New Brunswick-based singer-songwriter Kylie Fox released her sophomore studio album, Sequoia, this past September; 11 songs that fuse vintage elements folk storytelling, jazz and alternative rock while serving as reflections on gratitude in relation to the women in Fox’s life, her environment, her relationships, and herself. Guided by renowned producer Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Fortunate Ones, The Good Lovelies), Fox has crafted a body of work that not only showcases her remarkable vocal range and songwriting skills but also reaches deeper into themes of self-discovery, love, and empowerment.

Fox started writing the album’s third track, “Flush,” during the first summer of dating her now-fiancé and drummer Ryan Barrie. While getting to know each other, Fox noticed how rosy his cheeks get when he’s having drinks. That led to the catchy first verse, which grew into a song that lists quirky things about him, like his sleepy habits, or his tough-guy-teddy bear aesthetic. “Flush” is a love song about honoring “the best and all the rest” in your partner.

While recording, Ledwell commented on how the song was evocative of 70s Sesame Street music. Embracing this eccentric comparison, they leaned into the reference for the making of the music video, teaming up with filmmaker Jillian Acreman. They made a puppet to look just like Barrie, and created a really playful and colourful world to support the song, with nods to Cookie Monster and Ernie.

There’s so much love in this song. It’s fun to perform because there’s such a great bop to it and Kelly (Waterhouse)’s flute playing is show stopping. The song makes me feel grateful for how much Ryan and I have both grown together since I wrote it. I wrote it during our first summer together, and we have been together now for five years, own a house, and we are planning our wedding. The song is a timestamp of a whirlwind-era where we were going to a lot of parties and experiencing a new romance. – Kylie Fox