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Interview: Hamilton, ON Songwriter Ian James Bain Channels Classic Country Grit on Introspective New Single “Come & Gone”

April 9, 2025
William Brookson
Latest posts by William Brookson (see all)

Canadian singer-songwriter Ian James Bain, a core member of Nicolette & the Nobodies and guitar player for Jeremie Albino, unveils his latest single, “Come & Gone,” a heartfelt country ballad that reflects on the struggle of trying to make a career in music while grappling with self-doubt, burnout, and the pull of nostalgia. A deeply personal track, “Come & Gone” paints a vivid picture of the uphill battle faced by independent artists, balancing romanticized dreams with the harsh realities of life on the road.

Rooted in classic country storytelling but infused with Bain‘s distinctive modern edge, “Come & Gone” blends traditional form with unexpected chord changes, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh. Lush pedal steel and warm, twangy guitars carry Bain‘s introspective lyrics, culminating in a song that feels both melancholic and reaffirming.

This song makes me feel a lot of things, but ultimately, it reminds me that I’m in the right lane. It’s easy to second-guess yourself, and even easier to burn out, but at the end of the day, I always come back to this music thing. – Ian James Bain

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
When we hit the studio these songs were brand new. I gave myself a writing deadline by booking a session before I had any new music ready and I was right down to the wire getting these finished. I had some rough demos the I sent the boys but a lot of the forming of these tunes happened live in the studio. After we tracked beds and the fellas left I had a day with Goldie (Aaron Goldstein) to lay down pedal steel and lead guitars which is always a lot of fun and a nice opportunity to try things out and enjoy being creative.

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Keep it simple and don’t overthink things. I struggle with this all the time but the best thing to do is trust your gut and let things flow and certainly NEVER think of what you “should” be doing or what people might expect of you. You can hear hesitation and lack of confidence and it doesn’t sound good.

3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
My buddy Mariel Buckley.

4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

I like to think my music is a little bit difficult to pin down and I like that. Country music is a funny world where words like “tradition” and “authenticity” get thrown around a lot yet most modern country artists don’t sound anything like the country music I love and listen to. The split seems to be generally between people who sound like Morgan Wallen and people who sound like something on a jukebox from 50 years ago. The thing is, that stuff on the radio doesn’t sound the least bit like country music to me and it also ain’t 1972.

Sure, I lean a little more old school but I’m also just a music fan and a session guy who worked at a record store for years so naturally, I like a lot of different stuff. I don’t like to put myself in a box and I don’t like to limit myself, so that stuff all gets filtered in. When I’m sitting down with my guitar and writing, I’m writing country songs, no doubt about it, but when I’m building it up and arranging the tune I’m just trying to make something that I think sounds good. Why not use all the tools in my toolbox?

5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.

At this moment? Can I have two?
Life I Wanted – Field Guide (probably one of the best and most real songs about touring and road life I’ve ever heard)
Use Me – Zach Top (just a classic country cheating’ song that sounds like Keith Whitley could’ve wrote it)

Ian James Bain‘s debut album, Where I Wanna Be (2022), earned widespread play on college and community radio, with singles landing on influential playlists such as Gems on VHS’ monthly feature. Now, as he prepares to release a new EP in 2025—produced by pedal steel maestro Aaron Goldstein (Daniel Romano, Kathleen Edwards, Julianna Riolino)—”Come & Gone” offers a glimpse into the growth and authenticity that define Bain‘s artistry.

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