Bywater Call release new single “Is This Thing On?” from forthcoming album “Broken Souvenirs”

BYWATER CALL
NEW SINGLE – “IS THIS THING ON?”
RELEASED JUNE 24, 2026
STREAM SINGLE | WATCH MUSIC VIDEO
NEW ALBUM – “BROKEN SOUVENIRS”
RELEASED JULY 29, 2026
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER HERE
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, TWO NEW DATES ADDED TO BYWATER CALL’S JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2027 U.K. TOUR
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FROM
THE GIG CARTELGIGANTICBYWATER CALL
“A moody, contemporary sheen to their signature classy fusion… sort of Alabama Shakes-esque with a hint of Amy Winehouse, but still very much their own earthy, commanding mix of melody, roots, and soulfulness.”
– Classic Rock
“Meghan Parnell is the band’s secret weapon, not just with her one-of-a-kind killer voice, but with her personal strength and power that come through every song. Bywater Call stride into uncharted territory with meaningful lyrics and music that stands for something.”
– Rock and Blues Muse

On Wednesday, June 24th Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call are excited to announce the release “Is This Thing On?”, leading up to the July 29th release of their highly anticipated fourth studio album Broken Souvenirs featuring the critically acclaimed singles “No One Else”, “Only” and “Hold Me Down.” The album is available to pre-order HERE.

Due to popular demand, two new dates have been added to Bywater Call’s January and February 2027 UK Tour.  The band will now play Milton Keynes’ the Stables on February 1st, and Newcastle’s Anarchy Brew on February 7th. Tickets for all UK shows are available from The Gig CartelGigantic, and Bywater Call.

The new single “Is This Thing On?” is available on all streaming platforms via – https://linktr.ee/bywatercall

Watch the official music video for “Is This Thing On?” on YouTube HERE.

“Is This Thing On?” is a haunting, soul-stirring blend of soul, Americana, blues, and folk — gritty, intimate, and emotionally charged. Built around beautifully arranged acoustic guitar, sweeping strings, and a raw, magnetic vocal performance, the song lays bare the vulnerability of sending art out into the world: exposed, unguarded, and searching for connection. It captures the quiet fear that, after pouring your heart and soul into something, no one may be listening.

The single’s minimalist arrangement gives the song room to breathe, allowing the listener to fully absorb its storytelling and emotional weight. It stands as one of Bywater Call’s most powerful musical statements to date, offering a compelling glimpse of the depth, maturity, and artistry that define their forthcoming album, Broken Souvenirs.

“Is This Thing On?” has already become a fan favourite at live shows, inspiring a call and response between the band and the audience.

Drawing inspiration from the raw storytelling of Shakey Graves, Sierra Ferrell, Brandi Carlile, and Jason Isbell, “Is This Thing On?” sits firmly within the emotional landscape of Broken Souvenirs. Rich in atmosphere and detail, the song places storytelling at its core, painting vivid scenes that invite listeners to step inside its world and carry its imagery long after the final note fades.

The song reflects Bywater Call’s commitment to blending timeless influences with fresh, contemporary sounds, while continuing to define a musical space entirely their own. That spirit of evolution and experimentation runs through Broken Souvenirs, capturing the emotional intensity, musicianship, and driving Bywater Call’s energy and conviction that fans have come to love.

“Is This Thing On?” was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering. The official video for the single was choreographed and directed by Chelsea Preston and filmed by Badee Mirkham.

Broken Souvenirs delivers a captivating 11-song collection that captures Bywater Call at their most versatile, adventurous, and emotionally charged. Expanding beyond the boundaries of genre, the album deepens the band’s distinctive voice while embracing a bold, wide-ranging sound. Drawing on influences from Black Pumas, Alabama Shakes, Amy Winehouse, Shakey Graves, The Black Crowes and more, Broken Souvenirs moves effortlessly from feel-good retro soul and intimate acoustic moments to driving contemporary R&B, creating a rich, dynamic journey from start to finish.

“One of My Favourite Bands… Meghan Parnell does a hell of a job. Put them in your playlist. Embrace it. Get the name out there” – Joe Bonamassa, Different Shades of Blues, SiriusXM
“Bywater Call’s sound is a band who knows exactly who they are. If this is where 2026 is heading for them, then pour another bourbon, hit repeat, and settle in.” – Rock the Joint
“Singer Meghan Parnell must be one of our favourite new voices (like Canada’s answer to Susan Tedeschi). She is in sublime form. Smooth, slow-burning mix of modern soul and emotional nuance” – Classic Rock
Renowned for transcending genre boundaries, Bywater Call has built a reputation for electrifying, emotionally charged live performances driven by powerhouse vocals and thrilling interplay between all seven band members. In early 2026, the band earned their third consecutive UK Blues Awards nomination for “International Act of the Year”, following previous nominations in 2025 and 2024.
Classic Rock made Bywater Call’s 2024 studio album Shepherd their “Blues Album of the Month” and said it was “an inventive and uncommonly catchy record. the sense of a band on the brink is unmistakable.” Shepherd was also voted “Top Blues Album of the Year” in Classic Rock’s year-end round-up.
BYWATER CALL
2026 & 2027 TOUR DATES

2027 UK TOUR
27 Jan 2027 | Faversham, UK – The Old Brewery Store
Tickets

28 Jan 2027 | Southampton, UK – The Brook
Tickets

30 Jan 2027 | Exeter, UK – Phoenix
Tickets

31 Jan 2027 | Sheffield, UK – Yellow Arch
Tickets

1 Feb 2027 | Milton Keynes – The Stables
Tickets

2 Feb 2027 | York, UK – Crescent
Tickets

3 Feb 2027 | Glasgow, UK – Oran Mor
Tickets

4 Feb 2027 | Manchester, UK – Band on the Wall
Tickets

5 Feb 2027 | London, UK – 100 Club