The Once

Named for a unique Newfoundland phrase that means ‘imminently’, now is indeed the time for The Once. From their beginnings as three actors who also loved to sing together, The Once has embraced a different vision of Newfoundland music. Their sounds do not come from the noisy pubs and dockside taverns that fuel so much of the Island’s energy. Instead, their music comes from a quieter and more thoughtful place. Hope and tragedy are intertwined in their music, whether they are singing an old lament from World War I, original songs that speak of love defeated, or tasteful songs from the artists whose music inspires them. Their title of their new album comes from a poem by poet George Murray, a poem that so inspired them they built a song around it. Song For Memory speaks of the power of words and music to freeze time and emotions, to make small moments large, and large moments small. The song’s climax features the memorable line, "row upon row, of the people you know", life’s expectations writ both in a personal and expansive way at the same time. As a trio, the band has kept it uncomplicated, depending on the power of their voices and acoustic instruments. Lead sing... more...