Multi-JUNO and CCMA Award-winning band James Barker Band return with “After Dark,” their first new music of 2026, out June 26 via Universal Music Canada. Produced by Todd Clark (Noah Kahan, Lewis Capaldi, Phillip Phillips), “After Dark” finds James Barker Band embracing a more organic, folk-inspired sound while retaining the melodic instincts that have made them one of Canada’s most reliable hitmakers.
Built around the imagery of a beer and a bourbon shared at the end of a long day, “After Dark” reflects on the push and pull between leaving the past behind and finding comfort in the present. Beneath its barroom setting, the song speaks to the enduring bonds that help us navigate life’s challenges and the comfort found in knowing we don’t have to face them alone.
“I feel like it’s a common thing, especially when you’re at a dive bar, to get a beer and a shot. You get them together and the whole thought was like, one for you, one for where you’ve been,” says frontman James Barker. “The bourbon’s to forget the things you’ve gone through and the beer’s for the dude who’s just hanging out tonight. So it’s kind of that juxtaposition.”
At its core, “After Dark” reflects the band’s renewed focus on writing songs that feel authentic and deeply personal. “After Dark marks a new era for JBB,” Barker adds. “We’ve spent the past six months working hard to block out unnecessary noise and focus on writing songs that make us feel something in our souls. We’re trying to carve out a sound that isn’t based on where we’ve been, but where we’re going. We want our music to connect with people because it’s real.”
Fresh off a U.S. tour highlighted by a sold-out show in New York, NY, the quartet recently performed for more than 30,000 fans at Chicago’s Rate Field during a surprise appearance at a Chicago White Sox game. The band continues to build momentum internationally, with growing audiences across the UK and Europe embracing both their music and live performances.
With more than 407 million global streams, six No. 1 singles at Canadian country radio, 12 Gold and Platinum certifications and two JUNO Awards for Country Album of the Year, James Barker Band have become one of Canada’s most successful country exports of the past decade. Made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), the band’s signature blend of anthemic songwriting and undeniable chemistry has connected with audiences around the world.
This summer, James Barker Band will perform at major festivals and events alongside Post Malone, Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll, Thomas Rhett and the Jonas Brothers as they continue introducing their music to new audiences across Canada and the United States.
