Breakout Canadian Artist TALK Signs With Big Loud Rock in the U.S., Releases First Single in Three Years

Big Loud Rock — the alternative and rock imprint of heavyweight U.S. country label Big Loud Records — has added a rising Canadian act to its roster.

The Nashville-based label announced the signing of TALK today (May 1). It coincides with the release of his first single in three years, “Time Machine,” out now.

Known for crafting cinematic alternative and pop-rock anthems, the vocal powerhouse, born Nicholas Durocher, captured listeners with his debut single, “Run Away To Mars,” inspired by Christopher Nolan’s film Interstellar.

Released in 2021, the heartfelt ballad resonated with listeners during the pandemic, and went viral on TikTok and across streaming services. The song peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, and made major waves across the border, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart and receiving a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Two years later, TALK shared his debut album, Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees. It went gold in his home country, was longlisted for 2024’s Polaris Music Prize and led to his first-ever Juno win for breakthrough artist of the year. Since then, he has performed alongside artists like Shania Twain and Luke Combs, while landing major synch placements in Grey’s Anatomy and CBS’s Tracker.

Now, he’s stepping into a new era with the U.S. label imprint, as he gears up for his sophomore record, which he worked on in Nashville and at Sandy Pandya’s Toronto-based music company, ArtHaus, which handles his management and releases his music in Canada. In addition, TALK's forthcoming music will be distributed by The Orchard, a division of Sony Music.

“Big Loud Rock quickly emerged as the most exciting partner to work with on my second album,” he says. “Their belief in pure artistry, drive, and heart above all else has renewed my belief in this unpredictable industry. I’m more than proud to call them my home.”

TALK joins fellow label signees including HARDY, Blame My Youth, Dexter and the Moonrocks, Girl Tones, , Mercury, Zoe Ko and more.

“We’re excited to welcome TALK into the Big Loud Rock family,” shares Big Loud partner and Big Loud Rock president Joey Moi (a Canadian living in Nashville). “His powerhouse vocals and eccentric creative concepts really blew us away. He brings such a fresh, infectious energy to the alternative rock space that we couldn’t help but immerse ourselves in it.”

Last year, Moi was named Top Billboard Hot 100 Producer of 2025, after spearheading a successful year for country juggernaut Morgan Wallen.

Moi and his team aren’t wasting any time showcasing TALK’s talents to the world, with the new single “Time Machine” out today. Backed by a sparse acoustic guitar, his emotive vocals swell as he dreams of undoing certain situations. The track’s momentum naturally builds, peaking with a power chord-driven chorus: “Sorry, and I’m on my way / In my time machine / Travel to the places that we lost in our dreams,” he sings.

The song is co-produced by Moi, Tofer Brown, TALK and Connor Riddell.

“I’m one of those people kept up at night by mistakes I’ve made in the past,” the singer explains. “The world spins fast, life goes quick. Every person, at some point in their lives, has made a wish for a time machine to go back and fix some dumb mistakes. This song represents mine.”

The signing of TALK follows major shifts at the label, which saw Stacy Blythe and Jordan Pettit being named co-presidents earlier this year, reporting directly to Big Loud partners Moi, Seth England and Craig Wiseman. A few months prior, Big Loud expanded its marketing leadership team with a wealth of promotions and new hires.