The Bapti$$ Returns with Soul-Stirring "Crazyglue and Skeletons"

Following the understated power of his debut "Mister 808," The Bapti$$—the genre-bending musical rebirth of multi-instrumentalist Joseph LaPlante—returns with "Crazyglue and Skeletons," a meditative, emotional track that showcases his evolving artistry. This latest offering floats on eerie guitars, thumping 808s, and a raw vocal delivery that emerges straight from the heart, demonstrating LaPlante's continued evolution as both musician and storyteller.

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The song represents a bold fusion of sounds that theoretically shouldn't work together but somehow create perfect harmony. Blending pop, R&B, and singer-songwriter stylings with spiritual depth and street wisdom, The Bapti$$ once again brings simplicity to life in a way that cuts deep. The track's haunting guitar line weaves around a heavy, slow-cooked 808, creating production that feels both grounded and otherworldly—a testament to LaPlante's musical instincts and emotional clarity.

"This song to me is about using love and faith as the medicine to fight through our fallen nature," LaPlante shares. "When life gets hard, we have our family, and we have God on our side. The lyrics remind the listener that we all have emotional baggage and scars—and in those moments, you have the chance to be the glue that holds your loved ones together from falling apart. That should be a lifelong thing—from the womb to tomb."

This profound message speaks to the heart of what makes "Crazyglue and Skeletons" more than just another track—it's a spiritual and emotional manifesto wrapped in compelling musicality. The song explores themes of vulnerability, strength, and the delicate balance between healing oneself while supporting others through their darkest moments.

The creative process behind the track was refreshingly organic and spontaneous. "The whole thing came out easy," says LaPlante. "Me and Matt Stinn really took advantage of the file share system. I walked into the booth with nothing written down, and came out with a finished song that had a lot of feeling. It just flowed." This natural approach to creation reflects the authenticity that permeates the entire piece, allowing genuine emotion to guide the artistic process rather than forcing predetermined concepts.

At its core, "Crazyglue and Skeletons" is about finding strength in vulnerability—a paradox that LaPlante navigates with remarkable skill. It's a song about storms, love, and spiritual warfare, exploring the kind of quiet strength it takes to be the glue for others, even while healing yourself. This duality captures the human experience in all its complexity, acknowledging that we can simultaneously be wounded and whole, broken and binding.

The Bapti$$ represents a musical cleansing and rebirth for LaPlante, serving as a blank slate for the veteran musician and songwriter—a mid-career baptism of sorts, hence the evocative name. Originally from Saskatchewan but now based in Haida Gwaii, LaPlante has created through The Bapti$$ a world of warm, lush, 808-driven acoustic indie-pop and cozy, stripped-back singer-songwriter R&B.

This artistic universe encompasses an impressive range of styles and moods. There are romantic, late-night love ballads that whisper intimacy, booming hip-hop vocals and verses that command attention, rootsy folk sing-alongs that invite participation, gritty country-noir slow-burns that simmer with tension, and spacy, electronic astro-pop that transports listeners to otherworldly realms. This diversity isn't scattershot but rather demonstrates LaPlante's remarkable ability to channel different emotional frequencies while maintaining a cohesive artistic identity.

Before creating The Bapti$$, LaPlante gained widespread acclaim and recognition in hip-hop as Joey Stylez, with notable features in major productions including Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Reservation Dogs, and the critically acclaimed film Wind River. This background in hip-hop culture and storytelling clearly influences his current work, bringing authenticity and street credibility to his more introspective material.

The mission behind The Bapti$$ extends beyond personal artistic expression. LaPlante wants to use this platform to help youth stay on the right track and away from traumatic outcomes, while also staying deeply connected to people stuck on the margins who need strength the most. This social consciousness infuses his music with purpose beyond entertainment, positioning his art as a tool for healing and guidance.

"Crazyglue and Skeletons" exemplifies this mission perfectly, offering both artistic excellence and meaningful messaging that resonates with listeners facing their own struggles with vulnerability, faith, and the challenge of supporting others while managing personal healing.