Toronto, ON alternative singer-songwriter Jax Turcotte has released his debut single, āSincerely, Once Beloved,ā an intimate yet expansive ballad written as a farewell to guilt, grief, and everything that no longer serves him. Blending vulnerable lyricism with stripped-down instrumentation and a voice that sounds like both a whisper and a declaration, Turcotte is carving out a lane all his ownāequal parts Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead, and the emotional resonance of early 2000s indie rock.
The single is released via The Singerās Company and marks a bold new chapter for the 18-year-old artist. Written during his final year of high school, āSincerely, Once Belovedā started as a personal journal entryāan outlet for processing change, confidence, and clarity. It quickly became something more. āThis teamās belief in me promoted my confidence and growth as a musician,ā says Turcotte. āTheir expertise greatly aided me in creating a fully-fledged record from what was a journal entry.ā
āSincerely, Once Belovedā was written as a āsign offā to all of the negativity I had been allowing to affect me: othersā opinions, self-doubt, guilt,ā Turcotte explains. āItās the clarity that comes with recovering from hard times in your life.ā
Produced by Roy Hamilton III and Matt Fasullo, with additional mixing by Joe Carolus and mastering by Noah Mintz (Broken Social Scene, The Constantines), the single showcases Turcotteās artistry and multi-instrumental talent. He performs guitar, vocals, hand percussion, and more on the track.
Lyrically, itās a poetic burn letterāand a love letter to oneself. āItās a letter I wished I had sent to myself and to anyone who has ever willfully misunderstood me,ā says Turcotte. That authenticity rings out in the refrain:
āSincerely, a dreamer / Sincerely, a lover / Sincerely, a mourning dove / Sincerely, once belovedā
Turcotteās gift is in transforming deeply personal thoughts into universal truths. The imagery is raw, but never bitterāthereās grace in his vulnerability. Itās the kind of songwriting that meets listeners exactly where they are, whether theyāre in the middle of healing or finally stepping out of the fog. The track balances emotional catharsis with melodic restraint, showcasing a young artist with an old soul and a sharp sense of self.
Raised in Toronto, Jaxās musical upbringing included everything from James Blake and Florence Welch to Sufjan Stevens and Brandi Carlile. But āSincerely, Once Belovedā is no imitationāitās an arrival. With this track, Turcotte introduces himself not as an echo of his influences, but as a distinct voice within the new generation of emotionally intelligent singer-songwriters. His classical training, combined with a natural gift for lyricism, gives his music both weight and warmth.
The song has already begun to connect with fans who describe it as āa mirrorā and āa hug disguised as a heartbreak.ā Whether played through headphones on a rainy walk or through speakers at the end of a long day, āSincerely, Once Belovedā feels less like a debut and more like a companion.
Turcotteās goal remains refreshingly clear: āThe goal has always been to express myself in a way that feels authentic. If someone connects with it, and Iāve made even the smallest differenceāthen Iāve done what I came here to do.ā
With more music and live performances on the way, āSincerely, Once Belovedā is a debut, sure, and also an invitation into Jax Turcotteās world.

