Introducing Nightshifts, an intriguing alt-pop artist hailing from Toronto who this week shares ‘Breeze’, the first single from the forthcoming Window Weather EP. Like so much Canadian pop music, ‘Breeze’ is peppered with RnB elements, adding a sensuous flair to a track that’s all about mental relief. As the songwriter shares with us, “Throughout this past winter, I kept experiencing the same cycle of anxiety. I would get worked up about all sorts of inconsequential things. Inevitably, I reached the point where I realized I had no control over these things I was worrying about. Arriving at this conclusion always felt great.” We can hear this blissful realisation in the first verse as Nightshifts admits “I don’t really care anymore,” Following this, the track drops into a bouncing chorus of dextrous beats, warm acoustic guitar and catchy lyrics. In contrast, the dreamier production and slower tempo of each verse allows the artist space for perspective that while anxiety hasn’t fully left, it’s alright because the feelgood vibes of that poppy chorus are just around the corner. ‘Breeze’ is a lighter and more soothing take on anxiety, and sometimes reassurance is all we want to hear. We’ve also been promised that Nightshifts has plenty more gas in the tank, so look out for more tracks this year. - Hannah Thacker