Daniel James McFadyen, an award-winning indie-folk artist originally from the suburbs of Toronto and now based in Nova Scotia, has become one of the East Coast’s most engaging live performers. Known for his charismatic and interactive shows, he has sold out venues nationwide, including Toronto’s Great Hall, Halifax’s Marquee Ballroom, and Overflow Brewing in Ottawa.

In 2023, he released the award-winning EP Songs to Show Your Friends, produced by Montreal’s Quinn Bachand, which marked a creative leap from his “stomp and holler” folk beginnings toward a more intricate, melody-driven sound. The release was celebrated with the “Sunshine Tour,” highlighted by a sold-out night at Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern and a shoutout from Canadian rock band Arkells. In 2024, McFadyen cemented his place in the folk scene, winning three Music Nova Scotia Awards — the most of any artist that year — and debuting his Americana-inspired single Landmine, recorded live-off-the-floor with friends in a cabin on Shuswap Lake, BC.

Now, McFadyen is set for his biggest year yet. His sophomore LP, Back to the Country, arrives on September 19, 2025, to be celebrated with his largest headline show to date at the Lighthouse Arts Centre in Halifax. Back to the Country opens with a “Build a Railroad” which attempts to cover up the pain of heartbreak. While the vocals are soft, the lyrics attempt to be biting in the wake of heartbreak, but it’s evident that the love is still there. It is evident throughout the album that McFadyen is a storyteller. There’s disillusionment, hope, dreams, darkness, and also a playful energy that makes the album so engaging. McFadyen’s wry sense of humour continues in “Landmine,” a fun romp with a rock, country vibe that will have toes tapping. 

McFadyen’s ability to spin a tale is evident in “Johnny,” which tells a story of being on the road, unfettered and free, but still susceptible to love. “Rio” emulates the feeling of a Joe Plaskett song and captures the clap-along energy of a pub on Friday night. That energy continues in “Hot Sun” where echoes of songwriters like Jeremy Fisher and Jim Cuddy keep toes tapping and heads bopping along.

“Diamond” is heavy yet hopeful where soft guitars and gentle harmonies pave the way for a better future through love. 

“Hurt my Heart” has the ache of a Lumineer’s ballad that is perfectly captured by McFadyen’s vocals and Sarah Surette’s harmonies.  The title track “Back to the Country” is a return to the uptempo romp of “Hot Sun.” The catchy drumbeat, playful electric guitar, and singalong chorus will convince anyone that country life is where you want to be,

A sense of hope is evident in “Always in my Head” with the encouraging “Give me just a minute and I’ll love you for life/With all that said, you’re always in my head”

“Another California Song” is the perfect soundtrack for drifting and daydreaming with ethereal guitars and soft vocals, which is contrasted by the album closer, “Spinaker” a stomp and clap romp that could just as easily been coined by Johnny Cash. 

Back to the Country showcases McFadyen’s finely honed songwriting skills. It’s an album that will get people’s toes tapping and eager to find any venue where McFadyen is playing.

With his evocative songwriting, road-worn storytelling, and growing national presence, Daniel James McFadyen continues to carve out a unique voice in Canadian folk and indie music. Winner of three Music Nova Scotia Awards in 2024, McFadyen is ready to expand his audience with Back to the Country.