New indie-pop recording and official music video preserve a song written in the late 1970s as the third and final release in a personal tribute series.
For anyone who has ever lost a friend whose creative spark shaped their own path, TomCattt’s latest release is a poignant reminder that art can outlive its creator. The Canadian singer-songwriter, born Thomas Patton, has unveiled “Jenny Said,” an indie-pop track that began as a cassette recording decades ago and now serves as the closing chapter of a deeply personal musical tribute.
ONTARIO, CANADA, October 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The song, originally written by Patton’s lifelong friend and musical mentor Dan Wayne Dunlop (October 4, 1957 to November 17, 2012), has been reimagined for contemporary audiences. Alongside the track, Patton has released the official music video titled “Jenny Said (OFCL),” marking the third and final installment in his tribute series dedicated to Dunlop’s life, creativity, and enduring influence.
Also worth a look: Track Review: Doechii “Denial Is a River” Is a Lyrical Tour de Force and Track Review: Rosalia “Abismo” Merges Flamenco and Industrial Electronics.
The journey to this release was not straightforward. Dunlop had originally recorded “Jenny Said” on cassette in the late 1970s, layering a drum machine, guitar, and his own vocals. When an attempt to salvage that original tape using artificial intelligence technology failed, Patton pivoted. He decided to rebuild the song from the ground up, enlisting fellow musicians to bring it to life. On the new version, Patton handles lead and harmony vocals, harmonica, and keyboards, breathing fresh energy into a decades-old composition.
For Patton, this project transcends mere nostalgia. It represents an effort to preserve the creative output of someone whose friendship and artistic example left an indelible mark on his life. The release follows two earlier tributes, “Young Love” and “Out In A Week,” which together form a trilogy reflecting Patton’s dedication to honoring Dunlop’s original work while introducing it to new listeners through polished recordings and visual accompaniments.
The bond between the two men dates back to their junior high school days, solidifying into a best friendship during high school. Their connection endured for decades, woven together by music, shared experiences, and frequent jam sessions. Patton also points to 1985 as a pivotal year, when Dunlop gave him his first taste of the film industry. Patton appeared as an extra in the feature film “Busted Up,” starring Irene Cara, Stan Shaw and Paul Coufos, while Dunlop served as an assistant producer and also acted in the movie.
Dunlop’s creative range was vast. Beyond music, he worked as a comedian, cartoonist, singer, guitarist, puppeteer, film producer, radio talk show host, cameraman, and film editor. Patton remembers him as an independent thinker with considerable drive, artistic talent, and a generous heart. In reflecting on the project, Patton describes Dunlop as both a close friend and a mentor whose influence is still felt by those who knew him.
“Jenny Said” itself carries an indie-pop groove and shares Dunlop’s vision of an ideal girl and the world he imagined sharing with her. The song’s lyrics are credited to both Dan Wayne Dunlop, also known as Fastmandan, and Thomas Patton, known as TomCattt. Recording took place at TJP Entertainment in North York, Ontario, and Pezmosis Music Productions in Oak Ridges, Ontario. Patton took on production and engineering duties, along with lead and harmony vocals, keyboards, and harmonica. He was joined by Bernie Serrao on bass guitar, Nick Kellie on electric guitar, and Mark Pezzelato on drums, who also handled mixing and mastering at Pezmosis Music Productions.
Patton’s involvement extended beyond the audio. He created the album cover and provided the photography for the project, while the official music video offers another dimension to the tribute, sharing Dunlop’s songwriting and creative legacy with a wider audience. Completing “Jenny Said” closes a significant chapter for Patton, who hopes the song ensures Dunlop’s artistic contribution is remembered and appreciated by listeners who never had the chance to meet him.
The release also shines a light on Patton’s own unconventional path. After spending 37 years in the federal workforce, he returned to creative pursuits in 2013. A rented keyboard became a crucial anchor during a difficult period in his life, helping him reconnect with music and discover a new direction as a singer-songwriter. Since then, he has built a body of work spanning recordings, music videos, and independent projects, combining songwriting, recording, and visual storytelling with a hands-on approach to independent music production under the name TomCattt.
While this is the final installment in Patton’s three-song tribute to Dunlop, the music stands as a continuing reminder of a friendship that began in school and endured throughout their lives.
“Jenny Said” is available through the following release link:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tomcattt/jenny-said-feat-dan-wayne-dunlop-2
The earlier tribute releases can also be viewed online:
“Young Love” song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIhUxBvzfLQ
“Young Love (OFCL)” music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixPj9zwcTik
“Out In A Week” song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ot44wXovQo
“Out In A Week (OFCL)” music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHY4EX7BUK
ABOUT TOMCATTT
TomCattt is the independent music project of Canadian singer-songwriter, producer and music video creator Thomas Patton. Returning to music in 2013 after a 37-year career in the federal workforce, Patton has developed a creative practice centred on songwriting, recording and visual storytelling. His work explores pop and indie-pop influences, personal experiences and emotionally driven themes. Through his independent releases and music videos, he continues to develop his own artistic catalogue while preserving and celebrating the work of fellow artists.
Official website:
https://www.tomcattt.com
For more information about Dan Wayne Dunlop and his creative work, visit: http://www.dandunlop.com.
Why it matters: This release is more than a farewell; it’s a blueprint for how artists can honor those who inspired them. By rescuing a song from an aging cassette and bringing it to modern streaming platforms, Patton demonstrates that creative legacies can be actively preserved and shared, not just remembered. It’s a testament to the enduring power of mentorship and the lengths one friend will go to keep another’s voice alive.
Thomas Patton
TomCattt Music
