Exclusive Premiere: Stream Jade Turner‘s Empowering New Single “Deadweight”

By: Staff –

Canadian Roots-Country artist Jade Turner is back with her empowering new single “Deadweight”. Stream it exclusively via Aesthetic Magazine below.

Turner is an exceptional storyteller and emotive vocalist with an innate ability to make anyone who listens to her music feel as though they too have had the experiences she writes and sings about. A proud member of Misipawistik Cree Nation, Turner was raised in Northern Manitoba with an upbringing rooted in the nature of storytelling. Her exposure to Indigenous artists and Country music paved the way for the artist to take home the Best Country Album at the 2017 Indigenous Music Awards, and the Emerging Artist of the Year award at the 2018 Manitoba Country Music Awards where she has received a whopping 18 nominations.

Her lyrics tell personal tales that range from serious topics to satirical, and are delivered with her dynamic vocals that span from gritty and raw, to spirited and energetic. From a career that seemed nearly impossible due to the absence of Indigenous female representation in mainstream music, Turner credits Blues artist Crystal Shawanda as one of her major inspirations, as through Shawanda’s presence Turner knew a career in music was possible for her too. In an incredible, full circle musical moment, Turner and Shawanda teamed up to write “Deadweight” – Turners’ exceptionally poignant new single about shedding the opinions of others and moving forward with confidence.

Turner teamed up with her longtime musical partners, Stephen Arundell (Desiree Dorion) and Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies, Doc Walker) on guitar to help bring the track to life. The song was mixed by Bart McKay (Doc Walker, Brett Kissel), and was mastered by Trevor Case at Case Mastering. Turner will release a stripped down version of the song along with a video later in June.

Firmly in the center of Americana and Country, Turner’s “Deadweight” shares her deeply personal experience with the cruelty of social media. Soon after giving birth to her son while enjoying the early days of motherhood, Turner experienced negative comments about her appearance on Facebook from someone she had never met. Sharing her experience with legendary Canadian Country turned Blues artist Crystal Shawanda, Turner teamed up with the icon to pen one of her most personal tracks to date. Opening with a harmonious blend of acoustic and electric guitar, Turner expresses painful memories of bullying, often moving as a child, and a lack of Indigenous representation in the media. The verses culminate into a powerful chorus centered on the theme of resilience, self-acceptance, and not allowing others to determine her worth. A moving song about letting go of societal pressures and what others say, Turner cuts her losses and stands tall, unwavering and resolute in not allowing external factors to determine who she is.

With the intent of creating a song where the melody, instrumentation, lyrics, and vocal performance unite in a way that deepens the experience for the listener, Turner focused on the dynamics of the guitars, her emotive vocals, and lyrical simplicity to create a powerful ballad that so many can relate to. Noting that of all her music, “Deadweight” is her favourite song to perform live. Most importantly, and part of the message she hopes the song will convey, Turner says, “I am perfectly fine with myself”.

“Deadweight is about believing in yourself and finding the strength to let go of what happened. It’s only you that can determine who you are,” said Turner.