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 colorful 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.”
The song’s title encapsulates Maki’s worldview. Where convention can feel “grey” or predictable, the life of a working musician brims with colour, chaos, and joy. “Technicolor Dreams” leans into that duality, blending danceable pop hooks with funk undertones and even a prog-inspired, avant-garde bridge that throws expectations off balance. This hint of hyperactivity amidst what is otherwise expected is very Justin Maki and helps this song stick out in the pop landscape.
Then there’s the soaring vocal moment: a 3-4 part stacked harmony that arrives in the final choruses, exploding into a climactic, kaleidoscopic burst. “This was a totally unplanned and spur of the moment kind of decision,” elaborates Maki. “It challenged me vocally, and took some time, but I love how it turned out.”
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