Little Misty is a progressive folk band founded in Montreal, Quebec and led by Kathryn Samman (vocals) and François Jalbert (guitar). Although firmly grounded in folk music, their repertoire mixes indie and progressive rock with broader compositions. From cinematic landscapes to wailing guitar solos, the group explores a full range of musical possibilities, always searching for innovative ways to serve their story telling.

Little Misty are releasing a few songs that they recorded and filmed at their favourite studio in Montreal, Studio Mixart, including their new single, a cover of “Scarlet Town” originally performed by Gillian Welch and produced by David Rawlings.

“This is a completely live performance by Little Misty,” states Jalbert. “We basically took a picture of what the band could deliver, without any post production. No edits, no tuning, no overdubs. What you hear was all played together as if it were a show.”

• What can you share with readers about your new project? 

We are huge fans of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. We have been playing Scarlet Town in our set for a few years now. We’ve been treating this song the same way jazz musicians would approach a jazz standard, always modifying our version a little bit from gig to gig. At this point, we felt that our arrangement had reached a really good place. Although it is a cover, we felt that this piece was special enough to be released as its own thing. 

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

This is our first cover! 

• What about this single makes you most proud?

This is a completely live performance by Little Misty. We basically took a picture of what the band could deliver, without any post production. No edits, no tuning, no overdubs. What you hear was all played together as if it were a show.  It gives the listener a really good idea of what a Little Misty show might be like! In the past, we released a lot of well produced tracks. We have a lot of fun making those, but this time we wanted to showcase a more stripped down version of the project.

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

Not really… We thought it would be nice to share our version of this song that we like. No master plan here.

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

This is a song that we started playing in our set a few years ago, without really rehearsing it before shows. It just kinda got to where it is now by messing with it in soundchecks and playing it in shows.

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Paul Simon, one of the best storytellers of all time.

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Fool, by Adrianne Lenker. It’s too hard to pick only one favorite all-time artist sorry! 

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

Instagram and Facebook. Oh and we have a mailing list if you guys feel like it. It’s on our website.

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Nope, thank you for doing this!