Last month, Montreal’s knitting announced their exciting signing to Vancouver’s beloved Mint Records, who are set to release their debut album, Some Kind of Heaven, on September 6th. Over the past few years, knitting has steadily built a buzz with a self-released cassette and opening spots for artists like Nap Eyes, Julie Doiron, Cherry Glazerr, Truth Club, and Gulfer. Anticipation for the new LP, produced by Scott Munro of Preoccupations, has only grown with the release of the lead single “Spirit Gum” last month. Today, knitting shared a second single from the LP, titled “Sleeper.”
The album, written over several years, reflects the experiences of knitting’s leader Mischa Dempsey as they navigated personal transitions and embraced their non-binary identity. “Sleeper” addresses these themes more directly than any previous release, as Dempsey explains:
“While it might be statistically kind of unlikely, my sister is also trans and came out to me and my parents a few years ago while I was visiting home for my birthday. It honestly kind of blew my mind – watching her ask herself questions I remember asking myself – and I feel like it really brought us closer. While I know our experiences as a trans woman and a trans/non-binary person are very different, it made me reflect upon the ways I’ve related to, supported, and been supported by trans people of various experiences and identities, at many points in my life.”
Dempsey’s journey during the writing and recording of this song is palpable in every note. Between writing and recording “Sleeper,” Dempsey upped their dose of testosterone, which significantly altered their voice. This change posed challenges when it came time to record. Seeking advice from other musicians on HRT, Dempsey eventually linked up with a vocal coach who specializes in trans clients. The result was multiple full-day recording sessions, several vocal lessons, and a combination of dedication and studio magic to bring the song to life.
Some Kind of Heaven promises to be a deeply personal and transformative album, capturing the essence of knitting’s journey and growth. With the release of “Sleeper,” the band offers a poignant glimpse into the heart of their debut, leaving listeners eager for more.