An Anthemic Folk Single From Tyler Ellis Sends An Important Message
- BuzzSlayers
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
A powerful but warm new single from Tyler Ellis delivers a sound that feels anthemic and incredibly honest, as it delves into a working man's life and how certain Avenues of the government have control over us, even when we don't realize it at first, including in the workplace. But it also gets into general camaraderie. How certain people have your back, and you have theirs.
"Union Song" gets pretty deep, but it is crisp and clear on its surface.
There are things that we can't do too much about, but the word union and the title of this song don't just mean being in a union in terms of your job.
It's about a union between people. Like I said, being able to rely on other people and allowing them to rely on you is something kind of special. It doesn't come across all the time or even often in life, but when you have it it's something that can absolutely get you through.
This song has a very roots-folk-inspired approach. Acoustic guitar and harmonica are the main instruments, and they really do add that particular kind of aesthetic to the song.
The reason the song feels so impactful is that during the choruses, he's got a whole crew of people singing along. It's powerful because it helps that message come across even more clearly. Everybody is singing along with that chorus, and when you hear such a large group, almost like a choir, singing along, you get that feeling of camaraderie. Because it's people doing something together, which is part of what the song is about.
Utilizing a large group of people to sing along in a chorus that has the sentiment of people having each other's backs was a genius move because that sentiment comes through stronger.
It also makes it a bit emotional and slightly intense, all in a good way. In your face so that you have the sort of spirited underbelly starting to show face during those sections.
It's about people standing their ground and holding strong. You get more of that with that huge group of people singing along. It's just something that lets it hit harder, but it works amazingly.
The more you listen to the song, the more intense it seems to get.
Tyler has a classic folk-style vocal approach, but it hints at country in a sense. It's deeper-toned, inviting, and it grabs you. The tone of his voice grabs a part of you and pulls you in so that he's got your full attention.
I think that's important with a song like this as well. Because it's got something to say. This is a song with a strong message behind it.
This was very engulfing, but in an outstanding way.
I found myself hooked on that chorus for hours after it ended, and I think you will too.
Again, this is all very balanced, but it does have this cinematic and robust aspect to it that takes over, and it becomes moving.
This whole thing is beautifully done, and there was a lot of thought put into those choruses and how they would come through.
The harmonica work is perfect because this also isn't overpowering, but instead very well balanced, adding that different tone to the song and giving way to more of the hints of classic folk or even a southern-toned aesthetic.
This one's going to stay with you for sure.
Upon listening to it, I knew I wanted to have a sit-down with Tyler to find out exactly where it actually came from and what may be coming up next for the artist.
So, while you listen to this song, have a read through of our interview with Tyler Ellis below.
Remember where you heard this first.
Thanks so much for taking the time, Tyler! Let's jump right into "Union Song ! This had a warm, roots folk feel. The harmonica was a perfect touch! Where did this song come from and what was it about?
Hey, thanks for listening and mentioning the harmonica!! because that was me! Haven't played it much in the longest while but that is the first pass I attempted and I'm tickled pink about it. Most of the upcoming album, Hardwarestore, actually happened like that (first takes).
Union Song evolved from a song I wrote many moons ago when I was working as an educational assistant at a downtown Toronto public school during the early Mike Harris years. At that time, I called the song Union Card (there was some picketing going on), and it was ostensibly about the early union movement at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and its role in carving out workers rights. The new iteration of the song still draws from that story but also uses a broader definition of the word union with emphasis on the importance of unity and camaraderie, if you will, in these challenging times.
I am hearing a few different styles on this single. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
My dad was a big fan of George Formby (a ukulele playing saucy/funny Brit) and I have spent a lot of time with story telling singer/songwriters like John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dylan, Loudon Wainwright III, Lowell George etc. I'm also a big fan of JJ Cale, Stevie Wonder, Little Feat, The Band, Bob Marley and The Greatful Dead. I do like and am influenced by some more contemporary folks but that's sort of where I'm coming from.
Are you performing live right now?
I do perform live and will do so if anyone asks lol... I do a short set every Monday to kick off the openstage I host at Noonan's on the Danforth and the upcoming release show at Hugh's Room will be my third in as many years. I'm by no means heading out on a well planned tour at the moment (like my good friend and sometimes partner in crime Julian Taylor always seems to be) but I do find stages to grace here and there and am always thrilled to share my songs with folks.
Did you work with a producer on this release, or was this all you?
I recorded the vocals, acoustic guitar, piano and harmonica all on my lonesome at Straid Hill (Northern Bliss Music’s Northumberland County Studio) and then subsequently added the guitar stylings of Mark Thackway and Howard Rabkin on the bass. The choir recording was an event unto itself with forty plus Toronto musicians and friends answering the call to lend their voices to the song. The choir was recorded at Hugh’s Room Live by Doug McClement of Livewire Remote Recorders and is on the recording as it was sung (no fancy studio tricks).
What's next for you? Working on more new releases?
Next up, after the release of probably one more single and then the new album Hardwarestore, I'm not certain... but I think a kinda mud pie of songs that i've recorded and not properly released over the years might be something.
What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming bands or artists trying to get heard?
I'm not much for giving other musicians advice because I've put out 9 full length albums and mostly people are like: Tyler Who? But I do believe creating something that is beautiful/thoughtful to you and then being aware and thankful for the folks who do hear you / get you is a recipe for success. When people, even a few, go out of their way to say my music means something to them or even just sing along, it means the world to me. If my time in the openstage environment in Toronto has taught me anything, it is that there is a shit ton of great music out there; so I truly do appreciate you taking the time to shine a bit of light on me and my song.
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