Japan-born, Canada-raised artist Justin Maki is making his boldest statement yet. On “Technicolor Dreams,” the FCLMA-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer unleashes a vibrant, groove-forward protest song – a defiant embrace of authenticity and individuality in the face of doubt.
Written originally with Canadian producer Drew Shalka (Mute Choir) during a snowstorm-stranded writing session in Nashville, “Technicolor Dreams” captures the thrill and uncertainty of chasing an unconventional path. “To others, our dreams are unattainable – naive, even,” says Maki. “To us, our dreams explode with colourful possibilities of what could be. Our lives, while unconventional, fill us with so much joy, passion, and purpose.”
When Maki brought the track into pre-production with VAŪLTS (JUNO Award-winners David Mohacsi and Maïa Davies), the song was completely torn apart and rebuilt. The bones – chord progression, melody, core concept – remained, but the team reimagined lyrics and arrangement until the track became the powerhouse single it is today. “It was hard to let go of ‘Technicolor Dreams’ as I knew it for so long before the pre-production process with VAŪLTS,” explains Maki. “But I heeded their JUNO Award-winning advice and (reluctantly and with much friction) trusted the process. I ultimately love how it turned out.”
Justin Maki is a musician, artist, and creative entrepreneur based in St. Thomas, ON. Named the FCLMA’s 2021 Pop Artist of the Year and 2022 Contemporary Singer-Songwriter of the Year, Maki blends influences from R&B, soul, funk, and jazz into an accessible pop framework – imagine Allen Stone meets Bruno Mars with the songwriting chops of John Mayer.
With a new record written from a staggering 100-song batch and recorded alongside decorated producers VAŪLTS, Justin Maki is poised to deliver his most cohesive and impactful body of work yet. “Technicolor Dreams” is just the beginning.