A New Chapter for Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen released her new single "Motivation" on August 21 via Interscope Records. The track arrives ahead of her forthcoming 24-track double album, Day and Night, which is scheduled for release on September 18. "Motivation" specifically occupies a slot on the "night" side of the expansive new project.
Co-written with Cole M.G.N., who co-produced the track alongside Kyle Shearer, the single operates as a candid family anthem. It is framed as an incisive reflection on inherited patterns and the cost of becoming oneself, honoring connections across both birth and chosen families.
The Origins of Motivation
'Motivation' started when I was back in my hometown in the fall, and the crunch of the leaves under my feet started creating this rhythm,
— Carly Rae Jepsen
I was thinking about my family and how passionate we all are, how we have such high expectations of each other. 'Motivation' became my way of making peace with all of that, it's our little family anthem that recognizes all the complicated parts, but I hope it can be an anthem for chosen families as well.
— Carly Rae Jepsen
Visuals and Career Context
The official music video for "Motivation" was shot in Paris and directed by Caio Viera. The cinematic visual features Gigi Goode, a fashion designer, actress, and model who gained prominence on Season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Viera previously directed the official video for "On Wires", the initial single released from Day and Night.
The current album cycle has also introduced the track "After All", as well as "Don't Leave Me on the Dance Floor". The visual for the latter marked the music video directorial debut of Jeremy O. Harris and starred Alden Ehrenreich alongside Olivia Washington.
Day and Night adds to a career marked by significant milestones. Jepsen's 2012 hit "Call Me Maybe" topped charts in over 47 countries and earned two GRAMMY nominations, while her 2015 album E MO TION has surpassed one billion streams worldwide. Her discography also includes the full-length records Kiss, Dedicated, and The Loneliest Time, along with their respective B-side companion projects.
