Alyson McNamara - Let Me Sleep (2021)

“That was a huge lesson for me: if it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it,” says Alyson McNamara about “After Hours”, the opening track of Let Me Sleep. It’s a song that Alyson wrote nearly ten years ago and it was almost included on her 2018 album We All Heard Nothing. But the sonic layers and quick tempo of the 2018 version didn’t sit right with her so she scrapped the song.

Over the years, “After Hours” blossomed into something new and the version heard on Let Me Sleep has a hazy and laid-back vibe that sets the introspective mood of the entire record: ‘Take a deep breath,’ Alyson urges. By the end of the track, she is revitalized and, ready to take on whatever comes next, declares: ‘Another page has been turned.’ Let Me Sleep marks a new beginning for the Toronto-based indie-folk musician.

Alyson wrote Let Me Sleep in various locations including The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and a sun-soaked apartment in Toronto. No matter the place, Alyson was alone during her writing sessions. “My favourite ideas always seem to arrive freely when the house is empty.” she says.

This solitude culminates in an album full of thoughtful musings on love and regrets, and reminds listeners to be patient with both themselves and others. “That’s Today” finds Alyson talking through her mistakes with her shadow but on the interlude “Worry Not”, Alyson is alone playing the piano and, showing off her incredible vocal control, assures us: ‘worry not for me’.

“I think music and songwriting is so important for me because I have a very jovial personality in social settings, but my music is so pensive and calm - it’s a real part of my true self,” Alyson says. “Sharing my songs is an opportunity to be seen fully.”

Despite the solitariness behind the lyrics, there’s a heartening communal feeling to Let Me Sleep. On “Won’t Be Sold”, Alyson touches on the heart of this feeling when she assures listeners, ‘You are not the only one who’s feeling lonely.’

“I want people to see me when they listen to Let Me Sleep,” says Alyson. “But I also want people to be able to listen to the record and see themselves.”

Alyson has toured across Canada with JUNO Award-winning band Said The Whale accompanying on-going collaborator Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club). She has recorded and performed with Canadian supergroup Anyway Gang and has opened for artists such as Sloan and Gregg Allman. She has accompanied and shared the stage with Canadian trail blazers Catherine Maclellan, Kaia Kater, and Sarah MacDougall. Alyson has appeared on Paste Magazine NYC, BTR Live Studio and CBC First Play Live and has recorded with acclaimed producers Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck), Gus van Go (Sam Roberts, Whitehorse) and Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, U.S Girls).