Song You Need: Nico Paulo counts up the hours

The FADER’s “Songs You Need” are the tracks we can’t stop playing. Check back every day for new music and follow along on our Spotify playlist.

Nico Paulo has a knack for transmuting the mundane motions of daily life into grand, wistful reveries. Her latest track, “Time,” is a case in point: Early in the track, the Portuguese-Canadian singer-songwriter — currently living in St. John’s, Newfoundland — literally counts up the hours from 5:00 to 12:00. It’s not the most exciting concept on paper, but the numbers come alive through her classic Laurel Canyon croon, delivered over bossa nova guitar strumming, tasteful bass and drums, and the occasional flute flourish.

“Time” is the second single from Paulo’s self-titled debut LP, arriving April 7 via Forward Music Group. It follows the record’s equally lovely lead single, “Now Or Never,” released with the project’s announcement in October. The new song is a somber reflection on its titular construct, both a meditation on the inherent hardship of its onward march (“Time was never easy on you”) and a challenge to take it as it comes, enjoying the moments of pure joy we’re granted every now and then (“Have you ever thought of dancing, just moving into time?”).

Later this week, Paulo will embark on a week-long tour across Canada, starting with two shows — Friday, January 20 in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Saturday, January 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia — in support of Andy Shauf. Watch the Sean Pecknold-animated music video for time, check out Nico Paulo’s upcoming tour dates, and view the cover art and tracklist of her forthcoming album below.

January 20 - Fredericton, NB - Shivering Songs*
January 21 - Halifax, NS - Light House Arts Centre*
January 22 - West Dublin, NS - Ploughman’s Lunch
January 24: Charlottetown, PEI - Trailside Music Hall~
January 26 – Wolfville, NS - Gaspereau Community Hall^
January 27 - St. Andrews, NB - Winter Warmer Festival
March 31 - Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre

* w/ Andy Shauf
~ w/ Abi
^ w/ Pat LePoidevin

1. Intro, Dream
2. Time
3. Amor Amor Amor
4. The Master
5. Now or Never
6. Learning My Ways
7. Lock Me Inside
8. Lovers In The Street
9. Hand Kisser
10. Read My Mind