Riches is the new solo project of Catherine McCandless, lead singer of Montreal, Canada’s Young Galaxy. In 2018, McCandless and her husband Stephen Ramsay decided to put Young Galaxy on hiatus after releasing 6 critically acclaimed albums in 11 years, including the Polaris Prize shortlisted 2013 album Ultramarine and 2018’s swan song, Down Time. Seeking a more conceptual approach and to re-invigorate her creativity, McCandless spent the next year immersing herself in folk horror films, occult poetry, hauntology, and sample-based music.

 

Riches’ debut single, "Spirit", is darker and more urgent than any of her previous work.

Led by McCandless’ distinct and powerful vocals, the song evokes intensity, melodicism,

and a hypnotic drive.

 

In the process, McCandless deconstructed her creative identity by exploring questions

on the nature of creativity itself. Her conclusions, that the repetitive function of art is a form

of witchcraft, and that a lifetime devoted to creativity is inherently monstrous, have resulted

in her new project, Riches.

 

As a result, Riches’ debut single, Spirit, is darker, more urgent and hypnotic than any

of her previous work. Led by McCandless’ distinct and powerful vocals, the song evokes

the intensity and melodicism of The Knife, the darkness of Portishead’s Third, and the hypnotic drive of Suicide. It’s a true statement of intent from a singular and uncompromising voice.

 

Featuring production duties from her husband and former band-mate, Stephen Ramsay, as well as Jace Lasek of The Besnard Lakes, Spirit will haunt the listener from the moment they hear it.   

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