Pacific Northwest-based Americana duo Duke & Goldie return with “West End Queen (Abattoir)” – a free-spirited, heartfelt track inspired by the chaotic beauty of life in one’s early twenties. Blending warm folk storytelling with a mystical country twang, the single celebrates resilience, self-worth, and the power of community that uplifts us.
“I was living in Montreal, then Toronto, when I met Eric ‘the Duke’ Duquette – figuring out life as a young woman trying to build a stronger sense of self, community, and independence,” says Jena “Goldie” Gogo. “The verses reflect on my own life experiences and meeting Eric as he was also coming of age. The choruses feel like I’m looking back and singing to my friends from that time, as much as to a younger version of myself. It was a time of searching for purpose while also navigating love and desire.”
The song’s original working title, “Abattoir” (French for slaughterhouse), was meant to capture the emotional intensity of those years, but ultimately “West End Queen” won out, in tribute to the vibrant Toronto neighborhood and chosen family that inspired the song’s heart: “It’s a great way to describe how powerful it felt to realize you can lift others who might be struggling to see themselves the way you see them and, likewise, lift yourself.”
Recorded with acclaimed producer Erik P. H Nielsen (City and Colour, Blue Moon Marquee), who also mixed and played bass, alongside musicians Scott Smith, Darryl Havers, and Leon Power, “West End Queen (Abattoir)” almost didn’t make it onto the record. “We weren’t sure it would cut the other tunes we were ready to record with our limited studio time,” Goldie admits. “But when we mentioned maybe not recording it, everyone in the room said, ‘What do you mean we might not do this one? It’s way too fun not to!”
With its mix of nostalgia, humor, and emotional depth, “West End Queen (Abattoir)” encapsulates Duke & Goldie’s signature sound – heartfelt, community-rooted, and impossible not to sing along to.
“This song makes me laugh – thinking back to those early days of partying every night and curing hangovers with a little hair of the dog,” says Goldie. “It reminds me of that chaotic, beautiful time, and makes me want to take even better care of myself, my friends, and my community – looking out for everyone and each other.”
Duke & Goldie’s sophomore EP, Romance and Ramblin’, will be released on November 7th, 2025, and is produced by Erik P.H. Nielsen.
About Duke & Goldie
Vancouver-based duo Duke & Goldie blends the soul of warm folk storytelling with an upbeat, mystical country twang. The musical partnership of Jena “Goldie” Gogo and Eric “The Duke” Duquette—both seasoned members of the roots rock band Blue Sky Miners—has given birth to a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly new. Often described as a revival of the sun-kissed Laurel Canyon vibes of the ‘60s and ‘70s, their music invites listeners to journey through heartland stories and wide-open landscapes.
Their debut EP, Duke & Goldie (2023), has garnered rave reviews, with Canadian Beats calling it “A masterpiece that skilfully balances folk and country elements while showcasing the duo’s exceptional vocal abilities.” The album quickly found its way onto the airwaves of CBC, College Radio, and even the BBC, earning recognition for its roots yet forward-thinking sound.
On stage, Duke & Goldie weave cascading harmonies over acoustic guitar-laden arrangements, bringing stories to life that travel from the towering Rocky Mountains to the quiet mystery of remote deserts. They explore the complexity of their roles as modern-day settlers, grappling with identity, place, and purpose in the beautiful land they call home. But it’s their magnetic on-stage chemistry—playful yet deeply connected—that truly hooks audiences, making every performance feel like an intimate invitation into their special world.
Duke & Goldie are gearing up to release their new album in fall 2025, produced by acclaimed producer Erik Nielsen (known for his work with City and Colour and Blue Moon Marquee).
Featured image by Victoria Black.
SOURCE: Official Bio
LINKS:
https://www.dukeandgoldie.com/
http://instagram.com/dukeandgoldie
http://facebook.com/dukeandgoldie
https://open.spotify.com/album/61L9IGEwY9f31aN2xlA81v