Sometimes you can fall into what many deem "paralysis by over-analysis," incapable of making a decision for fear it might be the wrong one. Or, if it is the right one, second-guessing yourself into a frenzy. "It's a song about having insomnia due to the obstacles of not being able to make a decision due to overthinking and the over-analysis of life situations that most people can relate to." For Edmonton-based pop rock singer Dahlia Wakefield, her own personal story at one point came with such a fork in life's road.
After making her home in Edmonton for quite some time, Wakefield, who was born in Cebu City, Philippines but called Maidstone, Saskatchewan her stomping grounds, was mulling over whether to divorce, weighing the pros and cons and the consequences of that choice. The dilemma inspired her to write the meaty, infectious, and highly addictive single "Queen Of Overthinking," released on her birthday on November 4. A close friend stated that it was better to overthink than to under-think, resulting in the seed for what is an excellent slab of beefy but bouncy pop rock by Wakefield.
The vocalist wrote the lyrics, and Kevin Frey wrote the music for "Queen Of Overthinking" in mid-January 2024. The duo has struck gold with a song that finds its footing instantly in the vein of Sheryl Crow, Sarah Burton, and Sarah Jarosz. Teeming with confidence, Wakefield keeps the tight tune rolling along as the chorus steadily builds in intensity, moving into a hardier, edgier realm she more than holds her own with. It's a song that, as great as this studio version is, would simply soar in concert, becoming an instant showstopper.
"Queen Of Overthinking," recorded in early September and produced by Sandro Dominelli at Dominelli Studios in St. Albert, Alberta, features Wakefield adding sweet harmonies to her own finely-tuned delivery while Frey adds acoustic guitar and slide guitar. The song is also highlighted by some strong work by lead guitarist Alan Tymofichuk. Meanwhile, the rhythm section is rounded out by bassist Jeff Godley and drummer Dennis Boisvert.
Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/track/0OY7EUr9hykvH6eLGiWGEO
"Queen Of Overthinking" is the first single from Wakefield's upcoming album My Truth, a record exploring life's darker themes, including domestic violence, narcissistic abuse and parental alienation. The single is the "happy song" from My Truth and a sign of what's on the horizon for Wakefield and fans worldwide.
Wakefield, who began singing in public when she was five, wears various hats and has a lot of fingers in different musical pies. Alan Tymofichuk has played with Wakefield in an earlier group called X-Factor, The Dahlia & Alan Duo, and Dahlia & The Villains. Then there's Brigade, Dahlia's great Heart Tribute Band, the hard rock group Kerosene, and an '80s metal covers band Shocker. In addition to releasing three solo albums, she has also released three albums as part of the country/rock group Dirt Road Angels, a group which has shared the stage with Colin Raye, Aaron Tippin, Brett Kissel, and Sammy Kershaw among others.
She has also been a promoter, agent, and mentor to various successful acts, making her known as "the hardest working woman in show business in Edmonton." As if that wasn't enough, she is a beginner piano coach and vocal coach having graduated from the Grant MacEwan Music Program with Distinction.
Now with confirmed tour dates slated to run well into mid-2025, a forthcoming album, and a great lead single in "Queen Of Overthinking," Dahlia Wakefield is putting her seal on another fantastic piece of pop rock. And there's no second-guessing that at all!
Dahlia Wakefield Tour Dates
November 10, 2024 -- Vic Juba Community Theatre -- Lloydminster, AB (with Brigade Heart Tribute)
November 15, 2024 -- Ravenwood Music Club -- Sherwood Park, AB (Solo show)
January 4, 2025 -- Casino TBA -- Calgary, AB (with Elvis Tribute Band)
January 31, 2025 - Single Release Party for “Queen of Overthinking” at Blues on Whyte, Edmonton, AB (with Dahlia & The Villains)
February 28, 2025 -- Caffrey's -- Sherwood Park, AB (with Kerosene)
March 1, 2025 -- Caffrey's -- Sherwood Park, AB (with Kerosene)
April 12, 2025 -- TBA -- Drayton Valley, AB (with Tribute Band)
May 10, 2025 -- Westlock Trade Fair -- Westlock, AB (Dahlia & The Villains)
June 4, 2025 -- Maclab Theatre -- Leduc, AB (with Dirt Road Angels)
June 14, 2025 -- Mayerthorpe Car Show -- Mayerthorpe, AB (The Dahlia and Alan Duo)