Mississauga-based folk rock artist Matt Zaddy has unveiled his latest single, Far Too Long, offering a heartfelt exploration of the challenges in balancing work, music, and personal life. With its lovely acoustic vibes and well-delivered vocals, the track gradually builds in energy, enhanced by the addition of organ and piano elements.
Far Too Long draws from Zaddy’s personal experiences of managing an demanding 80-hour workweek alongside his music career. The song originated from a moment of self-awareness following a conversation with his younger brother, which highlighted the impact of burnout on his life. This realization inspired Zaddy to collaborate with Emmy Award-winning and JUNO-nominated producer Ross Citrullo, who helped bring the song to fruition through a live off-the-floor recording approach at Toronto’s RHC Music studio.
The track features a subtle arrangement that grows as it progresses, maintaining a delicate balance between introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation. Zaddy’s storytelling captures themes of life, love, hardship, and redemption, resonating with listeners who have faced similar struggles. The production, mastered by Connor Salmoral at Salmoral Studios, includes contributions from bassist Curtis Freeman, Miles Evans-Branagh on organ and piano, and backing vocalist Heather Christine, among others.
Zaddy describes Far Too Long as a hopeful reflection on the necessity of slowing down and appreciating the often-overlooked moments in life. “I think we’ve all been there at some point, and sometimes it takes hitting a wall to realize we need to make a change,” he explains. The song’s Americana and alt-country flavor is complemented by influences reminiscent of early Jason Mraz, Shakey Graves, and The Rolling Stones during their country-leaning phase.
Far Too Long is available now on all major streaming platforms, continuing Matt Zaddy’s journey of creating music that connects with listeners through genuine storytelling and relatable themes. As he prepares for the release of his upcoming album, Zaddy remains focused on sharing his experiences and inspiring others to find balance in their own lives.