Kat Harlton
Photos provided via artist
Paige Warner recently released her new single “Stockholm Syndrome” on May 19 via all streaming platforms.
With an evocative voice that captivates her audience, Paige Warner creates alt-pop music that sits between R&B, singer-songwriter, and blues-rock, with soul-inspired vocal licks layered on catchy hooks and rhythms.
Her career launched in 2018 and has consistently grown through each release, including recent singles “Liquor”, “Lose Lose”, and “Stockholm Syndrome”. With over 80,000 listens on Spotify alone, Paige’s music has drawn love from media and listeners alike. Paige Warner’s voice is often what draws people in. However, she is skilled with more than just her voice, regularly accompanying herself with piano, guitar, or inviting her backing band to the stage.
Catch a live show and expect Warner’s music to pull on your heartstrings or pull you to the dance floor. Having performed on stages such as NXNE, Owen Sound’s Summerfolk, TD Harbour Nights, and opening for iconic artists including Ron Sexsmith and Monowhales, Warner’s dedicated fan base and community continues to grow. With new music on the way, Paige plans to continue releasing songs, creating intimate concert experiences, and leaving audiences with a memorable connection and a melody.
I had the opportunity to chat with Paige about her musical journey so far, her new single, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new single “Stockholm Syndrome”?
Paige: I was on a 14 hour drive from Virginia back to my hometown in Ontario. I tend to mull over ideas and songs when I’m driving, but this time just one phrase kept coming to me. “It’s all part of that Stockholm Syndrome”. I was confused, but continued to let the melody come. Looking back I can see this entire song took shape from a feeling I had pushed down for way too long, but was forced to unpack days earlier. I had fallen in love with someone who clearly was taking advantage of me. I felt sympathy for him. My heart hurt for what he had gone through that caused him to treat me so poorly, totally excusing the poor treatment in the first place. I guess this song knew what had truly happened before my brain did.
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the track?
Paige: I hope this song gives people either a lyric to relate to, or a beat to stomp and clap to! My lyrics are always based on real-life situations, so I know that other people will listen and go “wow, that’s exactly how I feel”. But I also know not every topic is something directly relatable to every person, so as long as people enjoy the song and it brings them a good main character moment in their day, I’m happy! :)
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Paige: I struggle to give my brain the time and space to create. I now have a rule that if the urge hits me to write a song or I feel an idea coming on, I have to stop everything I’m doing and see it through. Sometimes this results in nothing, but sometimes it does, and some of my best songs have come about because I listened to this feeling and put aside everything else for a moment.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Paige: Every new step I reach is a career highlight for me. I love the growth and journey, seeing new opportunities and milestones every time I reflect. However, some moments that will forever be etched in my brain are:
a) Opening for Ron Sexsmith – the most attentive and captivated crowd I’ve ever shared my songs with.
b) My first festival tour in 2022 – my first time taking a full backing band on the road and I had a blast!
c) Being awarded with an Owen Sound Arts & Culture award in 2022. I am so grateful for my small community and their constant encouragement and support!
d) Playing one of my bucket list venues, The Drake Underground in Toronto last month.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you for the balance of 2023?
Paige: I’m really excited to be releasing the official music video for Stockholm Syndrome in July! This video has been in the works for a while and involves so many other amazing creatives, so I can’t wait to share it! I also have a full summer of festivals and shows and can’t wait to see everyone’s faces in the crowd again!