CHÉ AIMEE DORVAL - Joyride
Canadian musician and singer-songwriter Ché Aimee Dorval has released a brand new single entitled ‘Joyride’ today. The song glides through a cinematic synth soundscape that combines dreamy alt-pop and late night electronica, With a sleek, moody production redolent of Goldfrapp, Bonobo, Lana Del Rey and FKA Twigs, Ché crafts a soundtrack for those chasing city lights and after-hours reveries.
“‘I had been writing ‘Joyride’ on and off for years, and it took on all sorts of shapes and meanings over that time,” explains Ché. “However, it wasn’t until recently when everything in the world felt like it was ramping up and the Canada/USA relationship started to look very toxic that I finally felt inspired to finish it. I’m someone who apologises for pretty much everything; it’s almost a knee-jerk reaction just for existing on this planet. Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian or maybe it’s because I’m a woman, but it’s something I’ve tried to curb over the years. For me, this song is about saying ‘no’ to a broken situation and not apologising for setting boundaries or speaking up when it needs to be said.”
‘Joyride’ is being promoted with a distinctive video HERE featuring JoiofDance, of which Ché says: “Joi’s dancing is pure power and soul and embodies everything I’ve always tried to convey through my music. This song is about reclaiming your power, embracing who you are, and honouring your needs without compromise. Working with her on this felt like a perfect fit. Joi originally created this routine for a track from ‘The Crowned’, but time constraints meant we never got around to it. I’ve always felt a bit disappointed that such a powerful piece of art went unused, so it was clear to me that her performance was meant to bring the story of ‘Joyride’ to life.”
Ché released her third solo album, ‘The Crowned’, in 2023. Co-produced by Bob Rock (Metallica, etc), Clash Magazine praised the record for “fusing pop, soul and indie elements to produce something potent and original.” Although she has always blended genres, the album saw her reach new heights in fusing folktronica, alternative rock, dream pop and trip hop to create a staggering backdrop for a set that was packed with dynamic and soulful vocal performances.
Proving her artistic diversity, the lead-up to 'The Crowned' had seen Ché make guest appearances on an album by hard rock icon Devin Townsend and feature on a haunting duet with the late Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip. Fresh off a busy year of touring in 2024 to promote the album, she has now channelled her passion for alt-pop and synthwave into a new body of work that promises to push her signature sound still further, with ‘Joyride' marking the next step in her ongoing evolution.
