Canadian Roots, Rock, and Soul band Bywater Call released their second studio single of 2025, “Ain’t No Friend of Mine.” at the end of October. “Ain’t No Friend of Mine” is a ripping, rootsy, blues rock anthem about betrayal and broken friendship. Inspired by the styles of Gary Clark Jr, The Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, Marcus King and the Rolling Stones, the song boasts a driving rhythm section, smoky female vocals and searing electric guitar.
“We wanted to write something bold and confident, mixing traditional blues influences with a modern rock attitude” say lead singer Meghan Parnell. “The intention was to convey the strength in acknowledging hurt, letting it out, sharing it and then letting it go for good. This is reflective in the gang vocal yell in the chorus, which is meant to be freeing and powerful to sing along to.”
The song was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, captured and mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering. The music video was shot in studio, by Zack Murray of Lightning House Media, who captured a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the track.
In their August 2024 issue, Classic Rock made Bywater Call’s 2024 album Shepherd their “Blues Album of the Month” and said it was “an inventive and uncommonly catchy record,” and added, “the sense of a band on the brink is unmistakable.” The album was also selected as the “Top Blues Album of the Year” in the magazine’s year-end round-up. Early 2025 the band was nominated for the UK Blues Awards for “International Act of the Year” for the second year in a row.
“A living, breathing testament to what happens when a band catches fire, led by a vocalist who doesn’t just perform but preaches the blues. Bywater Call isn’t following the tradition, they’re pushing it forward one show at a time”
– Blues Matters
Often transcending genres, Bywater Call is known for their dynamic, emotional live shows, featuring powerful vocals and exciting interplay between all band members. This week, Bywater Call headline their third UK tour and play Planet Rock’s Planet Rockstock Festival in Wales on 27th November. Tickets are available from The Gig Cartel and Bywater Call.
The single is available on all streaming platforms via – https://linktr.ee/bywatercall.
