Where we grow up can influence how we see the world, but it doesn’t always dictate where we want to go. Jonny Porter’s “Howly Ground” examines the conflict between a comfortable suburban lifestyle and the temptation of a more liberated rural one.
Porter’s song is infused with memories and curiosity, shaped by his childhood and teenage years in Oakville. His memory for a suburban upbringing is paired with a longing to walk dirt roads, see rural landscapes, and experience the freedom of life outside the familiar. This contrast is the song’s main emotional thrust. It’s about imagining a different kind of experience and wanting to share that desire with someone else.
The song’s country identity provides a natural home for these ideas, bringing its focus on rural images and personal longing into a familiar musical tradition. The release was produced by Canadian rock engineer and producer Steve Kirstein, who is also a member of The Glorious Sons, while Kristian Montano, a 6x JUNO Award winner, mastered it. “Howly Ground” gives Porter a chance to reflect on his life and express a sustained curiosity about what’s out there.
