Progressive rock singer and songwriter Dan Arsenault is gearing up for the release of his new album, Signs Point to Yes, set to drop on March 14, 2025 (pre-order here). Arsenault is stepping into new territory on this album, taking on lead vocal duties for the first time.
“This album initially started with just written lyrics and stories about different subjects, without focusing on the music itself,” Dan explains. “I really enjoy writing instrumental songs, but for this one, I challenged myself to put words to my melodies. People know me for my guitar playing, but I wanted to show another side of what I can offer as an artist and push my creativity to another level.“
Signs Point to Yes is a concept album that follows a young musician’s journey through stardom, happiness, disappointments, and luck. The story, Arsenault says, is open to interpretation. “This album is like a chameleon—it can take on different meanings depending on the listener. For me, it represents various themes that others might perceive differently. The main lessons revolve around making a positive impact through your actions, never giving up, paying attention to signs along the journey, and appreciating what you have. Given the unstable global situation, it also touches on having faith in uncertain times. The story is a quilt of those lessons, embodied in a single character.“
Musically, Arsenault blends classic progressive rock with modern hard rock elements, striking a balance between complexity and accessibility. “As much as I enjoy writing unconventional riffs and arrangements, I try to incorporate complexity in short doses—through different sound textures or unexpected rhythmic changes. My goal isn’t to make listeners overanalyze the music but to spark curiosity while keeping the experience enjoyable.“
Lyrically, the album leans heavily on metaphor and poetic imagery. Arsenault reveals that, unlike his past projects, this time he started with the lyrics first. “I drafted the lyrical component first and made adjustments as the music evolved. It was a different approach for me, but it helped shape the overall feel of the album.“
Growing up in Atlantic Canada played a significant role in shaping Arsenault’s sound and approach to composition. “My environment fueled my passion for music. I learned multiple instruments at a young age and played in many bands. There’s an incredible number of talented musicians here—it’s almost ridiculous. The music scene is culturally rich, with both French and English influences strongly present. My sound, though, comes from being a heavy consumer of music across various styles and eras. I also love experimenting with sound textures.“
One of Arsenault’s signature elements is his use of odd time signatures and unpredictable rhythmic shifts. “I love the element of surprise in music—sudden rhythm changes or contradicting textures that enrich the experience. I can’t quite explain my approach; most of the time, I simply hear it in my head, and I don’t overthink it!“
The album will be released digitally, on CD, and in a special vinyl edition. Arsenault, an analog enthusiast, wanted to ensure the vinyl version stood out. “There’s something so natural and warm about listening to vinyl. I planned from the beginning to have a separate mastering process for the vinyl version. Audio quality is extremely important to me, and I want to create the best possible listening experience. There are so many different approaches to recording, mixing, and mastering—it has to be done right. That’s why I rely on Danny Bourgeois, who not only played drums on the album but also brought my vision to life as the studio engineer.“
Reflecting on his growth between Signs Point to Yes and his debut album, Eminence, Dan sees clear differences. “At their core, they’re two very different albums. I took more time writing and perfecting Signs Point to Yes, but Eminence came together very naturally, and the creative phase was really enjoyable. On Eminence, I pushed my playing skills to their limits, while on Signs Point to Yes, the vocals allow the songs to breathe more. I feel my songwriting has matured significantly on this latest album.“
As for influences, Arsenault cites a mix of artists and albums that inspired Signs Point to Yes. “I consume music all the time—I need it playing no matter what I’m doing. Steven Wilson influences my approach to creating ambiance in my songs, while Alex Lifeson’s guitar compositions have always fascinated me.“
Given the album’s narrative structure, the idea of bringing it to life as a full-band live performance is something Arsenault is seriously considering. “Absolutely. I don’t usually play a lot of concerts because I enjoy the creative process and collaborations more. But this time, I really want to bring it to the stage—and do it right. Stay tuned!“
Recording and producing the album, however, was not without challenges. “Working in digital studios can get complicated when trying to achieve a specific sonic vision. Technology is always evolving, and while I love learning new techniques, it takes time—sometimes at the expense of creative momentum.“
Ultimately, Arsenault hopes that listeners connect with the album on multiple levels. “I hope they enjoy the melodies and appreciate the craftsmanship behind it. The performances from the musicians on this record are mind-blowing to me, and the audio quality is something I’m really proud of. More than anything, I hope people find something in the lyrics that resonates with them—something they can relate to in their own lives.“
As for what’s next? “I’m focusing on gathering the right musicians for live shows, working on the next album, and exploring new collaborations. The future is wide open, and I don’t plan to stay idle.“
Signs Point to Yes is out on March 14; pre-order here. Follow Dan on Facebook.
