Ontario Artist Jordan Holman Releases Deeply Personal Anthem Inspired by Canadian Identity and Musical Legacy
ALMONTE, Ont. — Independent Canadian artist Kentucky, the musical project of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Jordan Holman, has released a new single, “In Kingston Tonight,” a song that honours the enduring influence of The Tragically Hip while encouraging Canadians to embrace and continue the cultural legacy left behind by one of the country’s most celebrated bands.
The release coincided with Kentucky’s headline performance during Canada Day celebrations at Hardy Park in Brockville, Ont., marking a significant milestone for the Almonte-based musician. The track was written, recorded, engineered, produced, mixed and mastered entirely by Holman at his home studio, The Kentucky Bend.
“In Kingston Tonight” is rooted in a distinctly Canadian moment that sparked the song’s creation. Holman drew inspiration from witnessing a Filipino woman singing traditional Irish songs while eating poutine in a Kingston bar — a scene he viewed as emblematic of Canada’s diverse and evolving identity.
The song opens with the lines, “There’s music outside / In Kingston tonight / In the square where we prayed, cried, and stayed,” before expanding into a broader reflection on Canadian culture and collective memory. The lyrics reference August 20, 2016, when The Tragically Hip performed their final concert in Kingston, a nationally televised event that united Canadians from coast to coast.
At the heart of the song is the refrain, “So here we are / And now we’re the stars / Now we’re the stars,” which Holman presents not as a declaration of fame but as a symbolic passing of responsibility to a new generation of Canadians and artists.
A Distinctive Sound Shaped by Canadian Landscapes and Stories
Holman’s music has increasingly become associated with what he and his audience describe as “Northern Americana,” a style blending rock, folk, blues and ambient influences while remaining firmly rooted in Canadian experiences and geography.
The project stands out for its fully independent approach. Holman performs all vocals and instruments on his recordings, including acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, piano, keyboards and percussion. He also oversees every stage of production from recording through mastering.
The resulting sound reflects a wide range of influences while maintaining a distinctly Canadian perspective. Industry observers and fans have drawn comparisons to artists such as Gord Downie, Tom Petty, Patti Smith and Brian Eno.
From Personal Recovery to a Growing National Following
Holman’s journey to establishing Kentucky has been shaped by personal adversity and recovery. After surviving a near-fatal battle with drug addiction in 2020, he redirected his focus toward music and creative expression.
That experience became the foundation for his debut solo album, Second Chance Music, released in 2025. The project documented his recovery and personal transformation, themes that continue to resonate throughout his catalogue.
Since then, Holman has steadily expanded his profile through a live album, several standalone singles, multiple music videos and a documentary chronicling his 2025 Tour-By-Boat of the Rideau Canal. One of his videos also attracted attention after being banned from TikTok.
Over the past three years, he has performed more than 250 shows across Canada, building a loyal audience drawn to his candid songwriting and improvisational live performances.
Extensive Canadian Tour Scheduled Through the End of 2026
The release of “In Kingston Tonight” also serves as the launch point for an ambitious touring schedule that will take Kentucky across Ontario and beyond during the remainder of 2026.
Among the highlights is “The Canadian Promise: A Toonie Tour of Royal Canadian Legions,” a series of performances aimed at bringing live music to Legion communities throughout Ontario. Holman will also revive his Tour-By-Boat concept with a September journey along the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Additional appearances include a residency at the historic Cove Inn in Westport throughout October and a featured role as Via Rail’s Artist-on-Board aboard The Canadian, travelling from Toronto to Vancouver from December 12 to 17.
Upcoming performances include stops in Brockville, the Thousand Islands region, Almonte, Toronto, Port Hope, Westport and Burks Falls, culminating in the cross-country Via Rail residency.
With “In Kingston Tonight,” Holman delivers a song that celebrates place, memory and national identity while positioning himself among a growing group of independent artists dedicated to telling uniquely Canadian stories. As the track reflects on the legacy of The Tragically Hip, it also looks forward, inviting Canadians to carry that spirit into the future.