Nova Scotia’s Andre Pettipas is no stranger to songs with soul — but his new single “Gypsophila” might just be his most personal work yet. Written in memory of his niece, Blake Everleigh, who passed away at just three months old from SIDS, Gypsophila stands as a haunting, heartfelt tribute born out of grief, sobriety, and ultimate perseverance.
“It took two years after her passing to finally write about it — around the same time I got sober, nearly three years ago,” says Pettipas. ” ‘Gypsophila’ is about vulnerability and perseverance. Going through a traumatic event like losing an innocent loved one forever changes your trajectory. It alters the way you react, feel, and handle even the smallest of interactions.”
The track features a powerful collaboration with Jeremy Taggart, the celebrated drummer from Canadian rock legends Our Lady Peace. Having Taggart behind the kit isn’t just a star feature — for Pettipas, it ties directly into the earliest moments he discovered his love for music.
“When I find myself lost, I always go back to Our Lady Peace’s Clumsy album. Hearing that record for the first time at six years old is when I knew I wanted to become a musician. Having Jeremy on this track means the world to me — his performance helps paint the picture musically in such an important way.”
The artwork: A personal touch
Adding another layer of connection, Pettipas himself designed the single’s artwork — a raw and delicate visual representation of the emotions behind “Gypsophila”. The gypsophila flower, often known as “baby’s breath,” symbolizes innocence and everlasting love — making it a fitting emblem for the track’s meaning and a nod to the song’s dedication to Blake.
“I needed years to process what had happened before I could begin healing. Music has saved my life in more ways than I can count. Giantstock is about sharing stories, creating memories, and finding the people who understand the value of connection,” Pettipas shares.
With Gypsophila released into the world, Pettipas isn’t slowing down. He’s recently completed a string of tour date with his full band, Andre Pettipas and the Giants, alongside Newfoundland’s Fairgale and Ontario’s Kasador. These tour dates lead directly into the summer festival season, culminating at Giantstock’s highly anticipated return.
With upcoming solo Andre Pettipas and full band tour dates for Andre Pettipas and The Giants, the road ahead promises to be filled with music, memories, and purpose — three things Pettipas now knows are inseparably intertwined.
This article appears in May 1-31, 2025.