At the heart of Brandi Vezina’s Grit & Glamour EP is a song that feels both deeply personal and universally Canadian … “Paper Town.”
This haunting single captures the story of a once-thriving mill town that lost its identity when the local industry shut down.
Inspired by true events, “Paper Town” speaks to anyone who’s ever seen their community (or their sense of purpose) disappear overnight.
A Song About More Than Just a Town
“Paper Town” isn’t just about economic loss. It’s about the people behind the work.
The generations of families whose lives revolved around an industry that suddenly vanished.
“It’s about more than just a job, it’s about identity, purpose, and the generations of families who built their lives around something that was suddenly gone,” says Vezina.
Co-written and performed with Winnipeg’s Scott Nolan, the track layers soulful vocals with grounded, rootsy production.
The result is a song that feels lived-in; reflective, but never hopeless.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The emotional weight of “Paper Town” didn’t go unnoticed.
The Manitoba Arts Council and Manitoba Film & Music have both backed the project, recognizing its cultural significance and ensuring that this story reaches audiences across Canada.
Brandi Vezina continues to be a powerful voice in the Indigenous and Canadian music landscape. She’s earned national recognition through:
- Amazon Music’s Indigenous Song Camp in Toronto
- Support from the SOCAN Foundation, Kilometer Music Group, and the sākihiwē festival
- Participation in the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Program with the National Music Centre and the TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator in 2025
Her journey is a testament to artistry built on authenticity and community — values that “Paper Town” captures perfectly.
Why “Paper Town” Resonates
What makes this song so compelling is its honesty.
“Paper Town” isn’t just nostalgia for a time gone by … it’s a meditation on resilience. It reminds listeners that even when an industry disappears, the spirit of a community endures.
It’s storytelling at its most grounded: no artifice, just truth, melody, and heart.
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
