Northcote Explores His Journey Through Darkness On New Album Let Me Roar

Today, Canadian singer-songwriter and storyteller Northcote (Matthew Goud) announces his new album Let Me Roar, out October 23 via Black Box Music. Written in the wake of a low point in Goud’s life, Let Me Roar charts his journey out of darkness. Now not quite into the light, but at peace with the messiness of the things he cannot change, this Canadian troubadour shares stories of loss, addiction, friendship, parental sacrifice and more to portray his own journey of personal growth and self-acceptance with intimacy and immediacy.

“Feeling hollow and burnt out, I entered an educational retreat on Gabriola Island, BC,” shared Goud. “In the weeks following this retreat I pulled together the material and made plans to record what would become Let Me Roar. When I think of this record, I feel frightened by that period in time and also comforted by the memories of my friends and I recording together.”

Originally a poem, his latest track “Streets of Gold” pulls the curtain on the homelessness and ongoing opioid crisis in his hometown. Working with marginalized and at-risk communities while he’s not on the road, Goud sees all too often that property is often valued over the well-being of your neighbors.

Listen to "Streets of Gold" via American Songwriter here. 

Let Me Roar is a complete look at Goud following one of the biggest challenges of his life, and a testament to the resilience and perseverance he found within, something that’s abundantly clear on the albums previously released singles. “Nine To Midnight” finds Goud looking back at his childhood and recognizing the sacrifices his father made to provide. On “Dancers and Queens,” Goud tips his hat to the unique people -- eccentrics, travellers and artists, much like himself -- who followed their own path rather than what was expected of them, while on “Keep On Saying Goodbye,” he looks at the borders and boundaries that keep us in one place physically and emotionally. These singles found global support on marquee playlists Spotify’s Fresh Folk and Renegade Folk, Apple Music’s Southern Craft and Breaking Singer Songwriter, and Amazon’s Fresh Folk & Acoustic and Fresh Folk & Americana.

To connect with fans during the pandemic, Northcote hosts a weekly live stream concert every Thursday at 7 pm EDT/4 pm PDT via Instagram. Each week he’s performing the tracks from his new album for the first time and also covering some of his favorites from artists like Chris Stapleton, New Order, Smokey Robinson, Leon Bridges, Sheryl Crow and Angel Olsen. Tune in HERE.