The Acorn is the project of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Rolf-Carlos Klausener.

Emerging from Ottawa’s underground in 2004, The Acorn has released 4 full-length albums, multiple EPs, has headlined tours worldwide, and supported notable artists like Bon Iver, Calexico, Fleet Foxes, and Elbow.

The project’s albums and live performances have featured a rotating cast of remarkable musicians, and currently features Martin Charbonneau (bass), Pascal Delaquis (drums), Seb Shinwell (guitar), as well as others.

Both their critically-acclaimed 2007 album, Glory Hope Mountain, and 2015’s Vieux Loup were long-listed for Canada’s Polaris Music Prize.

Speaking on the new song and video for “Rapids”, Rolf said:

“Rapids” ​is all about putting your heart and feet in the same direction to get beyond the unconscious forces that take us to unwanted places.

Off the road, I spent countless summer evenings communing with pals on the Ottawa river; its rhythms definitely played into the album’s aesthetics. While painting with india ink one night, a few drops fell into a glass of water, and the effect was totally mesmerizing. I spent the next month making a sweet mess in my kitchen. Everything was there, the unpredictability of the flow of ink through water, or slowly spreading Rorschach-like on a wet plate. Kind of a perfect visual metaphor. 18 months into the album’s release, I feel even closer to it, and still feel like I’m deciphering the unconscious themes I wasn’t ready to own when I finished it.

The Acorn plays Ottawa, ON’s Pressed on January 14, alongside Gianna Lauren and presented by Arboretum.