Bywater Call channels classic soul on new single
Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call has released its first studio single of 2026, “Only,” now available on all major streaming platforms.
The new track draws from classic soul influences of the 1960s and 1970s, pairing a slow, smooth groove with vocalist Meghan Parnell’s smoky delivery. Lyrically, “Only” explores the tension of holding on to a relationship while confronting the pain of emotional imbalance. Background vocals from Joanna Mohammed (Aphrose) and Claire Davis add depth to the arrangement, reinforcing the song’s themes of loving more than being loved.
While rooted in vintage soul, “Only” also reflects contemporary influences, including Adele and Amy Winehouse.
“Only is a simple, yet emotionally powerful tune,” says guitarist and co-writer Dave Barnes. “It shows off a sweet, softer side of Meg’s usual powerhouse vocals.”
The song was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, engineered and mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering. A lyric video for “Only” is available on YouTube.
In support of the release, Bywater Call has announced a slate of 2026 tour dates across Canada, the United States, and Europe, with additional dates expected to be announced.
2026 Tour Dates
Canada and USA
Jan 22 | New Orleans, LA | Folk Alliance International
Jan 31 | Erin, ON | The Busholme
Feb 26 | Burlington, ON | Burlington Performing Arts Centre
Mar 20 | Safety Harbor, FL | SHAMc
Mar 21 | Boca Raton, FL | Funky Biscuit
Mar 25–29 | Miami, FL | Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea
Apr 2 | Hagerstown, MD | Live at Hub City Vinyl
Apr 3 | Tuckerton, NJ | Lizzie Rose Music Room
Apr 4 | New York, NY | Iridium
Apr 23 | Syracuse, NY | 443 Club at the Hosmer Auditorium
Apr 25 | Drummondville, QC | Maison des arts Desjardins Drummondville
Europe
May 14 | Dudenhofen, Germany | Kulturverein Dudenhofen
May 15 | Rimsting, Germany | Feuerwehrhaus
May 16 | Affalter, Germany | Zur Linde
May 17 | Regensburg, Germany | VAZ Pfarrheim
May 19 | Norderstedt, Germany | Music Star
May 20 | Bremen, Germany | Meisenfrei
May 21 | Werchter, Belgium | Blue Rooster
May 22 | Weert, Netherlands | De Bosuil
May 23 | Unna, Germany | Lindenbrauerei
May 24 | Raalte, Netherlands | Ribs & Blues Festival
May 26 | Leiden, Netherlands | Qbus
May 27 | Verviers, Belgium | Spirit of 66
May 28 | Krefeld, Germany | Kulturrampe
May 29 | Haarlem, Netherlands | Patronaat
May 30 | Tilburg, Netherlands | Heyhoef
May 31 | Aalten, Netherlands | LSA Music
Jun 2 | Arnstadt, Germany | Kulisse
Jun 3 | Aschaffenburg, Germany | Colos-Saal
Jun 4 | Köln, Germany | Die Kantine / Freideck
Jun 5 | Luxemburg, Luxemburg | Blues Club
Jun 6 | Riotord, France | Climax Club Legend
Jun 7 | Le Thor, France | Sonograf
Jun 9 | Chambery, France | Brin de Zinc
Jun 13 | Penmarch, France | God Save The Kouign Festival
