Edmonton hip-hop artist Arlo Maverick has unveiled a video for his new single, “Night Shift,” which offers a portrait of a person wrestling with the increasing demands of getting by and fulfillment, 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 October 20, 2023.
On the track, arriving in the lead-up to the Labour Day weekend, 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.”
Review
“Night Shift” is a compelling rap/ R&B track that delves deep into the struggles and challenges faced by those who work night shifts. Featuring a variety of verses contributed by different artists, each providing a distinctive outlook on the subject matter, the song adeptly encapsulates the taxing physical and emotional aspects associated with these laborious hours.
The opening line, “Cheque by cheque, Just over broke,” creates a familiar and relatable message that captures the financial struggles of low-wage work, setting the song’s mood.
Throughout the single, the chorus strategically weaves in and out, serving as a powerful reminder of the longing for home and a better work-life balance. This deliberate repetition not only drives the song’s message home but also fosters a profound sense of unity among listeners who share in the desire for a brighter, more balanced future.
Overall, “Night Shift” emerges as a relatable anthem that unflinchingly sheds light on the hardships endured by many in the workforce. It not only brings these challenges to the forefront but also offers a glimmer of hope, serving as a compelling call for change and a rallying cry for those seeking a more equitable and balanced path forward.