Helena Deland shares new single “Strawberry Moon”
Acclaimed Montreal-based songwriter and musician Helena Deland shares “Strawberry Moon,” the final pre-release single from her new album Goodnight Summerland ahead of its release on October 13th, 2023 via Chivi Chivi. A folk lullaby for lovers lost in the nightfall, “Strawberry Moon” features wistful piano melodies and a sweet, textured acoustic guitar on which Helena lays her exquisite, crystalline vocals. The release of “Strawberry Moon” is accompanied by a video directed by David Connor.
According to Helena, the song was written “during an annual vacation at a beloved friend’s cottage by the lake, where strawberries are known as ‘heart berries’ in the Anishinaabe tradition, ‘Strawberry Moon’ is sleepless and peaceful.” Further adding: “I was clear minded, able to welcome both the eagerness and weariness brought forth by the love story unfolding at a distance. These sentiments infuse ordinary nights with the colors of fate. Every year of our lives has taken us to where we are. We’re not just witnesses to this moment; we’re an integral part of a world where strawberries bloom every year. This is the final single from and last song on Goodnight Summerland, out October 13th. My North American tour starts November 2nd with support from Jana Horn and Shaina Hayes.”
“Strawberry Moon” arrives after August’s “Bright Green Vibrant Gray” which accompanied the announcement of Goodnight Summerland with a charming video directed by Xavier Beldor, depicting Deland going on a painting expedition through the deep snow in Charlevoix, Quebec. 2022’s “Swimmer” (which received praise from The New York Times), and May 2023’s “Spring Bug” (which made it onto Pitchfork’s SELECTS staff picks playlist), also appear on Goodnight Summerland.
Helena Deland is interested in how songs can hold what eludes everyday language. Her music draws on reading and walking around. Goodnight Summerland was recorded with Sam Evian at Flying Cloud Recordings in the Catskill mountains. It was engineered by Sam, co-produced by Helena and Sam, and mastered by Heba Kadry (Bjork, Beach House, Slowdive). Deland’s new songs have simpler musical arrangements than 2020’s debut Someone New, focusing on the sheer joy and transformative power of a good song.
