My Computer
My new single produced by Machinedrum is out now
When I was working on ROLLERCOASTER, I was influenced by the optimization of modern life that technology has afforded us. From the comfort of our homes, we can have any product rapidly shipped to our doorsteps. The apps on our phone have streamlined and made many aspects of our lives significantly more efficient: dating, shopping, organization, making money, entertainment. I wanted to explore the human and social costs of that efficiency.
Opening with a sample of my late uncle Brett talking about my screen time as a child, “My Computer” is a headfirst dive into the internet wormhole. The lyrics are packed with technological references but I think what I’m generally getting at revolves around capitalism. The old internet was clunky and hard to buy stuff on. For better or worse, Web 2.0 has worked out all the kinks and has turned the net into the biggest outlet mall in human history with the language to match: App Store, Marketplace, “connect wallet.”
I wanted to rap about tech companies and the physical impact they have on cities. One example is the ill-fated Sidewalk Labs project where Google attempted to build a neighbourhood of the future in Toronto where garbage collection was automated and the taxis drove themselves. While that project failed, I find cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and London are basically already there. These tech-utopias have one thing in common: working people are typically made expendable and pushed to the margins.
Machinedrum perfectly captured the mood with his production. We made this track together in LA and it came to fruition rather quickly. Travis has an incredibly kind spirit and I love working with him. Make sure you check out his upcoming album 3FOR82 as well. Katie Stelmanis aka Austra is on background vocals. You can hear her across the record, she’s the secret sauce to the whole album. Finally, the video was directed by Jared Raab and Colin Medley with editing by Jason Harvey and they smashed the brief. I hope you enjoy it!
“My Computer” is available on all platforms
My new album ROLLERCOASTER is out on April 19th (!)
The album release shows for ROLLERCOASTER are rapidly approaching! Get your tickets below:
4/19 // Hamilton, ON (Bridgeworks) with Man Made Hill and Danny Miles
4/20 // Toronto, ON (TD Music Hall) with DijahSB
5/1 // Quebec City, QC (Le Pantoum) with Kevin Kevin
5/2 // Montreal, QC (Système) with Martyn Bootyspoon and Jayemkayem
5/3 // Brooklyn, NY (Elsewhere Zone One) with Fatboi Sharif
5/4 // Washington, DC (Quarry House Tavern) with Mathias and Jayemkayem
You can find me updating my playlists or hanging on Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp and you can get Cadence Weapon merchandise here. Read my monthly column in Hazlitt. Pick up your copy of Bedroom Rapper here and please rate it on Goodreads.