Singer-Songwriter Fraser Teeple Shares Soulful New Single, “Spark”

Fraser Teeple’s latest single, “Spark,” is a stirring blue-collar love song that captures the delicate space between dreams and reality. With raw vulnerability and deep emotional resonance, Teeple delves into the struggle of keeping dreams alive, even when faced with the harshness of daily life. Written during his time working as a tree climber in the east end of town while pursuing his music, “Spark” is a reflection on the internal battle between wanting more and having to accept the realities of the world around us.

The song is both relatable and poignant, resonating with anyone who has ever yearned for something greater or found themselves fighting to hold onto hope. The tension between dreams and reality is something we can all understand, whether it’s the financial gap that separates us from our aspirations or the more intangible void of beauty and soul that sometimes feels out of reach. Teeple captures this universal experience with both tenderness and strength, blending soulful vulnerability with an underlying current of hope.

Rooted firmly in acoustic folk traditions, “Spark” is enriched by vintage synths that add a layer of ethereal texture to the song. The fusion of these elements—earthy acoustic instrumentation and shimmering, atmospheric sounds—creates a sonic landscape that evokes both gritty city streets and the quiet calm of northern campfires. It’s a sound that feels both grounded and expansive, reflecting the duality of the song’s message: the grit of everyday struggle and the ethereal pull of dreams.

The track was recorded at Slow Magic, with production by Matthew Johnston, a longtime collaborator of Teeple’s. The production captures the essence of the song perfectly, complementing the lyrical themes with its rich layers of sound. Backing vocals by Fiker Kirubel add an extra depth to the track, providing a soulful contrast to Teeple’s textured voice. Together, they create a soundscape that feels like it’s somewhere between the warmth of home and the yearning for something more—a feeling that many listeners will recognize and connect with.

Teeple’s reflection on the gap between what we want from life and what we have is central to the emotional core of “Spark.” As he explains, “I think everyone who is in love or has dreams for something bigger can relate to that gap between what we want out of life and our reality. Sometimes it’s a gap of money, and sometimes it’s a gap of soul or beauty, but it’s always there.” This is a sentiment that speaks to the heart of the song, as it paints a vivid picture of the longing and desire that so many people experience in their everyday lives. Whether it’s chasing a dream of artistic success, yearning for love, or simply seeking peace, the song reflects that universal pursuit of something greater.

Teeple’s journey to this point has been shaped by two decades as a climbing arborist, where he honed a craftsman’s respect for tradition and a steadfast dedication to his work. This same work ethic is evident in his songwriting, where every lyric is carefully crafted and delivered with authenticity. His textured voice, which has captivated audiences in bars, coffee shops, and concert halls across Canada and Europe, carries the weight of his experiences and the emotional depth of his music.

“Spark” is a precursor to Teeple’s upcoming album, We Built a Fire, which promises to expand on the themes of the single. Produced once again by Matthew Johnston, the album is set to be a beautiful blend of earthy, grounded storytelling with a touch of ethereal, expansive sound. The juxtaposition of these two elements—rooted in tradition but stretching toward the sky—is a hallmark of Teeple’s work, and it will undoubtedly be a key feature of We Built a Fire.

For Fraser Teeple, songwriting is a way to channel his experiences and connect with others on a deeper level. “Spark” showcases his ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes, capturing the inner struggles and hopes that define the human experience. It’s a song that encourages listeners to hold onto their dreams, even when the gap between aspiration and reality seems too wide to cross.

With “Spark” and the upcoming We Built a Fire album, Fraser Teeple continues to carve out his place in the Canadian and international music scene, offering a unique voice that blends folk traditions with a modern sensibility. His work is a celebration of resilience, vulnerability, and the ongoing pursuit of something more—qualities that make his music deeply relatable and endlessly captivating. As Teeple’s journey unfolds, there’s no doubt that his songs will continue to resonate with those who, like him, are navigating the space between dreams and reality.