Ian James Bain: Honky Tonk Heart, Modern Soul
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the ever-evolving landscape of country and Americana music, a new voice is emerging from the rich Canadian soil, echoing the timeless traditions of honky-tonk heroes while forging a distinctly modern path. Ian James Bain, with his upcoming EP At Your Service, is poised to make a significant mark, showcasing a depth of songwriting and a nuanced understanding of his craft that belies his years. Having already sharpened his skills as a touring guitarist for Jeremie Albino and a core member of Nicolette & The Nobodies, Bain now steps into his own spotlight, revealing a voice honed by both experience and genuine introspection.
At Your Service features four tracks that serve as a testament to hard-earned lessons and a life lived on the move. Bain’s collaboration with Toronto-based producer and pedal steel virtuoso Aaron Goldstein (known for his work with Daniel Romano and Kathleen Edwards) has been pivotal in shaping the EP’s sound. Together, they seamlessly weave past and present, updating vintage country aesthetics in surprising and compelling ways. This fresh approach is immediately evident on the previously released first single, “Come & Gone,” which captivates with its effortless groove and an unconventional chord structure that keeps listeners engaged, hinting at Bain’s innovative spirit.
The EP’s latest offering, “Church On A Hill,” stands out as a particularly poignant meditation, aligning with the best recent work from contemporary torchbearers like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan. Bain shares the personal genesis of the song, revealing it was penned “on a particularly dark day during the pandemic,” partly inspired by the imposing Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate that overlooks Guelph, Ontario, where he lived for a decade. His candid reflection on growing up without faith is deeply moving: “I grew up without God in my life, and I wouldn’t change that, but I suppose a part of me is envious of people who truly believe there’s someone in their corner that has a plan. When I wrote the song I needed some help and I sure would have liked to feel that kind of support even if it was from someone I couldn’t see.” This level of raw honesty and vulnerability is precisely what elevates Bain’s songwriting, allowing him to connect with listeners on a profoundly human level, regardless of their own spiritual beliefs.
Bain’s life has been defined by movement, a legacy from his air force father. Though he eventually found a temporary home in a rural Ontario town during his teens, setting down roots long enough to cultivate his musical inclinations, the road has always called to him. His eclectic taste in music eventually led him back to country, a genre that uniquely reflected his “wayfaring upbringing.” This intrinsic connection solidified in the summer of 2019 when he ventured across Canada to work on a small ranch in Golden, British Columbia. There, after days of manual labor, he’d retreat to a small cabin, channeling nascent songwriting ideas onto cassette tapes – a raw, authentic process that undoubtedly shaped his stripped-down, honest style.
Upon returning to southern Ontario, Bain embarked on a crucial apprenticeship with Canadian country music legend Paul Weber at his Commercial Tavern. This wasn’t just a gig; it was “going to school,” studying the nuances of the house band and regularly joining them on stage to perform the classics of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and Merle Haggard. This immersive experience, soaking in the foundations of the genre, undoubtedly refined his artistry. By the summer of 2021, he was ready to unleash his debut album, Where I Wanna Be, which the Cups N Cakes Network lauded, stating, “All ten of these songs have all the nuance and comfort of that age old formula for a good country track. Each song is a banger, showing Bain’s timeless approach to songwriting.”
Now, with At Your Service, Ian James Bain opens a new chapter, one forged by his recent experiences as a full-time touring musician, a dream realized. There’s a certain inevitability to the trajectory of the greatest country artists, as if their path is predestined. After experiencing the heartfelt narratives and masterful musicianship found within At Your Service, it’s more than safe to say that Ian James Bain is destined to join those revered ranks, becoming a voice that resonates far beyond the Canadian borders, carrying the torch of honky-tonk into a vibrant, modern future.