In the bustling streets of 1920s Paris, Canadian songwriter Dierdre Hardt found solace in the romanticism of the city of lights. Far away from her roots in Vancouver, she poured her heart and soul into her music, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture that surrounded her. One fateful day, a chance encounter at a party back in Vancouver brought a spark into Dierdre's life. A young man caught her eye, and despite the distance, they maintained a connection that blossomed into a long-distance romance. When he decided to visit her in Paris, excitement and nerves filled Dierdre's heart as she eagerly awaited his arrival. As they sat in a cozy Parisian restaurant, the young man excused himself to get drinks, leaving his camera with Dierdre. While Dierdre daydreamed about the pair’s future together, the camera was swiped by a clever thief, unnoticed by Dierdre. When the young man returned to find his cherished possession missing, frustration and anger clouded his demeanor. In a heated moment, he accused Dierdre of carelessness and abruptly left, leaving her heartbroken and alone in the dimly lit restaurant. In the quiet aftermath of that night, Dierdre grappled with the unexpected turn of events. The fleeting nature of their encounter weighed heavily on her, leaving an ache in her heart. Despite the disappointment, she channeled her emotions into her music, penning “What Now?” a song about the essence of love lost and the bittersweet memories that lingered.

Vocals and orchestration: Michael Johnson
Orchestra: The Reclinerland Symphony Orchestra

Recorded in 2023 to 2024 at Reclinerland HQ in Paris, France. Mixed and mastered by Michael Johnson and Jarkko Heiniö.