JUNO NOMINEE JAH’MILA RELEASES “BAD HABIT” A POP-FOCUSED TRACK FEATURING KAYO
Ahead of two performances as part of the JUNO Week in Halifax, NS, JAH’MILA releases the brand new single, “Bad Habit.”
Premiering earlier this week on CBC’s The Block, “Bad Habit” is a breezy and bouncy R&B track that shows Jah’Mila’s expansive range as a singer and songwriter, leaning more heavily into new, poppier territory – a genre that is perhaps unexpected from a premiere dominating force in the reggae genre.
Beneath the high-gloss pop sheen of “Bad Habit,” Jah’Mila turns inward. Exploring the concept of overcoming a bad habit (in this case a personal relationship), the lyrics paint a picture of resilience and growth.
“This song tells the story of a love I fought way too hard to hold onto even though I knew it wasn’t good for me,” she explains. “The concept of having a bad habit is universal – we can all relate to that. But when it manifests itself as a love interest, breaking free of this habit requires sincere effort. You have to honour yourself, acknowledge the situation as being bad for you, and have the strength to rise above it.”
That strength can, in the best of times, also be found in friendship and community. This is a spirit that lifts up “Bad Habit” and is ever present in the song’s musical richness, which is bolstered by a host of exciting collaborations. Featuring Caribbean-Canadian rapper Kayo, string players who are members of Symphony Nova Scotia, a funk bass player from the West Coast, and the inimitable backup vocals of the heralded Smith Sisters (Reeny, Haliey & Micah), the track demonstrates the power of a family atmosphere that makes Atlantic Canada truly special.
This harmonious approach also provides the foundation for “East Coast Family,” a collaborative single featuring Aquakultre, Wolf Castle, and Wendy MacIsaac released earlier this year. Alongside this track and the first preview single, “Slow Down,” “Bad Habit” amply sets the stage for Woman of the Sun – a new album from Jah’Mila set to drop later this spring.
On the heels of picking up a Reggae Album of the Year JUNO nomination for her last record, Roots Girl, Jah’Mila celebrates the release of her new single with two appearances during this year’s JUNO Week celebrations – a JUNOFest showcase on Friday, March 22 at Pacifico and a special performance on Saturday, March 23 as part of the JUNO Opening Night Awards at the Halifax Convention Centre.
Earlier this year, Jah’Mila also performed as part of CBC Music’s Road to the JUNOs series. That set, taped at the legendary Marquee Ballroom in February, kicks off a broadcast that airs nationally on CBC Music next Thursday, March 22 at 7:25pmAST.