Preloved - Willow

‘Preloved’ is the solo project of Canadian artist and producer Michael (Miki) Watson. Known for being the drummer and producer of Canadian indie band ‘fanclubwallet’, as well as a staple producer in their local scene in Ottawa, Ontario, Michael has been silently working away at a solo record for the better part of 3 years.

‘Willow’ is an album reflecting on Michael’s late childhood dog ‘Cas’, who passed away during the writing and recording of the record, relating to the broader themes of passing time and lost youth.

Much of ‘Willow’ was recorded during Michael’s solo camping trips at Ontario Provincial Parks, borrowing a large portable battery from their mom to power their laptop. The hum of cicadas and soft blowing wind can be heard with an attentive ear throughout the album.

Michael collaborated with their longtime life and creative partner Hannah Judge (fanclubwallet) on the writing of select songs, driving home the ethos of this project as an unfiltered personal reflection of Michael’s lived experience.