Facebook Post Inspired Patrick Ballantyne's Latest Single

TORONTO - July 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Canadian songwriter Patrick Ballantyne has been called “a secret weapon” (Bob Mersereau), named “Best Songwriter of 2014” by Now (Toronto) readers and has been nominated again this year.  In addition to releasing two solo albums (2008 and Days of Rain 2014), he has had his name appear on many album liner notes (Big Sugar, The Trews, Meredith Shaw, CCMA award winner Shane Chisholm and rising country star Tim Chaisson).

As a songwriter foremost, he started the sardonic “HitAMonth.com” project, where he releases a single every month through Northwood Records. While many artists are moving towards singles over albums, Patrick sees this project as an opportunity to collaborate (last month’s single “Mirror Mirror” featured the folk duo The Oh Chays) and expand his song catalogue.

“The “Hit-A-Month” project really started in jest. I was sitting with some songwriter friends talking about songwriting challenges and how we, as songwriters, have to self-challenge to raise the bar. Next thing I know, I’m on the phone with my manager asking her reserve the domain name and I was committed.”

The project has generated songs ranging in styles. This month’s single “My Excellent Boy” marks the seventh song in six months and has the feel of a Harry Nilsson song, with some sly psychedelic Beatles thrown in for good measure.

“The song was inspired by a friend’s Facebook status that used the phrase ‘my excellent boy,’ referring to his son. I started writing the song from there and found I ended up writing about my own childhood, the things that inspired me, of wanting to be like my heroes but lacking the confidence to grab the brass ring.”

“My Excellent Boy” will be available on iTunes and through Northwood Records’ Store on June 21st.

Upcoming Show

August 11Barrie, ONDonaleigh’s Temple Lounge

Contact Tara (publicity@patrickballantyne.com) if you require further information or would like to set up an interview with Patrick Ballantyne.