inspired by time spent along Lake Huron, “Waves” emerged from Marty’s deep, lifelong connection to water. “Whether observing water from the vastness of the ocean or a ripple in a pond, it has been the root of inspiration for me for much of my life,” she explains. “Its stillness can anchor me while its waves can cleanse me.” That duality sits at the heart of the song, where moments of calm and motion coexist, mirroring the emotional cycles we move through.

The song’s origin was as intuitive as its subject matter. “It came to me at the tail end of my sleep,” Marty shares. “As I was waking up, the chord progression was in my head and I immediately went to the keyboard to record it.” From there, the track unfolded naturally, guided by feeling rather than force.

What sets “Waves” apart is its sense of flow. Layered backing harmonies move like currents beneath the surface, subtly propelling the song forward while maintaining its grounded, reflective tone. During recording, an unexpected vocal “hiccup” shifted the rhythmic phrasing of the harmonies; a moment that producer Simon Larochette encouraged Marty to embrace. “That became our favourite part,” she notes, highlighting the song’s openness to imperfection and instinct.

Lyrically, “Waves” leans into acceptance and growth. “Fear is healthy, fear is good, even heartbreak makes you grow,” Marty sings, capturing the idea that struggle and uncertainty are not obstacles, but necessary parts of becoming. Like water itself, the song moves through tension and release, ultimately arriving at a place of calm surrender.