Jenny Berkel’s writing is at once gentle and hard-hitting. Her lush and low voice ornaments her poetry with melodies that soar high and clear before spilling back down again. Set for release on April 15 via Pheromone Recordings, her forthcoming sophomore album, Pale Moon Kid, was recorded with gifted producer Daniel Romano. Steeped in sparkling guitars, sparse piano, pulsing bass, and percussion, this glowing new collection reveals writing that has grown even sharper and more lyrical.
The album’s opening track, “Half Dream”, brings the listener straight into the heart of the album. “I wrote it on a frigid November day from an attic room in Toronto, where I lived for a short three months,” says Berkel. “I love being in between sleeping and waking, when dreams can be so real that they feel like lived memories.”
Born in the heart of Ontario’s lush forests and fields, Berkel’s music has drawn her across the country, experiencing dramatic changes in landscape. This constant shifting finds its rest in her songs; her lyrics are dreamy and piercing, shimmering with memories, and glittering with the quiet solitude of a night sky.
“The songs on this album come from different homes across Canada,” says Berkel. “The quiet of rural Ontario, the open prairies, the rush of Toronto, and a small apartment in Montreal’s Parc Extension. My life and the stories surrounding me were constantly and quickly changing. This shifting landscape of geography and people finds its home on Pale Moon Kid.”
Recorded with Romano at the peak of summer in Welland, ON, they were joined in studio by Berkel’s sister, Kay Berkel, who was an important part of making Pale Moon Kid. “The three of us spent eight days in the studio, building the songs layer by layer, coming up for breaths of fresh air and slices of Welland’s famed Rex’ pizza,” says Berkel. “I couldn’t be happier with the work we did together.”
Since releasing her debut album, Here on a Wire, Berkel has been intoxicating listeners with her evocative songs and voice. Both on her own and as part of Daniel Romano’s Trilliums band, her consistent touring has garnered fans across the country and ocean. Currently in Kansas City for Folk Alliance International, Berkel will be playing a few pre-release shows in Toronto and Montreal. More news on future tour dates to be announced shortly.
Pre-order Pale Moon Kid via iTunes or through MapleMusic