Canadian singer-songwriter Ian James Bain has just released a moving new single, “Church On A Hill,” and it’s making waves with fans of authentic, heartfelt country music.
The song is the latest offering from his upcoming EP, At Your Service, and it’s now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music via ArtHaus Music.
A Reflection on Faith and Resilience
“Church On A Hill” is more than just a song… it’s a glimpse into Ian’s soul.
Written during a particularly dark day in the pandemic, the song draws inspiration from the towering Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, Ontario, where Ian lived for a decade.
Ian shared, “I grew up without God in my life, and I wouldn’t change that, but I suppose a part of me is envious of people who truly believe there’s someone in their corner that has a plan. When I wrote the song I needed some help and I sure would have liked to feel that kind of support even if it was from someone I couldn’t see.”
The track stands proudly alongside the recent work of artists like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, delivering a raw, poetic meditation on faith, longing, and the search for meaning.
Honky Tonk Roots and a New Chapter
Ian is no stranger to the stage.
Before focusing on his solo music, he honed his skills as a touring guitarist with Jeremie Albino and as a core member of Nicolette & The Nobodies. But with At Your Service, he’s truly stepping into his own spotlight.
Working with renowned Toronto producer and pedal steel guitarist Aaron Goldstein (who has worked with Daniel Romano, Kathleen Edwards, and Julianna Riolino), Ian has crafted a sound that blends vintage country vibes with a fresh, modern twist. You can really hear this on the EP’s first single “Come & Gone,” and even more so now with “Church On A Hill.”
A Life Lived on the Move
Ian’s story is one of movement… the son of an air force man, he spent his early life moving from place to place before putting down roots in rural Ontario. His love for country music grew out of those experiences, reflecting the restless spirit of someone always searching for home.
In 2019, Ian took that spirit west, working on a ranch in Golden, British Columbia. By day, he worked outside… by night, he wrote songs in a small cabin, capturing ideas on cassette tapes.
After returning home, Ian started learning from Canadian country legend Paul Weber at the Commercial Tavern, studying classic country and performing songs by legends like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and Merle Haggard.
Looking Ahead with At Your Service
With At Your Service, he continues to share hard-earned lessons and stories, solidifying his place among today’s most exciting young country songwriters.
“Church On A Hill” is proof that Ian James Bain isn’t just paying tribute to the greats… he’s becoming one of them.
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.
