Canadian singer-songwriter Ellie Heath shares her debut album Pushing Forty alongside its bright and empowering lead single “That Sunshine’s Mine.”

Rooted in joyful reflection and forward momentum, Pushing Forty captures a pivotal chapter in Ellie’s life; standing at the edge of change while embracing both the excitement and uncertainty that come with it. Blending pop, synth, indie, and rock textures, the record radiates with an effervescent energy that celebrates growth, transformation, and the beauty of stepping into something new.

“Pushing Forty began as a way to document a specific season of life,” Ellie explains. “I was entering the final year of my thirties, moving in with my partner, settling into a home and just about to welcome a dog into our lives. It felt like I was closing certain doors while opening others and I wanted to capture that emotional crossroads; the excitement and the nerves!”

What can you share with readers about your new project?

Pushing 40 is my first full-length album and it feels like a real milestone, especially since I’m releasing it as I’m about to turn 40. I recorded it with producer Hawksley Workman and co-producer Tristan Konkle in Peterborough, Ontario. About half the record was co-written with them and the entire project captures a major turning point in my life.

The album explores themes of turning 40, moving in with my partner, stepping into a new chapter, and figuring out who I am as I move through this transition. Musically, it also represents a new direction for me. I’ve always leaned toward singer-songwriter, more laid back influences, but this record embraces a more upbeat, pop-forward sound and lets a lot more of my personality and humour shine through!

How does this release compare with your previous projects?

It’s definitely my most joyful release of the bunch!

When I first started writing music, I was in the process of quitting drinking and working through a lot of uncomfortable personal stuff. Those songs from that time were introspective and carried a fair amount of weight. This album is still reflective, but it comes from a much sunnier, lighter place.

There’s more joy, more confidence, more playfulness. Like I’ve gone through a fair bit of healing and I’m ready to have fun again!

What about this release makes you most proud?

The single “Sunshine’s Mine” might be the most fun song on the record!

I love how youthful it feels. There’s a bit of schoolyard mischief in it, a bit of humour, and it never really lets up! It’s quirky, energetic, and unapologetically fun!

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I wanted to create songs people could dance to, sing along with in the car, and connect with during important moments in their lives. More than anything, I wanted listeners to hear themselves in these songs while also having fun.

Ultimately, I wanted to create an ace soundtrack for the summer that’ll uplift any doldrum! 

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I’ve always been inspired by the desire to express myself and make sense of the moments that shape my life.

Songs become memories for me. Whenever I hear one of my own songs, I’m instantly transported back to the moment I wrote it and remember exactly how I felt. In that way, songwriting becomes a kind of photo album or a way to keep track. 

What keeps me going is the joy of creating something from nothing. As long as I’m making things and feeling inspired, I’m growing, learning, and staying curious about the world around me.

If you could collaborate with anyone—dead or alive, famous or unknown—who would it be and why?

Honestly, one of my dream collaborations already happened when I got to work with Hawksley Workman. I’d happily collaborate with him again.

Beyond that, I’d love to work with Weird Al Yankovic. I’ve always admired how creative, funny and fearless he is. I also think collaborating with Alanis Morissette would be incredible. She’s such a powerful songwriter and human and has always been one of my favourite artists!

What was the last song you listened to? Who are some of your favourite artists?

The last artist I was listening to was Michael McDonald. My mom and I listened to him a lot when I was growing up, so hearing his music always feels nostalgic.

Some of my all-time favourites include Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Chrissie Hynde, Feist… lots of powerful females who’ve laid the ground for the rest of us!

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

The best place to keep up with me is on social media. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and at ellieheath.com.

I’m most active on social media, so that’s usually where you’ll find the latest updates, music releases, and upcoming shows!

Anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s taken the time to listen to this record.

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about music is how it becomes part of people’s lives. My own memories are tied to the songs that shaped me long before I ever started writing music. Knowing that a song I’ve written might someday become part of someone else’s story is a really special thing.

I’m excited for people to discover Pushing 40, and I’m excited to hear where these songs end up living in their lives.