Mav Karlo, the project of the Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Menno Versteeg, has shared a new single, “Elevator,” b/w his take on the Weaves’ song “Walkaway.” Versteeg is used to ups and downs. After fronting an indie-rock band for 13 years, he has seen his fair share of fame and fortune, as well as taking some long, hard looks in the gutter. 

Produced by Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Amen Dunes, Beach House) and with backing vocals from Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls, his single “Elevator” is a frank and honest exploration of Versteeg’s own experiences dealing with mental health over the years. The track sees Versteeg yearning for some middle-ground (“Just doing alright, would be more than alright; not over the moon or stuck under the ice”). The single’s b-side “Walkaway” is a track about finally finding comfort in yourself and your resilience.

Mav Karlo explains, “Whether it’s a hypomanic episode or a depression, the feeling at the time is so all encompassing and real that it seems like that is the only reality that I have ever known. I relish the times in between, the periods of stillness when I’m able to be fully present in the moment and able to interact with my environment and the people in my life with the confidence that comes with being in equilibrium.”

Menno Vertseeg is also the founder of Royal Mountain Records, the Canadian label home of Mac DeMarco, Alvvays, U.S. Girls, Orville Peck, Pottery, and more.