Toronto-based roots-soul collective Bywater Call have released their first studio single of 2025, Hold Me Down. The track is now streaming worldwide via linktr.ee/bywatercall, accompanied by an official music video filmed at High Park Brewery in Toronto, available on YouTube.
Hold Me Down is a groovy, feel-good soul anthem with a playful yet desperate plea to hold onto love. Reminiscent of classic soul but infused with modern influences like Alabama Shakes and Amy Winehouse, the single is driven by the sultry, gritty power of Meghan Parnell’s vocals.
Guitarist Dave Barnes explains, “When I first came up with the idea for Hold Me Down, I wanted to mesh Bywater Call’s aesthetic with more of a 60s soul sound. Then Meg came up with that first note, and the song took on a life of its own. It’s one of those rare tunes for us that came together surprisingly easily.”
The track’s steady hi-hat pulse, inspired by James Gadson, combines with punchy horn lines and a gospel choir to deliver a soulful, modern twist on timeless sounds. It was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, captured and mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering.
The single follows the release of Sunshine (Live) in 2025, which received glowing praise across the press. Raw Ramp awarded it 5 stars, calling it “full of truth, beauty, radiance, and virtuosity.” Blues Rock Review described it as “packed with magical moments and extended instrumental jams,” while Music News hailed it as “terrific… the very essence of a live album.”
With their reputation for dynamic, emotional live shows and a string of acclaimed releases including 2024’s Shepherd — named Blues Album of the Month by Classic Rock — Bywater Call continue their rise as one of the most exciting acts on the international blues-soul scene.
In November 2025, the band will embark on their third UK headline tour, closing with a slot at Planet Rock’s Rockstock Festival in Wales on 27 November. Tickets are available now via The Gig Cartel and Bywater Call.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THEGIGCARTEL.COM
