The Ultimate Soundtrack For Embracing Life’s Joys, Confronting Grief, And Answering The Call To Protect Our Planet.
By: Robert Solomon
listen to the article
Edmonton-based folk artist Marten Borch unveils his deeply personal and sonically rich new album, That Was Fun—an evocative eight-track journey that grapples with the beauty of nature, the weight of personal loss, and the urgency of the climate crisis. Seamlessly blending joy and grief, nostalgia and resolve, Borch crafts a body of work that not only reflects on the impermanence of life but also extends a hopeful call to action for environmental restoration.
Authenticity and simplicity have always been Borch’s guiding principles, and here, his love for nature and humanity pulses through every note. Like a timeworn photograph, That Was Fun preserves raw emotion in its purest form. The self-penned album is a delicate balance between organic imperfection and melodic sophistication, filled with rich textures that mirror the unpredictable rhythms of the natural world.
“The album is important for me to showcase my music as a solo artist,” Borch shares. “I initially intended to release it last year, but after my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I put everything on hold. Now, it has become an ode to her, with two songs written specifically in her memory. The title, That Was Fun, comes from some of the last words she said to me.”
The album opens with “Breathe,” a reflective piece that encourages stepping outside to embrace nature while casting a sharp critique on capitalist excess. The infectious “Irish Washerwoman” injects traditional folk energy, designed to get listeners on their feet, while “In Everything” stands as a heartfelt elegy to his mother, channeling the depths of his grief. “Fireweed” marvels at the regenerative cycles of the natural world, while “Big John McNeil” is another lively traditional tune that harks back to Borch’s folk roots. On “Vanish,” Borch turns his focus to the climate crisis, weaving a sobering yet poetic meditation on humanity’s fragile relationship with the earth. “Snapps Birthday Waltz” serves as another tribute to his mother, filled with tender intimacy. Closing the album, “Rewild” offers a powerful and urgent message—one of restoration, resilience, and hope.
Borch’s musical journey began at the age of six, playing old-time fiddle tunes alongside his brothers. They formed a band, performing across Canada—from Edmonton’s community gatherings to both coasts and the rugged mountain landscapes in between. Now stepping into his own as a solo artist, Borch draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, spanning from the Celtic fiddle stylings of Natalie MacMaster to the swing-era jazz of Artie Shaw, the atmospheric rock of Pink Floyd, and even the raw emotional intensity of Linkin Park.
Beyond music, Borch is an impassioned climate activist and advocate for intentional communities, believing in the power of collective support over the isolation of the nuclear family. When he’s not crafting songs or fighting for environmental change, he finds solace in carpentry and woodworking—an extension of his lifelong love for creation and craftsmanship. With That Was Fun, Marten Borch documents a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience, a sonic space where loss and love, despair and hope, tradition and reinvention coexist in harmony.
THAT WAS FUN TRACKLIST 1. Breathe 2. Irish Washerwoman 3. In Everything 4. Fireweed 5. Big John McNeil 6. Vanish 7. Schnapps Birthday Waltz 8. Rewild
TOUR DATES
May 2, 2025 – Edmonton, AB – Album Release Party at The Blue Chair
May 11, 2025 – Radium Hot Springs, BC – Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery
May 22, 2025 – Gibsons, BC – Tapworks Brewing Company
May 23, 2025 – Powell River, BC – The Wishing Well
May 24, 2025 – Powell River, BC – Hearthstone Village
June 12, 2025 – Capital Regional District, BC – Waterfront Country Cafe
June 13, 2025 – Capital Regional District, BC – Phoenix Farm
June 28, 2025 – Agassiz, BC – Abundance Community Farm
July 6, 2025 – Fernie, BC – Bramasole Restaurant & Wine Bar
July 11 – 12, 2025 – Sherwood Park, AB – RavenWood Music Festival 2025
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or feature consideration, please submit here via our partnership with MusoSoup.
