School House on new single, tour & sophomore album 'Homeland'

Canadian folk-country band School House will release their new single, Live While I’m Alive, on Jan. 16 across all major streaming platforms, marking the next chapter for the fast-rising group as they prepare for a national tour and their second full-length album. Band member Joel Ryan says the song reflects the tension of modern adulthood, touching on financial stress, self-doubt and the uncertainty that often defines a quarter-life period. Rather than offering easy solutions, Live While I’m Alive leans into imperfection, encouraging listeners to let go of constant comparison and focus on living in the present. The single arrives ahead of School House’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Homeland, scheduled for release on Feb. 27, 2026. Formed in 2021 after three best friends moved into a century-old schoolhouse together, the band quickly gained attention for its harmony-driven sound and songwriting rooted in late-night, campfire-style sessions. Since then, School House has built steady national momentum, winning the 2025 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase and earning Group of the Year at the 2024 Ottawa Music Awards. Their debut release was also named Album of the Year by Faces Magazine. The band is signed to the Paquin Agency for live representation and has toured with the Strumbellas, opened for Alan Doyle, and continued to expand its presence on stages across the country. To support the new single and upcoming album, School House will join Braden Lam on the “Freewheelin’ Field Trip” tour in March 2026, with stops throughout Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario. Tour dates include: March 5 – Halifax, N.S. – Seahorse Tavern March 6 – Truro, N.S. – Marigold Cultural Centre March 7 – Miramichi, N.B. – New Maritime Beer March 8 – Charlottetown, P.E.I. – The Guild March 10 – Moncton, N.B. – Xeroz Arcade Bar March 11 – Fredericton, N.B. – The Cap March 13 – Quebec City, Que. – L’Anti March 14 – Ottawa, Ont. – Overflow Brewing March 15 – Kingston, Ont. – Broom Factory March 18 – St. Catharines, Ont. – Warehouse March 19 – Toronto, Ont. – Rivoli March 20 – Windsor, Ont. – Meteor March 21 – London, Ont. – London Brewing Company March 22 – Kitchener, Ont. – Boathouse Follow the band at https://schoolhouseband.com/. Photo credit: Cam Forrester