SPILL NEW MUSIC: AWARD-WINNING MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST KEVIN HEARN JOINS FORCES WITH ANDY KIM & THE PERSUASIONS

AWARD-WINNING MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST KEVIN HEARN JOINS FORCES WITH ANDY KIM & THE PERSUASIONS

NEW SINGLE “LOVE IS THE KEY” OUT NOW

Acclaimed musician, composer, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Hearn, shares his new single and accompanying video, “Love Is The Key”, crafted under the vision of award-winning filmmaker Phil Harder. Revered for his work with Barenaked Ladies and an impressive list of collaborators, Hearn’s soulful new track features gorgeous harmonies from esteemed Brooklyn a cappella group The Persuasions, and lead vocals from legendary artist Andy Kim, who will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame on October 17.

The song began as a late-night idea in Hearn’s home studio, a simple, heartfelt love song paired with a soulful piano progression. Inspired by the spirit of early rock and roll and classic vocal groups like The Drifters, The Temptations, and The Fleetwoods, Hearn envisioned a track that captured the joy and wonder of feeling love in some of its many different forms.

To bring that vision to life, Hearn invited The Persuasions to join him in New York City, where they recorded their vocals live off the floor. Their unmistakable harmonies inspired the song’s final title, “Love Is The Key”. Additional contributions came from celebrated drummer Tony “Thunder” Smith (Lou Reed), bassist Dean Dinning (Toad the Wet Sprocket), and JUNO-winning producer Eric Ratz, who helped shape and mix the final recording at Noble Street Studios in Toronto.

The Persuasions’ Dave Revels shared, “We felt a kinship with Kevin from the day we met so many years ago. It has only strengthened through time. When he introduced us to this beautiful song and asked if we would sing on it, the answer was an immediate yes! We are grateful to be a part of his musical journey.”

A pivotal moment came when Hearn shared the track with Andy Kim, whose timeless classic, “Sugar, Sugar”, is referenced in the second verse. Rather than simply offering his blessing, Kim enthusiastically joined the project, lending his unmistakable voice and presence.

“I thought I should send the song to Andy, and hopefully, get his blessing,” shares Hearn. “I included a note saying ‘I hope you get a kick out of this Andy’. To my amazement, he wrote back saying he loved the song and would love to sing it! We went back into the studio, amended the lyric, and once again, the song was taken to another level. Andy singing it was truly the cherry on top.”

Andy Kim adds, “Every now and then you hear a song that owns you. The melody and lyrics are timeless. ‘Love is the Key’ is Kevin Hearn’s infinite journey to love’s spiritual awakening. I’m forever grateful to sing this song with music’s eternal power, The Persuasions.”

Kevin Hearn and The Persuasions Ft. Andy Kim
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: October 9, 2025

Artist Links

Background Photo Credit: David Leyes