With the pandemic flaring back up all around our little slice of Canada, finding positivity has become a bit more of a chore these days. Nevertheless, change comes from within, and Prince Edward Island’s up-and-coming folkpop artist Noah Malcolm dares to be part of that change with this new music video for “If Not.”
“This is my first body of work as a singer/songwriter, so all of the songs are some kind of reflection on the creative process,” says Malcolm. “This one specifically walks through some of the roadblocks and little victories of pursuing your art.
“It can beat you down, you can get in your head and wonder why you’re doing it, but when you remember the joy it brings you, that’s all the assurance you need to keep doing it.”
The video for “If Not” sees Malcolm joyfully playing his new tune in a field, surrounded by living room furniture and an umpteen amount of good vibes. The musician’s singing voice in particular is the perfect fit for the folkpop genre; casual on the surface, backed by a certain melodic mastery.
And though Malcolm’s work is catchiest when he’s at his most energetic, it’s when the islander toes the line between his peaceful demeanour and unwavering enthusiasm that we see him at his best.
The song itself is also a very tongue-in-cheek take on the nuances of the creative process faced by an up-and-coming songwriter, and the extent to just how personal such a process tends to be.
“I can get caught up in trying to define my success, but really, I have no idea what that will look like,” says Malcolm. “There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s not a race. No losers, no winners. It’s just me.”
“The whole EP is pretty uplifting. I think that’s my message right now.”
Noah Malcolm’s debut EP, On Time, is set to be released on December 4, 2020.