Vancouver’s Debra-Jean Creelman Contemplates Relational Dynamics on Horn Led “Say Goodnight” feat. JP Carter of Destroyer

Debra-Jean Creelman is a Vancouver based singer-songwriter best known for her expansive, emotive voice and neo-soul influenced compositions. Getting her start with pop auteurs Mother Mother in the early aughts, Creelman has built a career defined by precision, polish, and otherworldly vocal performances that have neatly sculpted the landscapes of pop, jazz, and soul.

She has teamed up with experimental trumpet player JP Carter (Destroyer), multi-instrumentalist Sean Cronin, and Jo Passed’s Jo Hirabiyashi to create the melodic and searching “Say Goodnight,” which questions whether it’s possible to maintain one’s artistic edge while being in love.

“Are all relationships transactional? Is it possible to let go of control and be vulnerable – whilst remaining self actualized?” questions Creelman when speaking of the song’s inspirations.

“Say Goodnight” is taken from Creelman’s upcoming album, Ego Death, to be released on July 12th. A fusion of jazz, soul and blues that lives up to its name by showcasing a supergroup-like ensemble of producers and musicians, Ego Death never comes across as too technical. 

Creelman’s songwriting evokes a sense of depth, a fitting reflection of its thematic core: the profound loss of her mother and the delicate terrain of mental health crises.