As if 2020 wasn’t throwing enough troubles around, Dylan Menzie rounded out his no-good, terrible time of year by finding himself blindsided by a break-up. But every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case, it’s his latest single, “A Heart That Doesn’t Want Mine.”
Menzie impressively steers clear of a lot of cliches on this single. Where many have gone the route of a sad song made sadder by a solo acoustic guitar, Menzie veers away with the more worldly approach of “it’ll be alright it just takes time and I don’t want a heart that doesn’t mine.” He’s also traded in the six-string for a little groove factory in the form of Evan McCosham on bass and Ed Squires on congas. Paired with Menzie on keys, this is one infectious break-up.
“As 2020 came to a close, I found myself at the end of a 5-year relationship. Not because of abuse, infidelity, or any direct cause I could point to and scream, ‘You so & so, how could you? It’s over!’ Which, a part of me wished I had because it’s a lot easier to cut a villain out of your life,” explains Menzie.
“Instead, it felt more like a perfect bank heist. Where, in the morning the staff comes in and everything looks normal. They go about their day—business as usual—until someone checks the vault and realizes the money has mysteriously disappeared. You can try and catch the robbers if you’re feeling lucky. The staff saw a few suspicious figures around and there is some trace evidence in the vault. But it’s not much to go on and, at this point, the cash is long gone.
About a week after the breakup I wrote ‘A Heart That Doesn’t Want Mine.’ The song speaks to the inherently sad nature of a relationship ending, while also embracing the possibility, rediscovery, and self-love that comes along with it. It’s about acknowledging love isn’t a waste of time, but life’s too short to try and force it when it leaves.”
While the song inevitably deals with all the old bits of heartache and fallout, it’s refreshing to hear Menzie’s mature take on it. Break-ups happen. You can only throw on some eyeliner and rage about it so many times before life finally teaches you to break out the congas.
Tour Dates:
11.02.21 – Charlottetown, PE @ Trailside Music Cafe
11.19.21 – Halifax, NS @ The Carleton
11.20.21 – Iona, NS @ The Iona Heights Inn
11.26.21 – Fredericton, NB @ Tipsy Muse Cafe
11.27.21 – Montague. PE @ Copperbottom Brewing