Bywater Call - Broken Souvenirs: A Band That Delivers
By Ken Wallis | The Sound Cafe Journal
Bywater Call has never been a band that plays it safe. The Toronto‑based ensemble has now become an international touring force. The band has built its reputation on polished musicianship, and a sound that blends retro soul, blues, and roots with a modern twist.
With the release of their new album Broken Souvenirs, vocalist Meghan Parnell and guitarist Dave Barnes continue to push creative boundaries while maintaining the spirit that first inspired the band.
A Name That Emanates From New Orleans
The band’s name carries a story rooted in one of America’s most musical cities. “We needed a name, obviously,” Meghan laughs. “Dave and I really fell in love with New Orleans the first time we went to that city. We spent a lot of time in the Bywater area… and we loved that as a name.”
She adds it’s “the call to kind of incorporate the feeling we get from the city into the music.”
A Seven‑Piece Powerhouse
Bywater Call is not a small band. Alongside Meghan and Barnes, the lineup includes Mike Meusel (bass), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), Julian Nalli (saxophone), and Andrew Moljgun (keys).
Meghan spoke about what it's like touring with such a large band. “It is logistically very challenging, financially challenging as well, But as soon as we added the horns and had that sound, we knew we couldn’t back away from it.”
Broken Souvenirs: A Title That Resonates
The album’s name comes from the track “Clutter,” the first song written for the project and a fan favourite at live shows.
“It’s a really beautiful song about having to let things go that are cluttering up your life,” Meghan says. The phrase broken souvenirs appears in the song’s middle section which she calls “really beautiful.”
Evolution, and Storytelling
With four studio releases behind them, Bywater Call continues to evolve. “We wanted to make this album sound familiar and retro, but also of the moment,” Meghan explains.
The band’s influences are evident throughout the record, but the songwriting focus has sharpened. “More and more, the story of the song is becoming important to us… having the lyrics resonate with people.”
Most songs begin with Barnes, with Meghan shaping vocal melodies and lyrics. Once the skeleton is built, the full band steps in. “It becomes pretty obvious when a tune isn’t working,” she says. “Most of the stuff that gets to the point where we feel comfortable playing it live… usually finds its way onto an album.”
An Album That Takes The Listener On A Journey
Even in the streaming era, sequencing still matters. “Dave put the final order together,” Meghan notes. “For us it’s really about creating a journey… taking listeners on ups and downs.”
A Live Music Experience That Thrills Audiences
Bywater Call’s live show is dynamic and emotionally charged. “Nobody’s playing rehearsed solos,” Meghan says. “I even play with my vocal melody lines from show to show… when I’m really feeling it.”
The band feeds off the audience, creating a unique experience every performance.
International Recognition
Although proudly Canadian, Bywater Call’s strongest early traction came from Europe.
“Europeans are very open to experiencing new bands,” Meghan explains. “They spread the word in a really interesting way.”
The band has toured extensively overseas, earned two UK Blues Music Award nominations, and built a growing U.S. presence. Now, they’re determined to strengthen their Canadian base. “We really want to play at home more… give ourselves a chance to build that audience.”
Where to Access Broken Souvenirs
The album is available on all major streaming platforms, with physical CD and vinyl editions, including a striking red translucent vinyl, available through the band’s website. Purchasing the album goes a long way to support the band. Fans can also explore a wealth of video content on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Success Should Be The Band’s Middle Name
With Broken Souvenirs, Bywater Call continues to produce music that is uniquely their own while at the same time, gathering more fans. As their international profile grows, one thing is clear: this is a band Canada can be proud of, and one the world is quickly embracing.
The Sound Cafe Journal
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