Arlo Maverick unveils video for track ‘Night Shift’ ahead of album

Canadian hip-hop artist ARLO MAVERICK‘s video for new single, ‘Night Shift,’ offers a portrait of a person wrestling with the increasing demands of getting by and fulfilment, and positions Maverick as a chronicler of modern day working-class woes. The tune will appear on his upcoming release, Blue Collar, set for release on 20th October.

On the track, Maverick ponders the tension between balancing making ends meet and material success, and the overwhelming sacrifices made to reap the rewards. The video, co-directed and edited by Maverick and featuring emcees KazMega and Just Moe, depicts various people – a labourer, an office worker, and a janitor – grinding through a day of work.

“We wanted the video to be an honest representation of what sacrifice sometimes looks like for people hustling to get ahead,” says Maverick. “Being able to share the fruits of that labour with family is what makes it all worthwhile.”

Through a succession of buoyant, march-like beats, the track mirrors the monotony of work, while Maverick delivers the bleary-eyed refrain, “Working that night shift/I just want to go home/I just want to go home/I just want to go home.”

“This song shows the impact of shift work on your health and happiness; how you miss important moments in your family’s lives, and how these typically dead end jobs offer no possibility for advancement,” Maverick adds. “The dilemma we face in trying to live our best lives and make our families happy is often more overtime and less time together.”

Much of the themes on Blue Collar revolve around a universal pursuit of purpose, prosperity, and happiness, from the disillusionment of the job market after graduating from college to the gratification of indulging in material things to being undervalued at a 9 to 5. It’s an album that tries to capture the seemingly endless balancing act to meet our personal needs, satisfy our wants, and get ahead in an economic environment that makes it harder and harder to do so.

‘Night Shift’ is out now, with more to come from Maverick as he preps the release of his second full-length solo album. Check out the video for the track below…

Song of the Day: Right Here – Solitair

JUNO Award-nominated artist SOLITAIR‘s single ‘Right Here’, featuring world renowned DJ Grouch, is the perfect tribute to the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop – it boasts his unique production style combined with gritty urban soundscapes. The high energy track also features a music video directed by London Rich.

“When was the last time you felt REFRESHED and INSPIRED by some new Hip Hop energy? That’s the FEELING I intend to inject back into the music culture of the city, country, and worldwide, beginning with the release of Right Here,” says the prolific producer and songwriter whose first taste of commercial notoriety came as a result of producing four tracks on JUNO-winning rapper Choclair’s gold-selling Ice Cold debut album, while being featured on a few other tracks. “Just as Batman reacts to the bat signal, my new single is a nod to all my hardcore fans to remind them that not only do I have a lot left in the creative tank, but I am ready to showcase new music to an even broader audience with this new project.” He adds: “I also wanted to highlight more of my producer and songwriter side, along with my obvious hip hop lyrical prowess!”

In the early aughts, Solitair toured the world with Choclair and Kardinal Offishall and spent five years moving between New York and Toronto while working with notable American and international artists including Nina Sky, Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Busta Rhymes, Estelle, Rick Ross, Elephant Man, and Jim Jones. Back home in Toronto, Solitair had also established an impressive track record of producing and co-producing songs for a laundry list of iconic award-winning Canadian rap and R&B icons including Jully Black, Melanie Fiona, Glenn Lewis, k-os, and The Rascalz. Likewise, in 2010, Solitair had already carved out his musical unicorn status by crafting the pop-influenced, alternative smash ‘Come True’ featuring Kardinal Offishall, that was nominated for a Juno Award for Best R&B/Soul recording of the year, an accomplishment that placed him in the rare company of artists who’ve been nominated for Juno Awards in more than one music genre.

‘Right Here’ is taken from his highly anticipated forthcoming album Dangerous Art. Check out the video for the single below…

Song of the Day: In Your Shoes – Aidan Skira

AIDAN SKIRA wrote ‘In Your Shoes’ at a time when people took advantage of him, mistaken his kindness for weakness; he’s always there when his friends needed a shoulder to cry on, but the gesture was never reciprocated when he needed support.

So Aidan tried putting himself in their shoes, imagining what life would be like if he cared about others in the way they cared for him. Showcasing a brooding fusion in melodic R&B and trap-hop, the message behind ‘In Your Shoes is to simply protect yourself from those who drain your good nature – continue to shine and be that kind person who offers support that those really appreciate it.

Have a listen below…

OUT TODAY: Listen To Eleanor’s Wistful Single, ‘Former Friend’.

ELEANOR is a singer-songwriter with an R&B leaning sound, coloured in hues of soul and indie. Resonating in a more alternative and folk frequency, ‘Former Friend’ is the latest preview from forthcoming debut EP, A Late Bloom.

Preluding her wistful new single, ‘Former Friend, she explains: “Emotional intimacy requires surrender and interpersonal faith. When a relationship is unsuccessful, it can cause folks to break faith with themselves.”

Eleanor takes a narrative approach to songwriting, leaning on experiences of grief and overcoming to shape stories that are robust and deeply felt. She has recently contributed backup vocals to the published music of Chad Price, Texas King, and Emanuel whose album Alt Therapy was nominated for two JUNO Awards.

‘Former Friend’ was released today (4th August) via various music platforms. Have a listen to this deeply heartfelt piece below…

R&B Sensation Myles Lloyd Shares Track, ‘There For Me.’

Soulful R&B sensation MYLES LLOYD effortlessly blends passion, vulnerability, and raw emotion, with his highly anticipated new single, ‘There For Me’, released last Thursday (27th July).

Myles Lloyd bares his soul, in his latest offering, inviting listeners into an intimate journey of love, companionship, and unwavering support. With poetic lyricism and an ethereal vocal delivery, the song captures the essence of human connection, delivering a powerful message of resilience and devotion.

Born and raised in Montreal, Myles discovered his love for music at an early age, immersing himself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Influenced by legendary R&B icons and contemporary greats, Myles’ distinct sound is a fusion of classic soul and modern R&B, creating an entrancing musical experience that leaves a lasting impact on his audience. Have a listen to ‘There For Me’ below…