Following a whirlwind 2023 that saw The Goddamsels break into the Americana scene on the strength of their debut EP Wayward Daughter, the Canadian duo comprised of singer/songwriters Mallory Chipman and Frédrique “Freddi” MacDougall is kicking off 2024 with a tour of Ireland and the UK [SEE DATES BELOW], along with sharing a new single, “Better Than,” the first taste of their forthcoming eponymous full-length album for Alberta-based Royalty Records.
With its jaunty melody, “Better Than” once again showcases Mallory and Freddi’s instinctive harmony vocals, as well as their evolution as songwriters. “Better Than” is about envisioning “something better than” the constant grind and hustle that many of us can get caught up in, especially those situations that prioritize productivity over personal connection.
Recorded at Edmonton’s Riverdale Records with The Goddamsels’ trusted, Juno Award-nominated producer Scott Franchuk (Corb Lund, Del Barber, Mike Plume, Scenic Route To Alaska), “Better Than” also features Kyle Shabada on acoustic guitar, Brett Hansen on electric guitars, Murray Wood on bass, Shea Connor on drums and Ryan Funk on pedal steel.
As Freddi explains, “In my interpretation, the choruses speak to feeling lost in that hustle, and paint the image of a sense of drowning. The pre-chorus speaks to a ‘head above water’ moment where we realize what an alternative could look or feel like, with the chorus illustrating what that ‘better than’ experience could be, even if it might just be a fantasy.”
Mallory adds, “What inspired us to write ‘Better Than’ was feeling that we ourselves were caught in that sort of whirlpool, which also inspired the single artwork. I think we were both longing for a slower pace of life that embodies a certain peace, quietness and simplicity.”
Ironically, that slower pace of life may not be in the cards for The Goddamsels, at least in the immediate future, as all indications are that the pair is poised for a busy year ahead. Mallory and Freddi certainly have come a long way since they first connected in 2015 while singing cover songs with the house band at Edmonton’s Blue Chair Cafe. Their natural chemistry as performers quickly blossomed into a songwriting partnership based on a mutual love of folk and country’s intimacy.
After recording and releasing Wayward Daughter in 2022, The Goddamsels embarked on several tours of different parts of Canada, along with appearing at Folk Alliance 2023 in Kansas City where they caught the attention of many within the Americana scene.
Now their first full-length album on the way and more touring on the horizon, The Goddamsels are ready to steal the hearts of even more listeners with their unforgettable sound.
The Goddamsels are available for interviews and on-air appearances.
THE GODDAMSELS / Ireland & UK 2024 :: Ticket Info HERE
Jan 17 :: Dublin IE :: The Vintage Inn
Jan 18 :: Athy IE :: Athy Community Arts Centre
Jan 19 :: Dundalk IE :: Your Roots Are Showing
Jan 21 :: Dundalk IE :: The Music Trail
Jan 22 :: Brighton UK :: The Folklore Room
Jan 24 :: London UK :: The Betsey Trotwood
Jan 25 :: Devon UK :: Ashburton Arts Centre
Jan 26 :: Cambridge UK :: The Portland Arms
