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Toronto’s rollicking country-rock band F. Scott & the Nighthawks take a more sentimental note on their new single ‘Stevie Girl’, premiering exclusively at Holler. Listen below.
Scott said he began writing the song before the birth of his daughter, Stevie. “Things were pretty exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time,” he tells Holler. “I kept reflecting on who I've been and who I wanted to become in anticipation of becoming a dad — and my intent on being a real good one”.
‘Stevie Girl’ begins with a reflective tempo as an acoustic and electric guitar set off the conversation, backed by big, spacious drums. Scott fills the song with promises to his daughter and the changes he and his wife have already made to give her a better life, including moving away from the city and finding a place in the country. “Ain’t it funny how some greenery can change your heart / Girl, it’s true / Done it all for you”, he sings.
Scott explained that decision, saying, “With our daughter on the way, my wife and I decided to leave the big smoke (Toronto) and relocate to the country. A decision that took some getting used to, but then became so clearly the right move for us as a family”.
The band takes over briefly at the halfway mark, when Scott hands them the reins, saying, "Push this thing, fellas". Although their jam turns meditative, they don’t lose their momentum - the energy that’s helped them build a reputation in their hometown. Instead, their pace fuels the feeling at the song’s heart. “There's so much emotion tied to this one for me”, Scott said. “It feels really good to finally be getting it out there”.
Although the band hails from the north, their sound draws heavily on the south. Scott grew up in Niagara Falls, but thanks to stories his dad shared about meeting The Highwaymen, he fell in love with warmer southern sounds. His appreciation for foundational artists like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson informs the band’s style, which exists somewhere between Outlaw country and the feel-good rock of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, with a touch of Toronto’s DIY grit for good measure. 'Stevie Girl' takes those threads and weaves together a touching pledge from dad to daughter.
F. Scott & the Nighthawks' forthcoming album Hold Onto Your Heart, on which 'Stevie Girl' appears, is due out August 13.
Photography courtesy of Sweetheart PR.
