Toronto singer and songwriter Doug Paisley is an incredibly talented musician. His latest album, Strong Feelings, was released in 2014, and he performs at the venerable Horseshoe Tavern on Nov. 7. We shot Paisley playing his gorgeous new song “Our Love” at Sherwood Park in his old North Toronto stomping grounds (John Tory was his neighbour).

Have you been working on some new songs that we might hear at your show on Friday?
I have a new two-song single coming out, and we’ll be playing those and other new songs at the shows. Trying new material keeps things nerve-racking in a good way.

There is a lovely timeless quality to your music that really showcases your songwriting. Who would you say are your biggest influences in that regard?
I grew up in North Toronto and passed by Gordon Lightfoot’s house on my way to school. I remember being really tuned into new Blue Rodeo songs and albums as they came out, and I once went to Sam the Record Man to meet the Band before their show at the Ontario Place Forum. I’ve always been aware of good music being made here in Toronto and many of these fellow Torontonians have had a big influence on me musically.

Tell me about working with a legend such as Garth Hudson. One might assume you were a fan of the Band in your younger years.…
Working with Garth Hudson has been a thrill and a highlight of my musical life. He’s a funny and fascinating character, and his musical contributions elevate everything he’s a part of. I ordered a Band album when I joined the Columbia House tape club at age 11, and that album was the one good thing that came out of my membership.

Your songs are so powerful and full of emotion, but they aren’t schmaltzy. Are you one of those rare fellas who can talk about his feelings, honestly and openly?
Songwriting is a powerful way of exploring and expressing your feelings. I think a lot of artists focus their energy on that work to the detriment of other forms of communication, and I would have to include myself in that category.