Montreal-based singer-songwriter and composer Patrick Watson has released a new single, “Silencio,” a collaboration with French singer-songwriter November Ultra. The track emerged from a period of enforced silence for Watson, who lost his voice for nearly three months. The experience left him questioning whether he talked too much, and made him reflect on the value of listening more and speaking less.
Recorded in a Parisian studio overlooking Montmartre, “Silencio” features a haunting blend of guitar arpeggios, soft percussion, piano, and synthesizers. The song is sung in both English and Spanish, with November Ultra’s voice adding a distinct, ethereal quality. “I think you like me better since I lost my voice,” Watson sings, contemplating his newfound perspective on communication. His longtime collaborator Mishka Stein, who co-wrote the track, found an antique guitar that became central to the recording, lending the song a timeless, almost ghostly resonance.
Watson and November Ultra first crossed paths on France Inter’s Côté Club, later returning to the show together for “Silencio’s” release. The studio, owned by painter Ruben Alterio, played a pivotal role in shaping the song’s atmosphere. Watson recalls, “There’s something about that loft with its giant windows and old Parisian charm. The place seemed to echo with stories.” Inspired by the setting, Stein purchased a classical guitar from a nearby shop and used it in the final recording.
The song draws on two distinct narratives: Watson’s personal journey through months of silence, and November Ultra’s own struggle with losing her voice after a gruelling tour. “When I met Patrick, we talked about our voices, our fear of losing them… What would we learn if that actually happened?” November Ultra shared. For Watson, the forced silence became a lesson in vulnerability. “You’re far more exposed when you’re the one speaking. I found myself listening differently, creating space in conversations. It changed the way I interact with others.”
“Silencio” is part of a larger project inspired by Watson’s voice loss, with more details expected in the coming months. The release follows his 2022 album Better in the Shade, known for its literary influences. With collaborators like Charlotte Cardin and Hania Rani in his recent work, Watson continues to evolve his sound while exploring deeper personal themes.
Watson and his band will soon embark on a tour with the FILMHarmonic Orchestra, with dates scheduled for Toronto’s Meridian Hall on November 2 and a series of performances at Montreal’s Maison Symphonique in late November.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Patrick Watson and the FILMHarmonic Orchestra:
November 2 — Meridian Hall — Toronto, Canada
November 20, 21, 28, 29, 30 — Place des Arts — Maison Symphonique — Montreal, Canada