As 2020 got underway, Mikhail Laxton was set to open the next chapter of his life. Having moved from Australia to Ottawa upon marrying the love of his life, he had landed a record deal and made his debut EP, Real, a collection of Soul-folk gems reflecting that whirlwind transition period. But what should have been the wider world’s introduction to Mikhail’s immense talent—already established in his homeland through appearances on Australia’s version of The Voice—was lost in the cacophony of pandemic confusion. Yes, it had seemed too easy, and cruelly so. As one obstacle followed another, Mikhail coped the only way he could, by wiping the slate clean and re-emerging with a new crop of songs drawn from the core of his being. His new album is simply entitled Mikhail Laxton, because it is who he is.