Debra-Jean Creelman will release her album Threshold July 16. Molly Guldemond photo.

Debra-Jean Creelman to release Threshold in July 

Vancouver singer/songwriter Debra-Jean Creelman is following up her self-released 2019 six-song EP Triggers & Mirrors with Threshold. Modern Laundry will release the nine-song album July 16. 

Creelman recorded the album with Joseph Hirabiyashi of Vancouver band Jo Passed. Hirabiyashi’s parents, prominent Butoh dancers Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi, performed in music videos for Triggers & Mirrors. The family operates KW Studios, a multipurpose space in the Woodward’s Heritage building. Creelman recorded Threshold at the studio.

The album features string arrangements from Hirabiyashi, James Meger (bassist/co-producer), Jesse Zubot and Josh Zubot. Molly Guldemond (Mother Mother), singer/songwriter/producer Louise Burns, and cellist Peggy Lee also contribute.

The first release from the album is the mid-tempo “Faith is Easy.” The track is heavy on electronics and layered vocals (courtesy Creelman and Guldemond), with a borderline-industrial feel at the song’s end. The video is black-and-white and impressionistic, with lots of close-ups and shots of a manic (male) dancer.  

Video: Debra-Jean Creelman (f. Molly Guldemond), “Faith is Easy”:

Creelman first appeared on the B.C. music scene as a member of Mother Mother. She appears on the band’s first three records, the independently released Mother as well as Touch Up, and O My Heart. The band has recently found new fans through TikTok. 

Of her own work, Creelman says, “When I’m giving voice to my vulnerability, that’s when the magic arrives. I’ve been re-learning how to trust my instincts, and so far I’m being shown that they’re good. I am a singer first and foremost and now I"m leaning into, and not apologizing for, that strength. I used to feel lesser because I didn’t play all the instruments and arrange all the songs, but I’ve grown to realize that the skill set I have is good enough.”

Modern Laundry releases Debra-Jean Creelman’s Threshold July 16.