Ontario singer-songwriter Jordan Holman, who performs under the name Kentucky, has released his latest single, In Kingston Tonight, a heartfelt tribute to The Tragically Hip that also reflects on Canadian identity, community, and the enduring influence of one of the country’s most celebrated rock bands.
Released to coincide with a Canada Day headline performance in Brockville, Ontario, the song marks another milestone for the independent artist as he continues to expand his audience through extensive touring and self-produced recordings.
New Single Celebrates Canadian Identity Through Music
In Kingston Tonight was written, recorded, engineered, produced, mixed, and mastered entirely by Holman at his home studio, The Kentucky Bend, in Almonte, Ontario.
The song draws inspiration from a simple but memorable moment Holman witnessed at a Kingston bar—a Filipino woman singing traditional Irish songs while enjoying poutine. That uniquely Canadian scene became the foundation for a broader reflection on the country’s cultural diversity and shared experiences.
The lyrics later shift toward one of the defining moments in recent Canadian music history: The Tragically Hip’s final concert in Kingston on August 20, 2016, when millions of Canadians gathered in homes, public spaces, and community venues to watch the nationally televised performance.
The chorus concludes with the lines:
“So here we are / And now we’re the stars / Now we’re the stars”
The song presents those words as a reminder that the responsibility of carrying Canada’s musical and cultural legacy now belongs to a new generation.
Northern Americana Defines Kentucky’s Musical Style
Canadian Stories Meet Rock, Folk and Blues
Holman describes his music as Northern Americana, blending elements of rock, folk, blues, ambient music, and singer-songwriter traditions while drawing heavily from Canadian landscapes and experiences.
His work has drawn comparisons to artists including Gord Downie, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, and Brian Eno, although Kentucky has developed a distinct sound through its focus on Canadian storytelling.
Working independently, Holman performs every instrument on his recordings, including acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, piano, keyboards, percussion, and lead vocals.
The result is a fully self-produced catalogue created entirely from his home studio.
Music Career Built After Personal Transformation
Holman’s artistic journey follows a significant personal recovery.
After surviving a near-fatal battle with drug addiction in 2020, he redirected his focus toward songwriting and recording, using music as the foundation for rebuilding his life.
His debut solo album, Second Chance Music, released in 2025, chronicled that experience through songs centered on resilience, recovery, and hope.
Since then, Kentucky has released additional standalone singles, a live album, several music videos, and a documentary chronicling his 2025 Tour-By-Boat along the Rideau Canal.
Over the past three years, Holman has performed more than 250 concerts across Canada, steadily building a loyal following through grassroots touring and independent releases.
Ambitious Canadian Tour Continues Through 2026
Legions, Waterways and VIA Rail Feature in National Tour
Kentucky’s 2026 touring schedule reflects his commitment to performing in communities across the country rather than focusing solely on major cities.
Following his Canada Day performance at Hardy Park in Brockville, Holman launched The Canadian Promise: A Toonie Tour of Royal Canadian Legions, performing at Legion branches across Ontario.
Additional performances include:
- Tour-By-Boat Part 2 along the Trent-Severn Waterway in September
- A monthly residency at The Cove Inn in Westport through October
- Appearances at community festivals and local venues across Ontario
The year concludes with one of the tour’s most distinctive performances as Holman serves as VIA Rail’s Artist-on-Board aboard The Canadian, performing during the cross-country train journey from Toronto to Vancouver between December 12 and 17.
Independent Artist Continues Building Canadian Audience
Kentucky’s career illustrates how independent musicians continue to leverage grassroots touring, self-production, and direct audience engagement to build sustainable careers without relying on major record labels.
By focusing on Canadian stories, communities, and shared experiences, Holman has carved out a distinctive place within the country’s independent music landscape.
Conclusion
With In Kingston Tonight, Jordan Holman delivers more than a tribute to The Tragically Hip. The single reflects on Canada’s cultural identity while celebrating the communities, friendships, and shared moments that continue to shape the country’s music scene. As Kentucky embarks on an extensive nationwide tour, the release underscores both his personal journey and his growing presence as one of Ontario’s emerging independent singer-songwriters.