Folk trio The Pairs don’t write songs with perfect endings

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, host Tom Power interviews members of the London, Ontario folk trio The Pairs—Renee and Noelle Coughlin and Hilary Watson—about their new album *Together on a Rock* and the lead single 'Past My Prime.' The conversation centers on the emotional honesty of the song, which captures the anxiety of aging, creative doubt, and the uncertainty of pursuing music as a career in one's mid-30s. The band reflects on their unconventional path—starting late, working non-music jobs (early childhood education and cooking on a ship), and finding their footing only after personal loss and the pandemic. They discuss the importance of regular 'check-ins' to ensure their artistic choices align with their values and inner truth. The song’s unresolved ending—where the protagonist can’t call the basement apartment home despite multiple coats of paint—symbolizes the ongoing, imperfect journey of self-acceptance and belonging. Power praises the courage in not offering a neat resolution, calling it a rare and powerful form of authenticity in music. The episode underscores the vulnerability required to create art that resonates, especially when it confronts uncomfortable truths about time, identity, and the lack of clear milestones in creative careers. The Pairs’ story is one of resilience, mutual support, and quiet determination. Their journey from side-stage performers at Mariposa Folk Festival to a growing national presence reflects how authenticity and consistency can build connection even without glamour or certainty. The episode ends with a celebration of their music not for its perfection, but for its raw truth.