Toronto Folk-Rocker Evelynne Ross Releases “Old Oak Tree”

Toronto’s feel-good folk-rock performer Evelynne Ross has released the stirring new single “Old Oak Tree,” available now.

Taken from Ross’ new EP, Against the Fence, “Old Oak Tree” is built on twanging, riffing guitars, mid-tempo percussion, and Ross’ own soulful vocal. Thematically about strong family roots, Ross weaves a tale about a woman ready to make a difficult decision in her life: “Nobody, nah nobody is gonna hold her back/ Throw her off the track/ You’ll see/ She’s got her roots from her mother/ She’s like an old oak tree.”

Meanwhile, Ross’ six-song EP Against the Fence (also featuring contributions from band members Howard Rabkin, Henry Lees, Murray Foster, and Mark Thackway) features a powerful, melodic collection of songs that draw on the universal human experience. “The idea is inspired by a bullying period in grade school,” Ross says of Against the Fence. “The idea being that this little kid grew up and is no longer someone who can be bullied, no longer that vulnerable little kid. No one is going to push this woman around now.”

Ross adds:

“All the songs were written and recorded during COVID — when I finally had the time and space to give ‘voice’ to my creative side and really let out all of the thoughts, feelings, words and melodies spill out in artistic form.”

She continues: “In particular, my producer and band member Murray Foster and I have been close friends since high school. “Our shared history, familiar musical influences and teenage experiences helped guide and support me in writing some of my earlier songs and ultimately led me to find my true voice and artistry writing this collection of songs. As well, my long-time musical partner and band member Howard Rabkin, also provided a strong sounding board and encouragement as these songs evolved and also really helped me find ‘my place’ as a songwriter.”