The Hello Crows Share "Red Flag"
Indiginous Rock Band The Hello Crows Share "Red Flag" & Announce Self-Titled LP Due Sept 30 Via Castle Records, Atlantic Canada's Only Indigenous-Run Label
The band's self-titled debut is set for release on September 30th, coinciding with Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Day—a fitting moment for such a resonant and heartfelt record. The album is a bold and clear take on heartland rock that centers indigenous stories and incorporates the native musical traditions of the Wabanaki band, composed of Dylan Ward, Judie Acquin, Emilio Quinn Bonnell, & Mattie Comeau.
“A soulful reflection on red flags in love, this song stands as an allegory for the deep-rooted warnings, betrayals, and unresolved tensions between the Government of Canada and the Mi’kmaq Nation.”
As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression—and when it comes to a debut album, that moment is crucial. A first record should not only reflect an artist’s sound, but also their values, their roots, and their message. The Hello Crows achieve all that and more on their self-titled debut. The album is a vivid expression of four distinct Indigenous voices coming together to tell stories that honour tradition while confronting the realities of life in contemporary Canada.
The Hello Crows began turning heads early with a captivating live show that quickly gained buzz throughout the Maritimes. Riding that wave of momentum, the band entered Shiftwork Studios (conveniently owned by their own Dylan Ward) in spring 2024 to begin crafting what would become their first full-length release.
Fans got a taste of what was to come with the release of their first single, "Come Back to Me," on Canada Day July 1, 2024. A powerful anthem of language reclamation, the track features a central chant brought forward by Ward and shaped collaboratively by the band. The song resonated widely, climbing near the top 10 on the National Indigenous Music Chart by October 2024.
Momentum continued building as the band wrote and recorded more material. April 2025 saw them signed as the very first band to Castle Records, the new Indigenous-focused label founded by acclaimed East Coast hip-hop artist Tristan Grant (aka Wolf Castle). Their single, "Warbler" was released May 1, 2025. Written by vocalist Judie Acquin in memory of her late husband, Stan, a nature lover and willing traveller. The song is a poignant meditation on grief, healing, and love. Its fresh and buoyant instrumentation, and unforgettable chorus make it a standout choice as a single.
Other focus tracks from the album include "Red Flag," penned by Mattie Comeau, which draws powerful metaphors from toxic relationships to explore those same themes in a whole new, thought-provoking context. "Let ‘Em Go Home" is a stirring tribute to survivors of Canada’s residential school system, featuring a soul-stirring vocal performance by Quinn Bonnell that speaks directly to the heart. The album closes with a breathtaking cover of Pura Fé’s "Grandma Easter’s Lullaby," a layered, harmony-rich arrangement that captures the group’s vocal synergy and emotional depth.
The Hello Crows will release their debut album on September 30, 2025, coinciding with Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada—a fitting moment for such a resonant and heartfelt record. With plans to take the project on the road, the band is poised to bring their stories, voices, and spirit to audiences across the country and beyond.
LINKS
The Hello Crows - Website || Instagram || Youtube
Castle Records: Instagram
TOUR DATES
July 19 - Sussex, NB: Diversifest!
Aug 1 - 3 - Sackville, NB: Sappyfest
Aug 4 - Dieppe, NB: Doiron House
Aug 7 - 10 - Lunenburg, NS: Folk Harbour Festival
Sept 27 - Dieppe, NB: Centre des Arts et de la Culture // tickets
Sept30 - Fredericton, NB: The Playhouse // tickets
Oct 3rd - Saint John, NB: The BMO Studio Theatre
Oct 15-19 - Ottawa, ON: Folk Music Ontario Conference
Oct 23-26 - Moncton, NB: Music New Brunswick Awards & Conference
Photo: The Hello Crows by Kelly Baker
