Hamilton, Ontario folk duo Michael Antelope (singers/guitarists Doug McBrien and Lenny McGowan) share their debut single, “Cat Crow,” a mysterious and quietly disarming single that explores curiosity, fear, and the strange comfort found in not fully understanding the world around you. Rooted in traditional folk sensibilities and rich storytelling, the track weaves together memories of childhood and reflections on the present, blurring the line between the natural and the man-made.

Inspired by Lenny’s childhood spent exploring the Hamilton conservation, “Cat Crow” begins with a simple but haunting question: why do we so rarely encounter death in the natural world? Surrounded by wildlife, the absence of visible remains sparked a deeper curiosity; one that evolved into a meditation on perception, fascination, and the human tendency to linger on the unsettling.

What can you share with readers about your new project?

We are a folk harmony duo from Hamilton ON. We’re a relatively new project, Cat Crow is our first release but we’ve been playing together for years in various projects. Michael Antelope is definitely rooted in our shared love for folk music and takes inspiration from wonderful acts like Gillian Welch & David Rowlings, The Milk Carton Kids and Watchouse.   

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

We’ve been playing together for years now in mostly indie/ country rock bands. We play together in a band called Bent Neck & The Joints and we used to play together in the band Irresponsible Purchase. Although we both wrote for these acts I think this release shows a bit more of both our personalities. It’s definitely more personal and intimate as folk music tends to be. A similarity though is we recorded Cat Crow with Engineer and Producer Aaron Goldstein, who we recorded the second Bent Neck & The Joints EP with so there may be some familiarity to the production. It was nice to have that familiarity while recording. 

What about this single makes you most proud?

I think just putting it out, we recorded it over a year ago and it was always a question of are we going to put this out or just sit on it forever. I’m proud of the work that went into recording and the attention that it got from us over that year.

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

This release is definitely just an introduction to who we are, if anything we just want people to listen and hopefully connect to what we’re trying to do here. Hopefully people will connect to Cat Crow and be interested in the other things our music has to say. 

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

Writing for me (Lenny) is definitely a nonsensical process, when I need to say something it comes out whether it’s inspiration from the natural world around me or the difficult realities that everyone has to deal with in their life. My motivation to keep making music is purely selfish and that’s because it feels good to get emotions off your chest. As a unit we’re definitely motivated by the artists around us, we’ve played individually and as Michael Antelope with so many talented people that are just constantly expanding our idea of storytelling and music. 

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

I think we have to say Gillian Welch, she is the mother of what we’re trying to do. She’s a huge inspiration and writes some of the most beautiful emotional music. Revelator is a perfect album but also Soul Journey is amazing and the new Gillian Welch & David Rowling’s album Woodlands is up there for my favourites.

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

The last song I (Lenny) listened to was something off the new Haley Williams album. I listened to it on my way to work today. It’s such an insanely good album and it just keeps getting better the more I listen. But my all -time favourite bands/ artists I would have to say are The Milk Carton Kids, Adrien Lennker, Gord Downie, Sade, Joel Plaskette, Gillian Welch, MJ Lenderman… There are too many. 

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

You can follow us on instagram @michael_antelope or if you want to be pen pals email us at [email protected]

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

Thank you so much!!