"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 are destined to be an important and significant part of the East Coast Music scene" -- Marc Peterson, Artistic Director, Kempt Shore Festivals
Sisters Shellie Tobin and Danielle MacDonald chat with Katie Kelly about their new release, winning Music Nova Scotia's Country Recording of the Year, and what's next for the duo.
Cape Breton duo 'Hearts of Kin' release new single
CANADIAN BEATS Reviews Hearts of Kin's "Beautiful Burn"
The Canadian Love Map
Hosted by Nancy Regan
In this new episode, Danielle and Shellie share their story of how music filled their hearts at a young age.
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.
Album Release Success!
On November 18th, 2023, Hearts of Kin celebrated the release of their debut Album, "Beautiful Burn", with a sold out CD release party at The Holiday Inn Ballroom in Sydney, NS.
This highly anticipated night of live music featured Hearts of Kin backed by a full band (Ed Woodsworth, bass; Redmond MacDougall, drums), along with special guest Colin Gillis on the harmonica. The sisters teamed up with brother band Tide & Timbre who opened the show along with kinling Destiny Dawn who kicked the evening off with her soulful performance.
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.
First Single from Hearts of Kin's Debut Album "Beautiful Burn" Reaches #1 on East Coast Top 30
Heart of Kin - Ricochet claims #2 spot on national radio chart
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.
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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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.
Christmas Daddies Annual Telethon
Hearts of Kin perform on the 60th annual Christmas Daddies Telethon which aired in December, 2023.
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".
