Photo Credit: Vince Aung
Carly Rae Jepsen is stepping into the “night” with “Motivation,” her latest single from the forthcoming double album Day and Night, arriving September 18 via Interscope Records.
Built around a glittering, house-inspired sound, “Motivation” finds Jepsen digging into something more personal as she reflects on family, inherited patterns and the complicated process of becoming your own person.
The song began taking shape during a trip back to Jepsen’s hometown, where the sound of leaves crunching beneath her feet sparked its initial rhythm. From there, she began thinking about her family, their shared passion and the expectations they place on one another.
“‘Motivation’ became my way of making peace with all of that,” Jepsen says, describing the track as a family anthem that embraces both the good and complicated parts of those relationships. She also hopes the sentiment can extend beyond biological family to chosen families.
The single arrives alongside an official music video shot in Paris and directed by Caio Viera, who previously worked with Jepsen on the video for “On Wires.” The visual brings together different groups of people in a celebration of family and connection and features Gigi Goode, known for RuPaul’s Drag Race as well as her work in fashion, acting and modeling.
“Motivation” offers another look at Jepsen’s ambitious 24-track Day and Night. The project is split between two distinct sides, with the “day” leaning into bright, left-field pop while “night” moves toward bigger, dance-driven production.
Earlier singles “On Wires” and “After All” introduced the album’s “day” side, while “Motivation” joins “Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor” in showcasing what listeners can expect once the sun goes down.
The double album continues a career that has stretched well beyond Jepsen’s 2012 breakout hit “Call Me Maybe.” Her 2015 album E•MO•TION has since become a defining piece of modern pop, followed by projects including Dedicated, The Loneliest Time and The Loveliest Time.
With Day and Night, Jepsen is now preparing to take that catalog in another direction, moving between symphonic pop, psychedelia, disco and dance music across her biggest project yet.
“Motivation” is out now.
Day and Night arrives September 18 via Interscope Records.
Connor Hannan is a Chicago-based photographer, designer, and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of UPROAR MEDIA. With more than 14 years of experience in visual design and nearly a decade in photography, he has covered major artists, venues, and festivals across the music industry. Combining his background in visual storytelling with a passion for live music, Connor founded UPROAR Media to spotlight both established and emerging artists while capturing the energy and culture surrounding them.
