SOCAN Song of the Week

Written by Kyp Harness
Photo by Ava Harness
Wherever the name Kyp Harness appears, the term “songwriter’s songwriter” soon follows. Daniel Lanois calls him “A great writer”; Ron Sexsmith calls him “One of the finest songwriters on the planet." Other songwriters that have tipped their hats include Mary Margaret O’Hara, the late Townes Van Zandt, Bob Wiseman, and Bob Snider. Exclaim Magazine says, “Kyp Harness has amassed a songbook that should rightfully be regarded as a national treasure.” Active since the 1990s, he's consistently earned widespread and well-deserved critical acclaim, while flying under the radar of the mainstream. Harness's music is wide-ranging; his lyrics, rich in detail, emotion, and metaphor; and he refuses to compromise the spirit of the song. When he sings "You'll never get rid of me," it might be addressed as much to the music industry as it might be to his wife. "Rid of Me" is from his new (20th) album Lovely, which will be celebrated with a release party/gig on April 18, 2026, at The Bell and Beacon in Toronto.