Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leif Vollebekk has always been more than just a musician. A former philosophy student, Vollebekk infuses his music with deep intellectual exploration, weaving together the mystical musings of Carl Jung and the linguistic philosophies of Wittgenstein with his own poetic reflections. His latest album, Revelation, emerges from the introspective space forced upon many artists during the lockdown. The aptly titled record is a collection of 11 tracks, two of which are cinematic and orchestrated, that explore existential themes while conjuring the evocative storytelling reminiscent of Leonard Cohen and Gordon Lightfoot. The shimmering sound of the Eagles is present, with the intimate rawness of Nick Drake tying the entire work together.

Organic and earthy, Revelation feels homemade yet grand, rich in its exploration of nature - water, constellations, mortality - all while offering a meditation on the transient nature of life, spiced with doubt and a longing for something greater. It is a deeply personal, yet universally relatable, journey of reflection on what it means to live in an ever-shifting present.

Vollebekk recently dropped “Peace of Mind (Evening),” co-produced and mixed by David Baron (known for work with the Lumineers and Shawn Mendes), which offers a different vibe from the album. “This version isn’t even on the record,” Vollebekk shares. “It just wanted to be its own thing, with jangly guitars and '80s synthesizers, reminiscent of the bliss you feel when a perfect song hits the radio on a late-night drive.” The song carries a sense of liberation for Vollebekk, a culmination of multiple iterations. “I’ve recorded 4 or 5 different versions of this song,” he explains, calling the “Evening” rendition a testament to its significance. "The melody came fully formed after spending time with family, and in the stillness, I sang about them. I had a dream that a child placed a dandelion on my grave, and I woke up feeling peaceful. What does that mean? I still wonder.”

Recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and Dreamland in Woodstock, New York, Revelation is a marriage of ethereal soundscapes and grounded emotion. The album features one-take lead vocals and lush orchestration, with Vollebekk’s exploration of Jung’s I Ching, alchemy, and the unknown serving as the conceptual backbone. These themes thread through each track, forming a cohesive, organic reflection on existence, mortality, and the quest for understanding.

A true artist’s artist, Vollebekk’s creative process shines through his self-production and multi-instrumental mastery on Revelation. His impressive roster of collaborators includes legendary drummer Jim Keltner, steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar, and bassist Shahzad Ismaily. Background vocals from artists like Angie McMahon and Anaïs Mitchell add further depth to the work. Mixed by the acclaimed Tchad Blake and mastered by Greg Calbi, the album boasts a sonic richness that complements its thematic weight.

Vollebekk, originally from Ottawa and now based in Montreal, has steadily built a global following, headlining sold-out tours across North America, Europe, and Australia. His breakthrough album, Twin Solitude, earned a spot on the Polaris Music Prize 2017 shortlist and a Juno nomination, while amassing over 60 million streams. His follow-up, New Ways, further solidified his place in the music world, surpassing the success of his previous work.

Described by The New York Times as having songs that are “pensive and restless, blossoming with stream-of-consciousness verses,” Vollebekk’s music resonates with fans and critics alike. His work has also been featured in shows like Feel Good, The New Pope, and The Bold Type. With Revelation, Leif Vollebekk continues to expand his artistic horizons, offering listeners an intimate yet profound experience that stays with them long after the last note fades.