Glenn A Johnson releases his songwriter’s anthology *Love and Loss: The Songs I Kept*, a collection that draws deeply on his Nova Scotia roots and a lifetime of storytelling. Born in Halifax and raised in Liverpool, Glenn carries the spirit of the East Coast in every note—anchored by the pull of the ocean and the resilience of memory.
Though now based in Ottawa, Glenn’s heart remains tied to Nova Scotia’s South Shore. His music blends pop and light rock with folk traditions, carried by themes of longing, healing, and the enduring connection to home.
Produced and released under his label BalzaSteel Music, the songs are built not for spectacle but for connection with other artists and possibly for film and television. Glenn’s compositions are offerings to all listeners from the heart, crafted with honesty and care. Beyond listeners, he hopes to connect with performers who may need tailored pieces lyrically and musically.
The anthology features songs spanning decades of writing, including ‘Back To Nova Scotia,’ a heartfelt ode to his birthplace. With lines like “Nova Scotia skies of tartan blue / No matter where I roam, I’ll come back to you,” the song captures the ache of distance and the comfort of return.
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4PWBUT0YwT9jRKkWyNeN5K?si=yR6KlMC1TtuUxibtZwxDTw&nd=1&dlsi=14a300903732456e
Other tracks highlight different shades of love and struggle. ‘A Beautiful Tragedy’ reflects on relationships fractured by time and memory. ‘Can’t Hang It Up’ is an anthem for perseverance in music itself, acknowledging the hardships of the road while celebrating its healing power. ‘Silence Ain’t Peace’ speaks to justice, trauma, and truth with striking urgency.
Glenn’s journey to this release has been anything but ordinary. A drummer at heart, he composes melodies one-handed due to spinal nerve damage, relying on technology and AI tools to help bring his songs to life. “I’ve had many of the songs complete inside my head,” Glenn shares, “but only recently have I been able to record them in a way that others can hear and, hopefully, carry forward.”