Canadian Roots and Soul vocal collective AV & the Inner City are turning inward on their new single, “Dinner With the Lord,” an acapella track that reflects on where people seek comfort during times of uncertainty. Released Nov. 21, the song is a stripped-down acapella interpretation of a composition by fellow Edmonton porch-concert musician Alin Rogoz. It marks the first recording by the group that was not written by founder Ann Vriend, known professionally as AV. SWOMP caught up with AV for an interview. Recorded live around a single microphone, “Dinner With the Lord” features no edits, isolation or studio enhancements. The approach places the focus squarely on vocal blend, trust and shared intuition, drawing on gospel, soul and roots influences without leaning into traditional religious framing. The song explores themes of faith, memory, community and connection, inviting listeners to consider what they reach for when familiar sources of support feel out of reach. Rather than offering resolution, the track creates space for reflection and shared experience. AV & the Inner City formed during the COVID-19 pandemic on a front porch in Edmonton’s McCauley neighbourhood, where weekly outdoor singalongs were held to maintain connection during lockdowns. Those gatherings evolved into an all-female vocal ensemble representing Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, immigrant and working-class voices. The group’s self-titled debut EP, released in October, has gained national attention and is currently ranked No. 7 on the CKUA Radio Top 30. The release has also received support from CBC, SiriusXM, Edify and Porter Airlines Magazine. “Dinner With the Lord” serves as the closing track on the EP, bringing the project full circle by echoing the communal porch-singing roots that first brought the ensemble together. In just three years, AV & the Inner City have completed a summer tour and appeared at major festivals including the Calgary Folk Festival, Vancouver Island Music Festival and Edmonton Folk Festival, where they received an Emerging Artist Award. Follow the group at https://www.avandtheinnercity.ca/. Photo credit: Lulubee Photography