Toronto’s veteran folk singer-songwriter Tyler Ellis just dropped his eighth studio album, Down by the Don, on June 12, 2025, a release that doubles as both a career milestone and a quiet flex. Ellis, who’s been part of the Canadian folk fabric for over 40 years, approaches this album with purpose and precision, sharpening his craft. The album is another reminder of what he does best: songs that split the difference between wit and warmth, nostalgia and sharp-eyed commentary. There’s a casual brilliance to how he tells stories — not flashy, but deeply felt, and often surprisingly funny.
Ellis’s roots run deep. From early piano lessons to campfire singalongs and eventually performing as a counselor, he’s always been about that connection, the kind that comes from singing directly to someone, not at them. Influenced by greats like John Prine, Ellis carved out his own lane, weaving folk, roots, and Americana into something that’s distinctively his. This album sticks to his signature style while reaffirming his mastery.
In addition to his work as a musician, Tyler Ellis has left an indelible mark as a music teacher and mentor. A beloved figure in Toronto, he has hosted the long-running Riverboat Monday open stage, providing a platform for emerging artists. His contributions to music education have earned him accolades, including the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Music Instructor Diamond Award (2019).
His new album, “Down by the Don,” is a result of Tyler Ellis’s enduring talent and his commitment to crafting music that speaks to the human experience. The album features 14 tracks that explore themes of friendship, love, memory, and resilience. Collaborations with artists such as Arlene Bishop, Julian Taylor, Stephen York, Katey Morley, and Bill McBirnie add richness and variety to the project while maintaining Ellis’s signature sound. And I’d like to highlight a few tracks that resonated with me the most. Undoubtedly, the first track, “100 Proof,” stands out with its gentle acoustic backdrop and Tyler Ellis’s soft vocals, which create a very cozy atmosphere. This is a song about resilience, kindness, and breaking away from outdated models of masculinity.
That warm, homey sound is even more pronounced in “Down by the Don.” It’s a tender celebration of good, supportive friendship, mutual understanding, and the ease that exists in certain relationships. The title track is inspired by walks with a friend along Toronto’s Don River. And you can feel it in every lyric, as if a light breeze carries the melody, with Tyler Ellis’s vocals shaping the atmosphere.
The track “Picture on the Fridge” also radiates comfort and familiarity. Every bar delivers a sense of calm, enjoyment, and love, perhaps because there’s a very tender story behind it. This song was written during lockdown and inspired by a photograph of Ellis’s daughter. Tyler Ellis recalls childhood fears and joys, as well as a performance at a local skating rink.
I’d also like to mention “Love Letters,” co-written and featuring backing vocals by Julian Taylor. This track was nominated for International Folk Music Awards Song of the Year. The song feels like it’s looking through time, reflecting on people who have “thought through the ages.” Perhaps that’s why “Love at First Sight Saturday Night” comes across as Tyler Ellis’s most important revelation, filled with reflections on the thrill of first love at first sight. Backing vocals on this track are provided by Stephen York and Katey Morley. Then, in “Your Smile,” Tyler Ellis contemplates the ups and downs of romance, reflecting on a relationship that has gone through several stages and become more grounded and real.
The album closes with “Swept Away”, a jazz-tinged final track carried by Bill McBirnie’s graceful flute work. It’s a stylistic shift, subtle, textured, and genuinely expressive, that highlights Tyler Ellis as a composer willing to take risks and expand his palette. It points to an artist with a lot more to say and a clear sense of direction.
The album is already up on all streaming platforms, but if you’re in Toronto tonight, July 12, make your way to Hugh’s Room Live. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm. It’s the ideal setting to hear this music as it was meant to be experienced, live, dynamic, and fully present.
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