Press release –
Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Carleton Stone is back with a late-night slow-burner, following up his recent single ‘Used To’ with the dreamy, dive bar-inspired new track, “Lights.”
Written several years ago with longtime friend and collaborator Morgan Cameron Ross, “Lights” was born out of hazy post-show nights at a legendary Sydney, NS watering hole: the Capri Cabaret. Equal parts iconic and unpredictable, the bar became the unlikely muse for a song about feeling out of place, and finding connection anyway.
“Lights” takes the listener out for a spin on a dive bar dance floor. “Look at all these lonely people, sticky floors and broken tables,” he sings over a groovy bassline. “Everybody’s looking for love; man, I wish them good luck.” Things nearly seem a little lonely until Stone reveals that, under the dim lights of the honky tonk, and despite whatever shitty music is coming across the speakers, he’s got a partner to spin around the scuffed-up hardwood: “Baby, when the lights come on, it’s you.”
With swooning pedal steel from Aaron Goldstein and warm organ textures courtesy of Todd Lumley, “Lights” leans into its rose-coloured haze. Co-produced and mixed by Howie Beck, alongside contributions from Neil Quin and Carlin Nicholson of beloved Canadian outfit Zeus, the track glows with a gritty warmth, like last call stretching just a little longer than it should.
“This song was recorded in Toronto with my dream team,” says Stone. “It’s one of those tracks where everything just fell into place with people I really trust.”
The accompanying video, directed by longtime collaborator MOOSECANFLY, keeps things intimate and unpolished, mirroring the song’s emotional core. Shot at The Carleton, a cornerstone venue in Stone’s career, the visual pays tribute to over a decade of late nights and lived-in stages.
“I’ve had countless memorable moments there over the past fifteen years,” Stone shares. “It felt like the perfect backdrop for a song about falling in love in a bar.”
MOOSECANFLY adds, “We wanted to keep the concept simple and let the music and lyrics speak for themselves. It’s always a pleasure working with a great songwriter.”
Over the past three years, Stone has been deeply immersed in songwriting, earning a 2026 East Coast Music Award nomination for Songwriter of the Year. His co-write, “Dodge,” recorded by Baby Nova, has connected with more than a million listeners.
With “Lights,” Carleton Stone proves that even in the most unlikely places, amid busted tables, questionable playlists, and last-call desperation, there’s still room for a little romance.
What’s The Story About Carleton Stone?
Carleton Stone is a Swiss Army knife of Canadian music: a celebrated artist, songwriter, producer, and performer whose career has been defined by versatility and craft. A founding member of the acclaimed band Port Cities, Stone has also released three solo records that earned multiple awards and widespread recognition.
As a songwriter, his writing has travelled across genres and generations. He has co-written songs with artists such as Donovan Woods, Ria Mae, Matt Andersen, The East Pointers, Mo Kenney, Quake Matthews, Terra Spencer, Classified, Reeny Smith, Bobby Bazini, Neon Dreams, and CBC Searchlight winner Maggie Andrew, building a catalogue that showcases both range and depth. His work has not only found homes on his own albums but also reached millions of listeners through the voices of other artists.
In recent years, Stone has established himself as a sought-after producer, taking the helm on projects including Willie Stratton’s award-winning Drugstore Dreamin’ and Maggie Andrew’s DAY JOB, alongside producing his own 2022 album Papercut. His productions have drawn critical praise for their inventiveness and emotional weight, underscoring his ear for songcraft in every role he takes on.
A seasoned performer, Stone has toured relentlessly since his earliest days on stage, building an international following. Most recently, he has supported Crash Test Dummies on over half a dozen major tours across North America. Whether writing, producing, or performing, Carleton Stone has proven himself one of Atlantic Canada’s most dynamic and accomplished songwriters.
Visit https://carletonstone.com/
“Lights” Single Credits
WRITTEN BY: Carleton Stone, Morgan Cameron Ross
PRODUCED BY: Howie Beck, Carleton Stone
MIXED BY: Howie Beck
MASTERED BY: João Carvalho Mastering
MUSICIANS:
Carleton Stone – vocals, acoustic guitar
Howie Beck – drums, percussion
Neil Quin – electric guitar, background vocals
Todd Lumley – piano, organ
Carlin Nicholson – bass, background vocals
Aaron Goldstein – pedal steel
