Toni Vere – Broken People (2026)
Described as “folk stumbling into country”, singer-songwriter Toni Vere brings the intimacy of Carole King, James Taylor and Janis Ian to the ears of listeners across the globe. With her poetic words, Vere doesn’t just tell stories, she reaches into the well of human experience, drawing up songs that are lived-in, universal, and weighty. Now, this is my first time listening to the Canadian musician, and each of the songs I’ve listened to – however briefly – brims with live performance enthusiasm in a studio-recorded single. The latest addition to Vere’s discography is the single ‘Broken People’.
Following her 2025 live version of ‘Bonnie’, ‘Broken People’ is Toni Vere’s first step into 2026. Duality through melody, the track weaves an intricate instrumental arrangement with bare-bones, raw, lived-in vocals. A sweep of drums, acoustic guitar, percussion and piano, the single is a twirl of kaleidoscopic music with a steady, sober “plodding along” sentimentality. It’s easy to listen to with a sort of quiet confidence lingering beneath; a sound that is both the wound beneath the plaster and the calming balm.
Easy-going and laid-back, ‘Broken People’ is a beautifully executed folk song. Then again, just as with traditional folk melodies, that complexity exudes in the weighty theme. Vere explains: “’Broken People’ isn’t about broken individuals. It’s about a society that seems to be breaking under the weight of greed, division, and the pursuit of power. It’s about people trying to build decent lives while watching the rules change around them.”
Sincere and soothing with mellifluous charm, ‘Broken People’ is a wonderful end to a very long Monday, even with the poignant concept. Given this is the first track off Vere’s upcoming album, Picture of You, I am eager for the album to be released! Until then, I’m happy wandering through her back catalogue.
In addition to the single, Toni Vere released an official music video for ‘Broken People’. You can view the video below and/or on her YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Toni Vere on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk music on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist:
