Indie folk artist John Muirhead discusses the significance of connection in music, the inspirations behind his most intimate songs, and how a punk concert at the age of 12 ignited his lifelong commitment to fostering community both on and off the stage.
Stream: “Don’t Mind” – John Muirhead
John Muirhead will always remember his first concert.
At 12, he made the journey from his small town near Toronto to the city to see the punk band Street Dogs. The details of that evening are vivid in his mind – the sticky checkerboard floors, the mohawked fans, and most importantly, the impact the band had on him during an unexpected encounter.
That experience at the Street Dogs concert remains a powerful reminder for him that music extends beyond the stage.
“To me, they were as big as any rock stars,” the emerging indie folk artist reflects. “Building connections has always been crucial for me because music has been a source of lasting comfort – those records that stay with you forever, and the feeling of belonging to a musical community. When you look around at a concert and see everyone passionately singing the lyrics to a song that resonates deeply with you, you realize you’re not alone. That’s profoundly impactful for me.”
This same sense of connection is what the Canadian singer-songwriter infuses into his own music. From heartfelt fingerpicked pieces like “Little Bit Lonely” to upbeat road-trip anthems such as his latest release “Don’t Mind,” Muirhead aims to create “big-hearted indie-folk songs for dreamers, wanderers, and hopeless romantics.”
The spirit of connection extends beyond his music; it pervades his surroundings as well. His home showcases the bonds he’s forged: artwork from fans, an expanding collection of friendship bracelets, and a glass jar filled with encouraging handwritten notes. These mementos are more than just keepsakes – they represent something profoundly significant.
With a new album and a headlining tour on the horizon, Atwood Magazine spoke to Muirhead the day after the release of “Don’t Mind” about the stories behind his latest music, the unexpected influence of his fan community, and how a jar of tiny notes can sometimes hold more value than a crowded venue.
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John Muirhead © Alex Lam
A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN MUIRHEAD
Atwood Magazine: Congratulations on the new single! How have people responded to it?
John Muirhead: The response has been incredible! It’s the best I’ve received for a single so far. I think it was released at just the right moment – it encapsulates that summery road trip vibe, and people seem to be really embracing it. I even had someone mention they listened to it about 20 times on their drive home from work.
Is this a glimpse of what we can expect from the album?
John Muirhead: Absolutely! This serves as a great preview. The album offers a blend of heartfelt, lyrically rich folk songs combined with more energetic and exciting elements. The verses capture that intimate singer-songwriter vibe, while the choruses are grand and powerful, reflecting a mix of what to expect.
The album is being released in two parts: the first part ahead of my fall tour, with the second set for 2026. It’s all part of the same narrative, but I want to release it in segments to give each song the attention it deserves.
John Muirhead © Alex Lam
Are there any interesting stories behind the creation of those songs?
John Muirhead: One song called “Nomad” is a favorite of mine. Although there was a lot of collaboration on this album, I felt very protective of this particular piece. The day I wrote it, I woke up somewhere in Germany and took a six-hour train to Berlin. Just before boarding, I received news that a friend had passed away, while my sister was about to have her first child. I felt so distant and disconnected from my life back home, questioning why I was missing significant moments for a show in Berlin. It was a tough experience, and I ended up writing that song in a notebook on the train, which I typically don’t do. It came out as a poem and holds a special place for me, transporting me back to that moment every time I perform it.
Did you find any answers for yourself about why you continue on this path after such an experience? It’s a tough question, but I’m curious what motivates you.
John Muirhead: That questioning is a central theme of the song – seeking that answer. The revelation was that this is who I am and what I do. This is the price I pay to enjoy wonderful experiences like touring, selling out shows, and building this community. Accepting this reality is challenging, but it
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Indie folk musician John Muirhead discusses the significance of connection in music, the inspiration behind his most intimate songs, and how a punk concert at the age of 12 ignited a lifelong dedication to fostering community both on stage and in everyday life.