Helena Deland has premiered “Rise”, the second track from her forthcoming release, From The Series of Songs Altogether Unaccompanied Vol. III & Vol. IV.

While recently speaking with Northern Transmissions, Helena shared that “Rise” expresses “longing for a closeness that’s always just out of reach” with someone “who is very reserved, very protected.”

The premiere of “Rise” reveals a different side to Helena, who announced the third and fourth volumes of From The Series of Songs “Altogether Unaccompanied” in July, with the pulsating, synth-infused pop song “Claudion”. On “Rise” Helena wistfully sings “You leave all the people before they know it” with palpable resignation and heartache, as instruments and atmospherics are incrementally introduced before swelling to a melancholy refrain.

There’s no discernible pattern to Helena Deland’s latest release. On the third and fourth volumes of From The Series of Songs “Altogether Unaccompanied” the Montréal-based artist has amassed a collection of memories in song form, more like a box of old photos or unsent letters than a traditional EP.

“The songs are to be considered as their own little things,” she says about her unconventional release structure. “They are part of something larger, yes, but they live on their own.” As a listener, however, there is an undeniable cohesion to Vol. III and IV, and to the previous iterations of the project: each song is nostalgic, intimate, and indelible.

References abound, but the sound is all her own. Musical and literary influences weave through with ease, underscored by her dynamic vocals and clever lyricism. Deland’s constant journaling has allowed her songwriting to mature organically.

“I’m learning to be really patient,” she says, “I can’t really force writing. When I’m ready to write a song the words and melody are usually there.”

Helena Deland TOUR DATES
09/02 • Montréal, QC • Mile Ex End Festival
09/20 • Drummondville, QC • Studio
09/21 • Saint-Hyacinthe, QC • Le Zaricot
09/22 • Trois-Pistoles, QC • L’oeil de la Tempête
10/05 • Sherbrooke, QC • La Petite Boite Noire
10/11 • Lavaltrie, QC • Chasse-Galerie
10/13 • Gatineau, QC • Petit Chicago
10/18 • Halifax Pop Explosion, NS • Seahorse Tavern
10/20 • Bristol, UK • Simple Things
10/22 • Glasgow, UK • Poetry Club
10/23 • Manchester, UK • The Castle
10/24 • London, UK • Sebright Arms
10/25 • Eindhoven, NL • [DDW] Wilhelmina
10/26 • Amsterdam, NL • London Calling, Paradiso
10/28 • Berlin, DE • Maze
10/29 • Cologne, DE • Acephale
10/31 • Paris, FR • Pitchfork Avant Garde Festival
11/16 • Montréal, QC • Théâtre Fairmount
11/17 • Laval, QC • Annexe 3
11/23 • Trois-Rivières, QC • Église St. James
11/24 • Quebec, QC • La Meduse
11/29 • Toronto, ON • Monarch Tavern