Ontario singer-songwriter brings decades-old composition to life with new studio recording
BROCKVILLE, Ont. — Ontario roots rock artist Sue Prosser has released her latest single, Mistaken Identity, a song whose origins stretch back decades and whose journey reflects both the persistence of independent musicians and the enduring appeal of personal storytelling in Canadian roots music.
Recorded in June at Powder Room Studios and produced by Randal Orr, the single marks the culmination of a creative process that began with a chance encounter in a Montreal brasserie and evolved into a deeply personal reflection on memory, lost love, and self-discovery.
For Prosser, a longtime fixture in Ontario’s live music scene and an openly LGBTQIA+ performer, the release represents the completion of a project that has developed alongside her own artistic growth.
A Song Born From a Chance Encounter
Montreal inspiration became the foundation for a decades-long creative journey
The origins of Mistaken Identity can be traced to a post-softball gathering in Montreal, where a seemingly ordinary misunderstanding sparked the idea for what would eventually become one of Prosser’s most personal songs.
According to the artist, a friend believed she had spotted a former romantic partner across a crowded room before realizing the stranger was someone else entirely. The phrase “mistaken identity” immediately resonated, inspiring a chorus that was quickly written down on a napkin.
By the following day, Prosser had recorded an early version of the song in a single take using a Tascam four-track recorder, relying solely on basic recording equipment and live performance rather than modern digital production tools.
What began as a lighthearted anecdote eventually transformed into a more nuanced exploration of emotional resilience and the lingering impact of past relationships.
From Humour to Reflection
Lyrics explore memory, longing, and personal growth
Over time, Mistaken Identity evolved beyond its original premise.
The song opens with the line, “There’s a stirrin’ deep inside, I don’t know if it’s wrong, but it feels right,” before returning to its central refrain: “There’s nothing wrong with your head, it’s another case of mistaken identity.”
Those lyrics frame a broader narrative about memories that refuse to fade and emotions that remain long after relationships have ended.
What starts as a story about misrecognition gradually becomes a meditation on self-reflection and acceptance. The song examines how people process the past and how the passage of time can reshape difficult experiences into something easier to understand.
The result is a roots rock composition grounded in personal storytelling, a hallmark of Prosser’s songwriting style.
A Collaborative Studio Recording
Veteran musicians contribute to the final production
The newly released studio version features Prosser on lead vocals as well as six-string and twelve-string acoustic guitars.
She is joined by Leigh Turcotte on background vocals, Gary Lalonde on bass, Bradley Scott on electric guitar, and producer Randal Orr on drums and percussion.
Throughout its development, the song has undergone numerous interpretations in live settings, with its lead melodic lines performed at various times on accordion, harmonica, violin, and electric guitar.
One memorable rendition even featured a Jimi Hendrix-inspired interpretation from a guitarist named Vince.
Over the years, the track also attracted attention from industry observers. According to Prosser, a representative from Sony Music Canada once commented that the song evoked the feel of some of U2’s most recognizable material.
Building a Career Through Live Performance
Brockville artist remains a fixture on Ontario stages
Prosser has built her reputation through years of performances across Eastern Ontario, appearing regularly in coffeehouses, festivals, pubs, and community events.
Industry peers have praised her energetic and authentic stage presence.
Gary Lalonde of Honeymoon Suite has described her performances as honest music delivered with passion and love, while Murray Foster of Great Big Sea has highlighted her blend of classic roots rock, strong vocals, and humour.
Bruce Wylie of 104.9 JR FM has referred to Prosser as a “one-person phenom” on stage.
Raised in the Brockville region, Prosser spent several years in Montreal before returning to Eastern Ontario. She currently performs both as a solo artist and as one half of the duo Bad Hattitude alongside Leigh Turcotte.
Busy Touring Schedule Continues Through Fall
Performances scheduled across Ontario and Atlantic Canada
Following the release of Mistaken Identity, Prosser will continue a busy schedule of live performances throughout Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
Upcoming appearances include dates in Bobcaygeon, Smiths Falls, Barrhaven, Brockville, Portland, Athens, Spencerville, and St. Andrews By-The-Sea, New Brunswick. Several performances will feature Bad Hattitude, while additional East Coast dates are expected to be announced later this year.
Looking Ahead
With Mistaken Identity, Sue Prosser has transformed a fleeting moment from decades ago into a polished recording that reflects years of artistic development and performance experience. The single highlights the enduring value of roots-based songwriting while reinforcing Prosser’s position as a respected voice in Ontario’s independent music community.