SPILL NEW MUSIC: MICHAEL ANTELOPE – “CAT CROW”

MICHAEL ANTELOPE – “CAT CROW”

INDEPENDENT

Hamilton, Ontario folk duo Michael Antelope (singers/guitarists Doug McBrien and Lenny McGowan) share their debut single, “Cat Crow,” a mysterious and quietly disarming single that explores curiosity, fear, and the strange comfort found in not fully understanding the world around you. Rooted in traditional folk sensibilities and rich storytelling, the track weaves together memories of childhood and reflections on the present, blurring the line between the natural and the man-made.

Inspired by Lenny’s childhood spent exploring the Hamilton conservation, “Cat Crow” begins with a simple but haunting question: why do we so rarely encounter death in the natural world? Surrounded by wildlife, the absence of visible remains sparked a deeper curiosity; one that evolved into a meditation on perception, fascination, and the human tendency to linger on the unsettling.

What sets “Cat Crow” apart is its ability to connect two seemingly distant worlds. Childhood memories of wandering through forests and preparing for imagined danger are mirrored against the more recent experience of navigating crowded city spaces. In both cases, a sense of unease lingers, whether facing the unknown in nature or simply trying to find footing on a packed subway.

The recording process leaned into immediacy and authenticity. Tracked live off the floor, the song features a single, unbroken vocal take from both Lenny and Doug, capturing a raw and intimate performance. The session also brought together a group of standout collaborators, including Ben Whitley (bass) and Kendal Carson (fiddle), whose contributions add subtle depth and texture to the arrangement.

Balancing a tone that feels both comforting and disillusioned, “Cat Crow” creates an emotional tension that never fully resolves. “It makes me feel confused and a little fearful,” Lenny shares, “but also happy and inquisitive. Somehow that combination feels comforting, even if it leaves me skeptical.”

Blending intricate flatpicking, close vocal harmonies, and melodic songwriting, Michael Antelope’s music draws from traditional folk influences while remaining grounded in personal storytelling and emotional honesty.

Inspired by artists like The Milk Carton Kids, Gillian Welch, and Watchhouse, the duo crafts songs that explore connections between people, places, and experiences. Their work often reflects themes of growing up, relationships, identity, and the natural world, shaped by both rural landscapes and urban life.

Having met through local Ontario music circles, Lenny and Doug developed their collaborative voice over years of playing together before formally launching Michael Antelope in 2023. Since then, they’ve continued to build a reputation for intimate, thoughtful songwriting and performances that feel both gentle and powerful.

Rooted in Hamilton’s vibrant arts community, the duo’s music carries a strong sense of place, drawing inspiration from the surrounding regions of Dundas Valley, Toronto, Brantford, Niagara, and Guelph. Their approach remains grounded in honesty and storytelling, creating songs that feel as personal as they are universal.

“Cat Crow” symbolizes that tradition, offering a reflective and quietly captivating debut.

ARTIST QUOTE

“It’s quite strange that sometimes it’s the worst things that draw our attention,” Lenny reflects. “When something is gross or scary or strange, it’s hard to look away. Similarly, when your expectations of something familiar fall, it’s easier to watch the chaos than look away.”

Michael Antelope
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: April 24, 2026

Artist Links

Background Photo Credit: Mike Neal