Michael Bernard Fitzgerald with special guest Michaela Slinger (Past Event)

In 2024, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald returns with his sixth studio album, Horizon Lines, a poignant exploration of self-discovery and a worthy follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2020 LP, Love Valley. Building on the success of his previous work, Fitzgerald’s newest record delves into the transformative journey of fatherhood, blending soulful melodies with introspective lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.

Recorded in the cozy confines of his home Horizon Lines embodies a unique blend of nostalgia and authenticity. Fitzgerald recalls, “Recording for Horizon Lines began at home at the tail end of the pandemic. I went into this cycle knowing it was time to make new music but unsure of what to write. My last record, Love Valley, was my most successful work to date, and after such a shift in the industry post-pandemic, I had no idea where to start with something new.” Partnering with friend and producer Josh Gwilliam, Fitzgerald and Gwilliam navigated their new realities of parenthood and the reopening world by collaborating remotely—sharing voice notes, percussion loops, and audio files through sleepless nights and nap times. This unconventional approach led to a record that captures the essence of finding oneself in a new way, often with the gentle sounds of Fitzgerald’s family life making their way into the final mixes.

“What came out of this process [of making Horizon Lines] was something I think resonates with so many people these days. Finding ourselves again – a new way, forcing ourselves to trust the process until we get there.”

The warmth and calm of Fitzgerald’s sound remain ever-present in his newest work, characterized by a sincere commitment to making music that is both hopeful and deeply connective. Whether on stage or off, Fitzgerald’s down-to-earth charm and genuine demeanor create an instant bond with his audience, making each performance an intimate experience regardless of the size of the venue. His ability to connect with fans and fellow musicians alike is a testament to his authentic presence and engaging personality.

Fitzgerald’s innovative ideas are always evident in his celebrated live shows. Renowned for his inventive performance ideas, including his self produced “Farm Tour”—a traveling venue experience that brings live music to farmland across North America—Fitzgerald completed his third sold-out Farm Tour in the summer of 2024. Throughout his career, which has seen him tour alongside musical luminaries such as Bryan Adams, Ben Harper, and Kings of Leon, Fitzgerald has become known for his captivating stage presence and unwavering dedication to creating meaningful connections with his audience – Farm Tour allows Michael travel family-style and has become his favourite way to tour.

With Love Valley reaching 11 million+ streams to date and Horizon Lines promising to continue this trajectory, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald’s latest album is a testament to his enduring passion for creating hopeful songs. Whether in intimate settings or on festival stages, Fitzgerald’s performances exude a palpable passion that lingers long after the final note.

Horizon Lines invites listeners on a journey of reflection and connection, showcasing Michael Bernard Fitzgerald’s ongoing evolution as an artist always seeking to create music that comes from the heart.

Michaela Slinger is a singer-songwriter obsessed with the interstitial spaces between love, loss, longing, and uncertainty. Her forthcoming EP ENDiNGS was recorded at Protection Island Studios in British Columbia and crafted around her singular voice as she holds life up to the light and examines it with care.

Michaela’s sophomore record This Can’t Last Forever received acclaim from RANGE, The Georgia Straight, Portside Live, Daily Hive, and CBC Music, secured her the cover of Amazon Music’s “Fresh Folk and Acoustic” playlist, and was written with collaborators including Khalid Yassein (Wild Rivers) and Ryan Stewart (Carly Rae Jepsen). She was hand-picked to open for Dermot Kennedy, Sasha Alex Sloan, and Donovan Woods on her 2023 North American tour, and landed a 2024 Western Canadian Music Award nomination for “Pop Artist Of The Year”. As a songwriter, Michaela has had songs cut by Lili-Ann De Francesco (Universal Music Group) and performed at Canada’s JUNO Awards.

As with her previous LPs Panorama (2021) and This Can’t Last Forever (2023), Michaela wrote ENDiNGS over years of musical pilgrimage between Vancouver, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Toronto. But she’s different, less hurried—there’s an honesty in these songs that could only emerge from someone willing to walk slow.