Joe Lapinski Channels the Chaos of New Love in “I Know This”

• LISTEN TO “I KNOW THIS” HERE •

With his latest single, “I Know This,” St. Catharines-based artist Joe Lapinski taps into the disorienting magic of new love — the kind that sweeps in unexpectedly, consumes completely, and leaves you breathless in the best and worst ways. Raw, rhythmically pulsing, and emotionally vulnerable, the song stands as a triumphant second glimpse into Lapinski’s forthcoming album, New Day, arriving June 27, 2025.

Co-produced with long-time collaborator Dave Clark (Gord Downie’s Country of Miracles, Rheostatics), “I Know This” is a restless and joyful collision of indie rock tension and New Wave vitality. Built on driving beats and swirling textures, it’s a track that moves the body and the soul — danceable yet introspective, chaotic yet deliberate.

From the opening bars, Lapinski draws listeners into an ecstatic rush, channeling the energy of acts like Talking Heads and Sonic Youth without ever losing his own distinct voice. Gritty guitar lines, layered percussion, and luminous synth flourishes all serve as the sonic backdrop to a love story in real time — messy, immediate, and deeply human.

At the emotional center of the track is a transcendent saxophone performance by Karen Ng, known for her work with The Weather Station and Andy Shauf. Her performance doesn’t simply complement the song — it elevates it. The saxophone acts as a second voice, echoing the song’s lyrical intensity and guiding the listener through the shifting moods of infatuation, uncertainty, and surrender.

“I Know This is about the chaos that comes with new love. It aches with beauty. I knew I wanted a solo instrument to reflect the emotional waves throughout the song and Karen absolutely nailed it. Her part is other-worldly.” – Joe Lapinski

Lapinski’s decision to bring in Ng was a masterstroke. Her solo functions almost like a conversation with the listener — at times soaring, at times gasping, but always fully alive. Her lines don’t just fill space; they express what words can’t.

Lyrically, “I Know This” dives into the overwhelming moment when emotion and intuition collide — when love feels inevitable, even if logic hasn’t caught up yet. There’s a rawness to Lapinski’s delivery, a vulnerability that avoids sentimentality by grounding the story in real, lived emotion. His voice quivers and steadies in turn, just like someone finding their footing in a whirlwind.

While “I Know This” may feel like a standalone moment of passion, it’s also a carefully constructed chapter in a much larger narrative. The upcoming album New Day, co-produced by Clark, is a deeply personal collection that explores themes of identity, trauma, healing, and human connection. With the release of the first single, “Hurt A Bird,” Lapinski set the stage for an introspective and courageous body of work. “I Know This” furthers that arc — showing not just pain and reflection, but also joy and risk.

Lapinski has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s independent music scene. A songwriter, producer, performer, and sound designer, he’s the founder of WOW! Recording Studio & Creative Music Space, and a frequent collaborator with artists and bands across Ontario. From his work with Minuscule, The Woodshed Orchestra, and Rita & The Daydreamers, to his genre-fluid solo material, Lapinski continues to push boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in his community.

“I Know This” is a shining example of his evolving artistry. There’s a tension between craft and chaos here — as though every element, from the jagged guitars to Ng’s haunting solo, is on the edge of falling apart but never quite does. It’s this balancing act — between precision and abandon — that makes the song feel so alive.

As New Day approaches, Joe Lapinski invites us into a sonic and emotional journey that doesn’t flinch from the uncomfortable. Instead, it dances with it. “I Know This” is more than a love song — it’s a full-body experience, a reminder that the most powerful truths often arrive with a beat, a breath, and a rush of feeling we don’t have to understand to believe in.