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"Canada has seen it's share of great sister duos. You can now add Danielle MacDonald and Shellie Tobin to that list. 

Hearts of Kin is a Cape Breton duo that blends beautiful harmonies and poignant lyrics to deliver music that hits you right (as their name suggests)............ in the HEART."

- Martin Hickey, CIOE 97.5 FM Radio

 "Hearts of Kin performed brilliantly at the 2022 and 2023 Acoustic Maritime Music Festivals and quickly became fan favourites. With their superb songwriting ability, original arrangements and their family harmonies, Hearts of Kin are destined to be an important and significant part of the East Coast Music scene" -- Marc Peterson, Artistic Director, Kempt Shore Festivals 

The Coast 89.7 Presents: Hearts of Kin "Beautiful Burn" Album Release Show

Sydney, NS, October, 2023 -  Cape Breton sisters Danielle MacDonald and Shellie Ann Tobin are set to release their highly anticipated debut album, Beautiful Burn, on Oct 27th, 2023. 
Freshly independent, the duo has returned to their roots to curate the Hearts of Kin sound, which continues to be defined by sweet sibling harmonies and the warm sound of the sisters signature slide guitar. 
After independently recording the 8 track LP, Hearts of Kin partnered with award winning Soundpark Studios to round out the album production for a world class sound. Flavored by the influences of folk, rock-roots, country and blues, Beautiful Burn offers the first true glimpse into the hearts of the kin who crafted it. Sweet and soulful, with just enough grit, this album is set to take listeners on an emotional journey with two sisters seeking to make sense of the highs and lows of life together. 
The album's breakout single, "Hijack", sets the tone with its powerful message about taking control of life when it's gone off the rails.  The sentiment resonated with many, as the single charted on East Coast radio for 15 weeks, peaking at #1. With a short list of prolific collaborators including Colin Gillis (Pretty Archie), Ed Woodsworth, and Flo Sampson, Hearts of Kin's debut album is set to make its mark. 
"This album is an intimate collection of a lifetime of joy, pain, love and loss." says the duo.  "Producing it was very healing for us and we can't wait to share it because we know it's going to resonate with alot of people. There's something for everyone on this record.  Some songs will make you want to dance and some will make you want to cry. We hope it gives our listeners sense of comfort and connection." 
Hearts of Kin will be celebrating the release of their first full length record with an album launch party on November 18th at the Holiday Inn - Sydney Waterfront Ballroom.  The show will feature Hearts of Kin with a full band, along with special guests, Digby based brother band Tide & Timbre as well as the duo's daughter and niece, Destiny Dawn. 

 

Episode 76: Sensational Sister Duo Danielle MacDonald and Shellie Tobin are "Hearts of Kin" With Hearts of Gold

 

Cape Breton born and based siblings wouldn’t want to partner with anyone else! Their connection is apparent having established their strengths, values and sound in an incredibly short period of time. We chat about the benefits of being faced with challenges and how those hardships help us grow into better versions of ourselves. Hearts of Kin’s music is authentically representational of the kindest gals on the island! Managed by Danielle’s husband Brent, the sisters are able to focus on their bursting songwriting talent, touring, and purpose.

Cape Breton's Rock The Fiddle Festival to feature Serena Ryder, Matt Mays

SYDNEY, N.S. — Rock the Fiddle has announced the lineup for its 2023 festival featuring some big names like Serena Ryder along with some local favourites.

The festival is set for three nights from Aug. 10-12 at the Sydney waterfront.

Kicking off the festivities on Thursday, Aug. 10, will be Andre Pettipas and the Giants, followed by Rock Ranger, The Villages and the sounds of Matt Mays.

On Friday, Aug. 10, the Men of the Deeps take the stage, with performances by The Privateers, the Island Girls and the Jimmy Rankin Band.

The final night on Saturday, Aug. 12, will feature Jordyn Crocker, Hearts of Kin and RG Schaller and the Peacemakers.

They will be followed by Fire Valley Fire before Serena Ryder takes the stage.

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Hearts of Kin - Slowest  Breakup, #25 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown

The Canadian Indie Country Countdown is a fan - voted, weekly radio show featuring Canadian artists. This national chart includes the top 100 songs by Canadian Indie artists each week. Coyote 103 airs the top 30 songs every Saturday at 1pm EST

ECMA Breakout Spotlight: Hearts of Kin - Halifax Presents

Meet country band Hearts of Kin which performs as part of the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) Breakout Stage, Featuring some of "the most promising emerging and developing artists from around Atlantic Canada", at the Seahorse Tavern on May 5th.

First Single from Hearts of Kin's Debut Album "Beautiful Burn" Reaches #1 on East Coast Top 30 

East Coast DnA : Road to Nova Scotia Music Week feat. Hearts of Kin

Cavendish Beach Music Festival
 

Back in - person for the first year since the pandemic, Cavendish Beach Music Festival welcomed Hearts of Kin to the Emerging Artist Stage in PE on July 8th, 2022. The CBMF is the largest multi-day music event in Atlantic Canada, combining some of the world's greatest country music artists.

EP Release Success
 

On April 29th, 2022, Hearts of Kin celebrated the release of their debut EP Homegrown, with a sold out CD release party at Daniel's Alehouse and Eatery, Sydney, NS. 

 

It was standing room only at the popular downtown Sydney hotspot for the celebration which marked not only the release of the duo's first professionally recorded music, but also their long awaited reunion and the beginning of a new chapter. 


This highly anticipated night of live music featured Hearts of Kin backed by a full band (Lawrence Lelievre, David Burke, and Ron Leadbeater) with special guests, ECMA showcasing artist Elyse Aeryn and Destiny Tobin.  This event drew the largest audience the venue had hosted post covid. 

Rocking for Ukraine: Raising funds to help a country at war

Hearts of Kin kicked off a benefit concert for Ukraine Sunday in Whitney Pier, NS. The event was held in a Maritime community where Ukrainian culture and connections run deep.

See the full story here: 

There have been challenges but Danielle MacDonald, left, and sister Shellie Ann Tobin of Hearts of Kin are ready to take their music careers to the next level. 

Hearts of Kin's debut single "Throw Away World" claims the #1 spot on 97.5 CIOE East Coast 30 for the week of November 6th, 2021

CIOE 97.5 Community Radio places Hearts of Kin's "Throw Away World" at #12 of the top 100 songs of 2021!

CBC Mainstreet 

Pandemic Artist Profile: Hearts of Kin

"Pandemic Artists" is a feature with the CBC's Olivia Adlakha, where Cape Breton artists have used the pandemic to their advantage, allowing them to grow as an artist as a result of having more time at home. First up, we talked to New Waterford's "Hearts of Kin".

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