WEATHERELL RELEASES NEW SINGLE “CANDY EYES”
DEBUT ALBUM LONELY SOUL COMING SOON
“Candy Eyes”, the new single from Toronto’s veteran indie rocker, producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Weatherell (moniker of Sean Hackl from Fade Awaays and BBQ Pope), is out everywhere. Musically, the song is a wonderful mix of shoegaze, grunge, modern post-punk and alternative rock. Thematically, it takes on a much heavier tone, written in the wake of losing a close friend and deals with drug addiction, isolation and suicide. Overall though, it’s Weatherell: crunchy guitars, swirling melodies, top notch songwriting and a sense of musical otherworldliness that only a great shoegaze trip can be at the helm of. Listen below or HERE.
“Candy Eyes is a song is about masking one’s feelings and the damage that comes from not being open with those around you when you’re stuck in a dark place,” explains Sean. “In the context of Candy Eyes, I think it’s important to check yourself when you feel like you are pulling away from your friends and family. This behaviour often goes hand in hand with some form of addiction and if that sounds like you, then it’s time to reach out.”
To add to the texture of the track, and its polysemous nature, the name “Candy Eyes” was inspired by the image of bloodshot eyes that resemble classic red-and-white mint candies, a playful nod to the unmistakable look of being really stoned. But as the chorus, lyrics and music reveal, remembrance is at the heart of it all.
Sean sings: “Now that your life’s a movie, carry on so bright,” illuminating the idea that even after a life has ended, the story itself continues. Like a film, it has a beginning, middle, and end, and while it may now exist only in photographs and videos, it still shines on the screen. It lives on as a piece of art, something that can be revisited, remembered, and experienced again by those who remain.
After the sudden passing of his Fade Awaays bandmate in 2022, Sean sought to channel grief into his healing, shifting his focus into one goal: make the best album he possibly could, channeling his energy into catharsis and honouring his late friend. Inspired by a love for 90’s electronica and dance music, coupled with his indie rock-roots, Sean began setting the foundations for the project in early 2023, compiling demos, writing new music, and re-working old songs.
“Candy Eyes” comes from that collection of work and was brought to life with the help of co-producers Sam Arion (Mute Choir, Sofia Camara) and Dylan Frankland (Tallies, Dean Blunt). The song was mastered by JUNO award winning engineer Kristian Montano (The Beaches, Ruby Waters, Aysanabee). Additionally, Frankland helped engineer, and mix the record, which saw the duo spend eight months studio-hopping around Ontario producing live drums, guitars, bass and vocals for the collection of songs.
“Candy Eyes” follows the release of Weatherell’s debut single, “Something Beautiful,” which garnered coverage from Northern Transmissions (Song of the Day), Spill Magazine, and The Scene, among others. Additionally, its music video was shot throughout Berlin, intersecting and featuring landmarks like Hauptbahnhof and Alexanderplatz stations, the streets of Mitte, and the walkways along the Spree – watch it here and check out Behind the Video with V13 Media.
The name Weatherell, is borrowed from Sean’s childhood street name where he grew up learning to play music. As well, Weatherell pays homage to the inspirational producer of Primal Screams’, Screamadelica, Andrew Weatherall. Read more in the full bio here and with Weatherell’s debut album, Lonely Soul, primed and at the ready, stay tuned for more this summer.
Weatherell
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: July 2, 2026
Artist Link
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