The Homegrown Hideaway Songwriters Round aims to spotlight artists from Norfolk County and surrounding communities, creating an environment that encourages intimate, heartfelt storytelling.
Each round five songwriters will take turns performing an original song and providing insight into their writing process. Time should allow for four to five rounds, with a brief intermission in between. Curated by Nolan Gibson, the goal was to gather a unique mix of artists and perspectives all under one roof.
Without further ado, meet your songwriters:
Jesse Murphy:
Hey! My name is Jesse Murphy and I’m a songwriter/musician from Norfolk County, ON. I’ve been writing music since I was around thirteen years old in bands and solo projects. Within the last few years I think I’ve been able to really come into my own as a songwriter! I write music in all types of different genres which I’m super excited to showcase at this year’s Homegrown Hideaway Songwriters Round.
Brandon Pearse:
Brandon Pearse is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter hailing from Fergus, Ontario. Taking inspiration from classic songwriters like Leonard Cohen and Neil Young, Pearse writes heavily introspective material with an emphasis on lyrical content. The material tends to be melancholic and raw with a sense of vulnerability always present. Pearse spent the last decade releasing music under the moniker Littlefolk. The project spanned 3 albums and an ep of solo and full band compositions and ranged from bedroom pop to more abstract and meandering in tone. Since retiring the Littlefolk name, Pearse has continued writing and recording material and playing with a more ambient and raw approach to the melodic and melancholic style he has always thrived in and continues to explore the beauty in the dark.
Eric Brousseau:
Eric Brousseau is a multi-instrumentalist who comes from the sticks of Norfolk County, Ontario. Focusing primarily on Acoustic Guitar, Electric guitar, Electric Bass, and vocals over the past 10+ years, hes enjoyed being with many different projects and kept busy with teaching and live session work. Spanning many genres as well from; Funk, Blues & Soul, all the way to Country, Bluegrass, Rock, and more. When he's not teaching he plays all over with the Highbanks Bluegrass Band, various acts and configurations through his show "Brousseau & Co", and session work. If you're looking to do some toe tappin', be sure to come out and catch this event!
Rachel Heart:
Hamilton Norfolk Hybrid front woman- Rachel Heart of SUPERDELUX writes original music in a vintage inspired blend sure to inspire you to dance, expand and perhaps join her call for Peace and Love on that loooong road. Mystically and nature inspired Rachel has been writing and recording as a healing balm to innerstand the sometimes rocky and many times to celebrate the amazing journey as a Heart Warrior while embracing the multidimensionality of human experience.
Olivia Graham:
Born and raised in a quaint town in southern Ontario, Olivia Mae Graham discovered her passion for music at the tender age of 11 when she first picked up a guitar. Since that pivotalmoment, she has embarked on an inspiring journey of self-expression through songwriting andcaptivating performances.
Olivia Mae Graham is more than just a musician; she's a force driven by a profound desire to uplift and empower others through the positive messages woven into her heartfelt lyrics. Whether you're immersing yourself in her music or connecting with her on social media, Olivia's mission is clear: she wants her fans to feel inspired and personally connected to her journey.
As the summer of 2023 unfolded, Olivia released "Red Rose," her debut single on Canadian Country Radio. This track quickly found its way onto the playlists of stations across Canada, including SiriusXM Top of The Country, amassing an impressive 124,000 combined streams in the first few months.
Olivia's journey in 2023 wasn’t limited to the recording studio. She achieved the remarkable feat of selling out three hometown shows and four additional shows across southern Ontario. Currently, Olivia is hard at work on her province-wide school tour where she'll share her insights on bullying, pursuing one's dreams, and her blossoming music career while promoting her single ‘Mean Girls’. Since its release, "Mean Girls" has garnered an impressive 100,000 combined streams and received recognition on Wendy Boomer's Canadian Club Rogers Radio show, solidifying its impact on audiences.
Kicking off 2024, Olivia releases 'I Can’t Move,' a heart-wrenching single inspired by the day her car broke down. As a 24-year-old girl, her first instinct was tears, but after calling her dad and arranging a tow truck, she reached out to her friend and co-writer, Jay Allan. Stranded by the roadside, she said to Jay, 'One day, we've got to write a song about a car that won't let you down and a boy who won't break your heart.' Surprisingly, that's how they wrote the entire song – over the phone! Over the past year, this song has become a fan favourite live. As Olivia continues to weave her narrative through melodies and lyrics, her music becomes a powerful testament to the highs and lows of life, inviting listeners to connect on a deeply personal level.
Stay tuned for more heartfelt stories and soul-stirring music from Olivia Mae Graham as she navigates the roads of both life and the music industry in the years to come.
The Songwriters Rounds take place Tuesday June 18th, Tuesday July 16th, and Wednesday August 14th, with doors opening at 6:00 pm.
Every concert will be from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm with an intermission.
Seating is provided inside the barn. Feel free to relax just outside on the picnic tables or bring your own lawn chair to listen from outside if the night is beautiful.
The bar will be stocked with wine, beer and ciders from a variety of local businesses. Keep coming back to sample some of Norfolk’s finest!
NOTE: bar will be closed during the performance. We know you will appreciate the opportunity to give the artists your complete attention.
Why not make a night of it?
Stay in one of Homegrown Hideaway's glamping tents after the concert and take advantage of their Tent, Tunes and Breakfast offer this season. Book your night here, and select the Tent, Tunes and Breakfast option. Your concert tickets are included in the package and will be emailed directly to you!
See you soon!