New Brunswick singer-songwriter Ayden Hutch has released his debut single, “Waitin’ On Your Lovin’,” introducing a forthcoming album shaped by vintage soul, R&B and an analog recording approach. The track is the first release from Sadness, Anger, & Something Greater, which is due Oct. 2.
Originally from Bathurst, N.B., Hutch brings together influences from jazz, blues, soul and R&B after years of involvement in New Brunswick music projects including Ananas and petipé.
‘Waitin’ On Your Lovin’’ Introduces Upcoming Debut Album
“Waitin’ On Your Lovin’” represents the more hopeful side of an album that Hutch says emerged from a turbulent period in his personal life.
Sadness, Anger, & Something Greater has been nearly two years in development and draws heavily on Hutch’s experiences during 2024. A difficult breakup initially shaped songs about heartbreak before those emotions shifted toward anger and, eventually, a happier period after he entered a new relationship.
Hutch continued writing throughout that period, with the material eventually falling into three broad themes: sadness, anger and more optimistic love songs.
“Waitin’ On Your Lovin’” belongs to the final group, although its lyrics reflect uncertainty and longing rather than a settled relationship.
“I wrote ‘Waitin’ On Your Lovin’’ the day after I met someone who is now very special to me,” Hutch says. “I wrote it within maybe an hour, as the words just made sense and really flowed.”
The song reflects his feelings at the time for someone who appeared out of reach, centring on the desire for a relationship he believed he could not, or perhaps should not, pursue.
Album Recorded to Analog Tape in Quebec
Hutch recorded both the single and the upcoming album at Studio 345 in Sainte-Hélène-de-Bagot, Que., working with longtime friend Sam Mallais, who produced, engineered and mixed the project.
Vintage Soul and R&B Shape the Recording Process
Seeking a sound influenced by 1970s soul and R&B, Hutch and Mallais recorded the entire project to analog tape rather than relying primarily on modern digital production techniques.
“I love the process as it forces you to commit to certain things and really moves most of the load to before ever having to press record,” Hutch explains. “We really work the songs and get them to where they need to be beforehand, as there is no copy, paste or undo.”
The recording sessions also brought together musicians who have played significant roles in Hutch’s development.
Sam Newman, a bass player and one of Hutch’s closest friends for about a decade, played drums throughout the record and assisted Mallais with mixing. James Forest, a friend from St-Nazaire, Que., played bass.
“It meant a lot to me to have people who have been close to my musical development be a part of the record,” Hutch says. “We truly had an amazing time. The whole experience felt more akin to jamming with friends than producing an album.”
From Jazz Studies to a Soul-Focused Debut
Hutch studied jazz guitar in the virtuoso program at Cégep de Drummondville in Quebec before becoming involved in several New Brunswick music projects.
His current live show features a four-piece ensemble blending vintage grooves with jazz, R&B and blues arrangements. Hutch fronts the group on vocals and guitar, supported by a rhythm section designed around the soul-oriented character of his recorded material.
Ayden Hutch Sets New Brunswick and Quebec Tour Dates
Hutch will take the new material on the road this fall with bassist Sam Newman, drummer Ismaël Chagnon and guitarist Loïk Martin.
The tour begins Oct. 1 at Laundromat Expresso Bar in Moncton, N.B., followed by an Oct. 2 performance at Heron’s Nest Cottages in Charlo, N.B. The band then travels to Quebec for an Oct. 3 show at Pub le St Georges in Drummondville.
The Oct. 2 performance coincides with the scheduled release of Sadness, Anger, & Something Greater.
With “Waitin’ On Your Lovin’,” Hutch is introducing a solo project rooted in Atlantic Canadian and Quebec musical connections while drawing its sound from classic soul and R&B. The forthcoming album will expand that approach across songs tracing heartbreak, anger and a renewed sense of love.