NASHVILLE, TENN. – Undeniable duo Thelma & James, comprised of Nashville-based singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, share their piercing new song “Canaries in a Coal Mine” today. Adding another layer to their raved-about artistry, the pair are at their best, “like harmonizing songbirds…fresh, folkie and fine, fine fine” (MusicRow).
“We started writing this song in Mexico over Christmas break and then finished it in Nashville when we got home,” share Thelma & James. “’Canaries in a Coal Mine’ was the second song we wrote for our forthcoming EP, and we are so excited for the world to hear it.”
Produced by Lonas, the duo wrote today’s new song “Canaries in a Coal Mine” alongside Scott Stepakoff and Josh Osborne. Their harmonies paint a picture of sorrow and defeat. “With heartbreak in their harmonies and fire in their veins” (Atwood Magazine), Porter and Etheridge sing about knowing a relationship was doomed:
‘Cause my God we choked on every sorry
‘Til we sang our voices dry
Ignored every single warning
But broken wings can’t fly
Like canaries in a coal mine
Saw the cracks before the landslide
We were never getting out alive
Sometimes love just dies
Listen to “Canaries an a Coal Mine” here.
The new song adds to their growing catalog featuring viral “Happy Ever After You,” “First Love” and most recent “Chainsmokin Memories.” Not realizing the best writing partner was right under their noses the whole time, their first co-write in over a decade produced “Happy Ever After You,” propelling them into a new musical journey. Doubling down on the fortuitous new chapter, Thelma & James are currently in the studio with plans for more new music soon to follow. For more details, visit thelmaandjames.com.
ABOUT THELMA & JAMES
An undeniable force, married Nashville-based singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge form the new musical partnership Thelma & James. Not realizing the best writing partner was right under their noses the whole time, their first co-write in over a decade produced “Happy Ever After You.” Evolving organically from an impromptu video that earned praise from fellow artists like John Mayer, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile and more, the song has since garnered over 20 million streams since its release. The pair signed to Big Loud Records in 2025 and have since released “First Love,” “Chainsmokin Memories” and most recent “Canaries in a Coal Mine.” Doubling down on the fortuitous new musical chapter, Thelma & James are currently in the studio with plans for new more music to follow.
CONNECT WITH THELMA & JAMES
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
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Media Contacts
Corey Brewer + Rachel Heatherly | Big Loud
corey@bigloud.com, rachel@bigloud.com
