GENRE; Singer-Songwriter (Acoustic)/ Singer-Songwriter Band
RELEASE DATE; 16 October, 2026
RATING; 4.2/5
The four-track EP titled “MILES ON IT”, which came out on October 16, 2026, looks at the careful balance between enjoying the valuable moments in life and finding the strength to move on when going through hard times. Themes of love, loss, grief and awareness of the environment lead to an assortment of songs that promote reflection yet do not give up on hope. Each track tackles these issues from a different angle, resulting in a body of work brought together by its focus on resilience, personal growth and the need to protect what is important before it is lost.
Starting with the title track, ‘Miles On It’, the song urges people to realise the value of what they have while they still have the opportunity to appreciate it; the message of the song sets an emotional base for the EP by recognising the transient nature of life without falling into despair. ‘I’m A Vine’ brings out the themes of perseverance and self-belief found in the collection, telling listeners to see to their own strengths while at the same time accepting help from others. The involvement of horn player Tom Moffett and bassist Alex St Kitts gives this track an additional sense of collaboration, supporting the idea of staying resilient when the circumstances become difficult.
“The Moving Picture Show” directs its focus towards cultural appreciation and personal legacy, showing respect for the Toronto International Film Festival and the role it has played in the city’s arts community. The song also serves as a tribute to Van’s grandfather, one of the founding figures of the festival who is still alive, thus giving the song’s subject a substantial personal aspect. Instead of concentrating only on individual difficulties, the piece acknowledges the long-term value of creative institutions and the people who help them thrive. By including this track, the EP extends its scope and links personal gratitude with a broader appreciation of artistic heritage.
Ending with the song ‘Take Your Light Down’, Van provides a deliberately unpolished, single-take studio recording in which she sings alongside Mark Calderone on guitar, the performance being recorded through one microphone and including a drumbeat. This simple style maintains the sense of a direct, human interaction, underscoring the project’s focus on true connection. In four tracks, ‘MILES ON IT’ serves as a thoughtful reminder that moving forward demands courage, adaptability and an appreciation of the brief gifts of life.
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