Your past doesn’t determine your future, you do – that’s the message of New Brunswick artist Upkvst’s newly-released single, “Midnight Club.”
Over a murky boom-bap beat that leaps the listener into a nighttime vibe, Upkvst delivers meaningful bars explaining the diamond in the rough mentality, shining in the dark, and pushing forward to forge a brighter future.
A Moncton-native, Upkvst has dealt with his share of troubles in his lifetime. The 24-year-old felt misunderstood and outcasted growing up, and it led to a dark path of substance abuse. But years of growth and reflection have lifted him from that place, and his confidence for his future will never falter. Everything moves up for Upkvst, the inspiration for the first two letters of his music moniker.
That mindset is central to “Midnight Club.”
Listen to “Midnight Club” on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6YhznebFLTMCtgdcp3Lzsv?si=68adc7e05f764206&nd=1
“I wanted to give a sense of confidence through this song, like you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it,” Upkvst explained. “The demons I used to have are no longer burdens. I needed to face them to feel free.”
The song is rife with references of late-night drives and some nights checking out an old video game called “Midnight Club,” from its bars to its overall mood to actual car revving samples hidden within its layers. The track also includes an homage to Mac Miller’s “Nikes On My Feet,” the first song from the rapper that Upkvst ever heard. Along with performers and artists such as Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar, Post Malone, and Russ, Mac Miller made a major impact on Upkvst in his upbringing, musical and otherwise.
“He was one of the main reasons why I started digging into hip hop, studying other artists and the flows they used,” Upkvst said. “I also love Nike shoes.”
“Midnight Club” is part of a larger release from Upkvst. The track is one of many that’s featured on his newest album, Rdy Set Go! The album’s cover art is layered with metaphors, all meant to signify the important themes and lessons Upkvst lays down.
In Upkvst’s typical style, the album’s name is also a piece of a larger puzzle, aimed at relying Upkvst’s very human struggle with a word of advice on how others can navigate this difficult thing called life.
“I’m ready for what’s to come, I’m set for my future, and I let go of what’s already happened,” Upkvst explained.
You can find more of Upkvst’s music on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. If melodic, powerful, soulful, relaxing, and emotional hip hop is your lane, then do yourself a favor and peep what Upkvst has to say.