Francis Baptiste, the Syilx singer-songwriter whose voice has become a vessel for Indigenous truth and lived testimony, presents his latest single “Locked In For Life,” a searing portrait of survival in East Vancouver. The track arrives as Baptiste continues to build momentum toward his third full-length album, Lived Experience in East Vancouver, and confirms his place as one of Canada’s most vital Indigenous folk-rock artists.

With his signature blend of raw honesty, retro charm, and deeply lived storytelling, Francis Baptiste returns with “Rent Free In My Mind”, a vulnerable new single about love, memory, and the grace of second chances. Following the hard-hitting “Aspirin for the Soul”, Baptiste now turns inward — trading the blues of survival for the quiet ache of nostalgia.

“Memories of you / and the thoughtful things you do / live rent free in my mind,” he sings with warmth and weariness. The track, out August 1, blends classic pop-rock textures with the heart of a man who’s grateful just to still be here. “It’s a little cheesy, a little retro,” Baptiste admits. “But I have to remind myself — I’m a 41-year-old retro guy. Sometimes you gotta let an old dog do his old dog music.”

Baptiste handles vocals and guitar, backed by a trusted circle of collaborators: Rob Thomson (bass), Max Ley (drums), Ricardo Pequenino (vocals, piano), and Kevin McCarthy (backup vocals). Together, they channel something between The Cars and Poison — a “dad rock” energy that’s worn-in, melodic, and sincere.

There ain’t no Aspirin for your soul. But Francis Baptiste has a song that comes close. The Vancouver-based Indigenous singer-songwriter returns with “Aspirin for the Soul,” a searing folk-rock confession about pain, healing, and the bruised beauty of survival.

Born and raised on the Osoyoos Indian Band Reservation in Oliver, BC, Baptiste has spent the last 20 years in East Vancouver, where his lived experience—addiction, fatherhood, poverty, and healing—have become the raw material for his music. “Aspirin for the Soul” marks a new chapter in his songwriting: blunt, bluesy, and bruised with hope. “I’d trade suffering any day / trade a heartache for a hangover,” he sings. “There ain’t no aspirin for your soul. Oh no, ain’t no fixing what’s been broke”.