At times, she says, the process was exhausting: “So much time, energy, thought, and care went into this. Trying to navigate our families and work schedules and booking multiple recording sessions in two different provinces. That’s a challenge in itself. Throw in a pandemic, restrictions, and health issues, and it’s a big pot of crazy. But it was so worth it. When I listen to the record now, I forget about the stress and just feel so satisfied knowing the songs reached their full potential and life.”
The collaboration with The Ramshackle Parade was critical to that outcome, Rhaye says, crediting Bill Preeper, Sandy MacKay, guitarist Chris Braydon, drummers Clinton Charlton and Jordi Comstock, and producer/engineer Dale Murray for taking her music to a new level. “I love the big sound we created for the Just Like A Woman live performances, and we wanted our new recordings for Sunshine Baby to have that same energy, but we also wanted the sound to be “bigger and more layered,” she says, adding, “I had written about darkness, and I wasn’t afraid to confront it; to walk away from safety and light a fire.”
Job done and then some – the result is a beautiful and powerful album – one that, while it explores elements of danger and darkness, telegraphs the joy and depth of connection Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade have found in working together in equal measure. “We poured our hearts into these songs, lyrically and musically,” Rhaye concludes. “We all shared the same desire to make Sunshine Baby the best it could be, and I can’t wait for people to hear this album. I want everyone who hears it to feel the same energy we put into making it.”
What’s The Story About Jessica Rhaye?
Rhaye’s past albums have garnered nominations for the Canadian Folk, Music New Brunswick, and East Coast Music Awards, and have landed placements in television series, including CMT’s Unstable and CBC’s Heartland. As a two-time finalist in the Canada Music Week National Songwriting competition and finalist in the folk category of the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Rhaye has also gained acclaim as a uniquely talented songwriter. Over time she’s also co-written with a variety of well-known Canadian tunesmiths, including Royal Wood, Ken Tobias, and Ron Sexsmith, and has performed widely, appearing at premier venues like the National Arts Centre and Hugh’s Room and at events such as the Stan Rogers and Mariposa Folk Festivals, among many others.
Additionally, as a graphic artist, Rhaye has been honoured with an ECMA for Graphic Artist of the Year and Music NB’s Visual Artist of the Year for her work on both her own musical projects and for collaborations with other artists, including Christina Martin, Tomato/Tomato, Rachel Beck, and Matt Andersen.
