Acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Poltz announces his return to his Canadian roots with an extensive 17-date spring tour across Eastern Canada, kicking off April 15, 2026. The Halifax-born artist continues his momentum following sold-out theatre runs and massive responses at major festivals across Australia and the US, bringing his "good old-fashioned sing-along" show to intimate venues throughout the Maritimes, Ontario, and Quebec. The tour supports his 14th solo album, JoyRide, a collection of "unsaturated, unadulterated art" that captures the chaos and poetry of his creative life.

Recorded in East Nashville with producer Dex Green, JoyRide represents a raw, unfiltered approach to recording. "Capturing me in a studio is like convincing a whirling dervish to stop spinning long enough to sign a bill into law," says Poltz. The album embraces a spirit of "no seatbelts, no helmets," featuring "real humans making real noise in real time". The sessions utilized the legendary rhythm section of Bryan Owings and Christopher Donohue—best known for their work with Emmylou Harris—to create a natural, organic feel.

The new collection highlights Poltz’s penchant for contemporary collaboration, featuring co-writes with industry heavyweights like Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon and Jim Lauderdale. On the track "Love a Little Bigger," Poltz and Herman turned a spontaneous chorus into a "rowdy" anthem that serves as a "singalong reminder to forgive faster and swim more often". The album also features "Fixin' Up," a track Poltz wanted to capture the essence of a moment in Andy Frasco's kitchen, where the song stopped Frasco from doing dishes to ask, "What the hell is this? I love it".

True to his reputation as a "musical trickster," Poltz infuses the record with humor and storytelling. The track "The Son of God" recounts a dream conversation with Jesus about "buying some Funk and Wagnalls encyclopedias," while "Hairlift" rhymes "Mao Zedong" with "well hung" in what Poltz calls a "little bit of humor that leaves you with a sideways smile". The title track, "JoyRide," is described as a "love song to the road" that feels like "a warm hug after a long road trip".

About Steve Poltz Steve Poltz is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and founding member of the indie-rock band the Rugburns. While he is known for co-writing the hit "You Were Meant for Me" with Jewel, Poltz has spent recent years crushing festivals in Canada, Australia, and the US, building a reputation as a prolific live performer. His recent work focuses on contemporary collaborations and high-energy touring, including successful runs with Danny Michel. He continues to capture the hearts of crowds with his unique blend of musicianship and storytelling.

Steve Poltz performs live in Kingston at The Spire with Terra Spencer on April 30, 2026. Details and tickets available here.