Fortunate Ones – That Was You And Me

By starrymag | November 13, 2023

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) Fortunate Ones is a contemporary folk/Americana, singer-songwriter duo with a dynamic and harmony-forward sound. Somewhere along the way, someone called us “Simone and Garfunkel.” That works for us. The songs are commentaries on the human condition, finding meaning in and connection to the world around us and our place in it, the complexities and beauty of relationships, time and self-exploration.

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt

 

Q) Tell us the story behind “A Thousand Tiny Ways.”

 

A) The idea here is that the world is an inherently heartbreaking place. We tend to think of heartbreak in negative terms, but it can also be quite beautiful. A smile, sunset, belly laugh, piece of music, getting to grow old with someone…There are thousands of ways a heart can break and many of them are magical and leave the heart stronger than it was before. Everyday our hearts break in big and small ways but it’s one of life’s great joys to get to experience it all.

 

Q) You recorded a live version of “A Thousand Tiny Ways” for the music video. Why did you decide to record a live version as opposed to creating a concept?

 

A) We wanted to get a bunch of pals together to make music in a room. COVID was such an isolating experience that being with friends and collaborators felt important and ultimately more rewarding than making something to a pre-existing track. We got to record at Fang Studios, which is owned by Canadian indie-rock legend Joel Plaskett. The studio is in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, which feels like a second home to us.

 

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from “A Thousand Tiny Ways?”

 

A) That heartbreak is a complex, beautiful thing. It lives on a vast spectrum and can happen in massive and tiny ways. It can tear us apart and restore us and is at the core of who we are as human beings.

 

Q) “A Thousand Tiny Ways” is off of your current album That Was You and Me. Since the release of the album, what has been the overall reaction from fans and listeners?

 

A) We hear from fans that they’re connecting with the sentiments of finding meaning and contentment in the simplicity of day-to-day life. The album is a raw and open-hearted look at what it is to be flawed and growing. We’re all going through something, and it means that people often feel as though we’re giving voice to their experiences.

 

Q) What are some of your personal favorite songs that are on That Was You and Me and what makes them so significant for you?

 

A) “Anchor” has been resonating with audiences on this tour with Bahamas. It is a profoundly personal look at the timeline of a long-term relationship from spark to old age. It’s about the privilege of getting to grow old with someone and knowing that the uncertainty of life will be met head on with a teammate in your corner. Andrew’s dad has dementia, and the last verse is about committing to someone wholeheartedly in the face of whatever tempests may rise. “If this ship’s going down, then tie me to the mast.” We’ve met so many people on this tour who have had or are dealing with similar experiences and there is solace in knowing that we’re not alone on the path.

 

Q) Was there a song(s) that challenged you the most creatively?

 

A) We made the record during peak COVID times in Toronto, so there was a very real physical challenge to making the record. We were masked in the studio, socially distanced from our producer Joshua Van Tassel (Bahamas’ drummer on this tour!) and we were tucked away in his studio as the world around us was on fire. That added a level of anxiety, but we hunkered down and made the most truthful and soul-searching record we could. Creatively, we were swinging for the fences with the aim of making something that was true to our core – honest, imperfect but innately us.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners that explore That Was You and Me as a whole – either emotionally or as a message?

 

A) Our hope is that they find themselves in the songs. We write from personal experiences that have a universal truth. We’re all going through our own trials and tribulations and if our journey can help others on theirs, then we’ve done our job.

 

Q) You are shortly set to go on tour with Bahamas. What are you most looking forward to with the upcoming tour?

 

A) It’s exciting connecting with new fans! It’s a privilege to do what we do, and we try every night to let our audiences know how grateful we are for them.

 

Q) Which song(s) is your favorite to perform at live shows?

 

A) “Heavy Heart” is always fun to end the set and “Clarity” has been getting a lot of love each night. We’ve been getting profound and beautiful feedback about Anchor. So many people have been either directly or indirectly affected by dementia and other neurological diseases and it’s been incredible sharing stories with people along the road. To know there is a community out there is tremendously comforting.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thanks!