Jutes wanted attention when he was younger, hoping it would make him feel worth something. These days, he values being off the grid, even though getting his music heard means putting more of himself online.
Chin Up, Beautiful, released on August 5th, 2026, finds Jutes writing about the pressure to be perfect and his fears about where the world is heading. Speaking with us, he also explains why sobriety has helped him perform his darker songs.
The Canadian musician will play his first Australian shows in February 2027, supporting Dayseeker alongside Silent Planet and sace6.
We caught up ahead of the visit to talk about the record, Demi Lovato’s response to ‘White Butterflies’ and the care packages arriving from a mate in Melbourne.
You’re coming to Australia for the first time with Dayseeker. What are we in for?
Jutes: Some good old-fashioned yearning and a public display of deep unresolved trauma.
Is Chin Up, Beautiful supposed to comfort people, or scare them a little?
Jutes: I knew it would end up comforting people, but I wrote it out of fear for where the world was heading. It’s dressed up as an “it will be ok” anthem but the lyrics do not imply that anything is ok. In fact, it’s the opposite, and telling you that if you don’t like how bad things are, just close your eyes.
Why did this album need an entire world falling apart around it?
Jutes: Because the world is lowkey falling apart unfortunately, lol.
Jutes ‘Chin Up, Beautiful’ video
Which song on the record reveals the most about who you are right now?
Jutes: Maybe ‘Smile, You’re On Camera’. It definitely represents the new eyes on me as of lately. It’s written from the perspective of society giving someone a spotlight then telling them to be perfect or they will rip it away.
‘Icarus’ looks at the darker side of chasing success. What did your younger self get wrong?
Jutes: The younger me wanted to be seen so bad, to feel like I was worth something. The desire for attention and fame has gone down the closer I am to it and the older I get. I want my music to help people and the more people it helps, naturally the more attention I will get. But I really love being off the grid and invisible to be honest. It’s a very hypocritical job because I end up posting so much online to spread my music.
You’ve gone from hip-hop to R&B to heavy music. When did the guitars start winning?
Jutes: Once I moved to LA, it wasn’t long before I realized I am surrounded by world-class musicians. It kind of took my guard rails off and allowed me to be able to find someone for any sound I wanted to create. That path led me around the city a bit, but I’ve landed with some really cool people who share similar tastes as me.
Jutes ‘White Butterflies’ video
You’ve spoken openly about sobriety. Has it changed how you perform your darker songs?
Jutes: I just perform better all around when I’m sober. Drinking made my singing worse and I would automatically lose my voice after a night of drinking. I can still channel the darkness even from a healthy place.
‘White Butterflies’ was your response to Demi’s ‘Ghost’. What was her reaction when she first heard it?
Jutes: She loved it and may or may not have even teared up a little when she came to see me play in Houston. She was trying to be stealthy and watch from the balcony, but I kept throwing her little glances at certain parts of the song.
Which song do you reckon will win over a Dayseeker crowd the fastest?
Jutes: ‘Disassociate’ seems to win over most crowds; it’s a pretty solid aura farming song.
You grew up with emus in Canada. Does that make Australia your unofficial homecoming tour?
Jutes: I think I was Australian in a past life because I’ve always become close with Australians. One of my best friends lives in Melbs and he sends me care packages of Shapes, Tim Tams, Vegemite, and all the classics.
Chin Up, Beautiful is out now, with Jutes heading to Australia for the Dayseeker tour from February 7th to 14th, 2027. Brisbane is already sold out. Find the full dates below and ticket information through Destroy All Lines.
Dayseeker Australian Tour 2027
With Jutes, Silent Planet and sace6
- Sunday, February 7th, 2027 – Perth, Metro City (18+)
- Tuesday, February 9th, 2027 – Adelaide, Hindley St Music Hall (licensed all ages)
- Thursday, February 11th, 2027 – Melbourne, Margaret Court Arena (licensed all ages)
- Friday, February 12th, 2027 – Sydney, Hordern Pavilion (licensed all ages)
- Sunday, February 14th, 2027 – Brisbane, Fortitude Music Hall (licensed all ages, sold out)
Tickets and tour information: Destroy All Lines
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