Beloved folk-pop artist Rachael Sage and her longtime band The Sequins have unveiled their radiant new album Canopy via MPress Records. A beacon of hope and compassion, Canopy explores themes of acceptance, inclusivity, and emotional safety through songs that shimmer with humanity and heart. Across its 14 tracks, Sage channels her signature blend of Americana, pop, and neo-folk into a project that feels both deeply personal and powerfully universal.
“Canopy is the first album that I feel reflects every aspect of my artistry, not only as a singer, producer, and musician, but also as a songwriter,” shares Sage. “I’d like to say this is because the album is full of brand-new songs, but some of them were composed when I was a teenager or in my 20’s. The title track just fell out after one too many late-night doomscrolls where the amount of violence and discord I digested in the span of a few minutes was so intense and so demoralizing that I wanted to crawl into a hole and stay there. They’re among the most honest lyrics I’ve ever written, but it very quickly formed an almost visceral image of an entire album focused on inclusiveness, acceptance, safety and empathy started to crystallize in my mind.”
In celebration of release week, Sage has also shared the video for “Live It Up,” a joyous behind-the-scenes glimpse at her band in their element. Inspired by Dionne Farris’ hit “I Know,” the video captures spontaneous moments of laughter, connection, and creativity, echoing the spirit of the song — a reminder to find joy and unity in everyday collaboration.
Produced by Rachael Sage alongside GRAMMY-nominated engineer Mikhail Pivovarov, Canopy features performances from a talented roster of longtime collaborators including Kelly Halloran (Goo Goo Dolls), Trina Hamlin (Susan Werner), and Ward Williams (Sara Bareilles). Mixed by Pivovarov and GRAMMY-winner Andy Zulla (Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Diana Ross), the record brims with warmth and empathy.
“When I recorded the songs with my band The Sequins it really felt like a metaphor; this group of beautiful, brilliant humans have been and continue to be a kind of shelter and safe place for me,” Sage concludes. “We are all very good friends and there’s a solidness and sense of gratitude when we come together that just felt like a kind of antidote in these chaotic times, so I decided to debut our Rachael Sage & The Sequins moniker for the first time with this recording. It’s so nice to be able to give them their ‘flowers’ as being an integral part of the arrangement and performances on these tracks – and I hope listeners can feel how the affection we have in and out of the studio is embedded on Canopy.”