Stephen Fearing is a celebrated troubadour, revered for his vivid, lyrical songwriting, masterful guitar work, and a voice described as melodic and cobalt. He has released critically acclaimed albums, earned two JUNO Awards, and collaborated with legends of modern roots music. As co-founder of the Canadian roots-rock giants Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Fearing has built a legacy of genre-busting music that captures the human condition in all its messy splendour. “I am a storyteller much more than a singer/songwriter,” Fearing reflects, “because I realized my story was less interesting than the story.”
His latest project, The Empathist, will be released on March 13th, 2025. Co-produced by Grammy-nominated drummer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo) at his East Nashville Cartoon Moon Recording, the album features nine original songs and a cover of Daniel Lanois’ Where Will I Be. With contributions from John Dymond on bass and Nashville legend Jim Hoke on a range of instruments, The Empathist embodies Fearing’s passion for crafting authentic, exhilarating, and entertaining songs. Each track draws from the truths he observes worldwide, solidifying Fearing’s reputation as a masterful and relatable storyteller.
Fearing's music transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending roots, folk, and Americana influences to create a mesmerizing sound that has captivated audiences nationally and internationally. Building his following ‘old school’ through countless performances at intimate venues, concert halls, and festivals, Fearing has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s great musical storytellers. His ability to craft narratives that delve into the depths of human emotion, coupled with his prowess as a guitarist, has solidified his status as a true icon of the Canadian music scene.
Throughout his journey, Fearing has remained true to his roots, constantly pushing the boundaries of his artistry while staying grounded in the storytelling traditions that have defined his music. As he continues to evolve as an artist and storyteller, Stephen Fearing reaffirms his status as one of Canada’s most acclaimed guitarists and musical visionaries, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary folk music.
