S.G. Sinnicks Debuts New Sinhle “Miss America 2.0"

S.G. Sinnicks, a two-time Hamilton Music Award winner, has made a name for himself in the folk and roots music scene. He earned the Folk Roots Record of the Year award twice, in 2009 and 2012, and was recognized with a City of Hamilton Arts Award in 2013. Known for his authentic, heartfelt approach, Sinnicks brings his Canadian roots and lifelong experiences into each piece he creates. He began his musical journey at just 11 years old, starting on the drums, and by the age of 15, he was playing in pubs with a variety of artists, even sharing stages with Canadian legends like Stompin' Tom Connors.

Sinnicks' latest track, "Miss America 2.0," is a poignant reimagining of an earlier work from his album The Last Irishman in Corktown, released in 2018. The song is a contemporary commentary on the state of American politics, taking a fresh look at themes of love, loss, and disillusionment with an air of nostalgia and deep-seated concern. While retaining the song’s original folk roots, "Miss America 2.0" introduces a soulful, atmospheric sound enhanced by an organ and subtle gospel-inspired backing vocals. These elements together create an emotional depth that captures the essence of both admiration and sorrow for a country grappling with its identity.

In his reflections on the song, Sinnicks describes how his years touring in the U.S. gave him firsthand insight into the growing societal fractures that have affected the lives of friends and family, including his American-born wife. He explains, “I spent so many years playing and touring in the US seeing the growing fractures in a society that is too important to fracture, and the pain in my American-born wife, friends, and family as it went downhill.” These observations contributed to the reimagining of "Miss America 2.0" as a lament, capturing both love and disappointment for a nation at a critical crossroads.

The music video for "Miss America 2.0," directed by Peter Riddihough, takes the song’s metaphor to the screen with a strikingly symbolic portrayal. Nora Hutchinson stars in the video, embodying a woman whose beauty and allure once captivated audiences, but who now finds herself clinging to outdated ideals and behaviors, much like America’s struggle with change. Hutchinson's performance, layered with grace and gravitas, embodies a character who is caught in the past, holding on to “old standards, and old behaviors that are increasingly quaint and out of touch instead of embracing the beauty of who she is and could be right now.” The video captures this haunting message visually, enhancing the song's commentary on how America might reconcile its past with its potential future.

This new interpretation of "Miss America 2.0" is not only a testament to Sinnicks' skill as a songwriter but also highlights his ability to evolve his music to reflect contemporary issues. The track combines a timeless folk sound with soulful, reflective lyrics, resulting in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and urgent. Sinnicks’ use of organ and gospel influences subtly enhances the song’s emotional layers, underscoring a plea for unity, self-acceptance, and hope.

Through "Miss America 2.0," S.G. Sinnicks invites listeners to reflect on the current state of America with empathy and realism, illustrating both his deep connection to his craft and his commitment to tackling complex themes. The song and its video together serve as a modern folk anthem, urging listeners to acknowledge the beauty and complexity of an ever-evolving society. With his uniquely soulful style and incisive commentary, Sinnicks continues to push the boundaries of folk music, using his platform to explore themes of social awareness, resilience, and change.