Canadian singer-songwriter and producer Sean Bertram returns with a dazzling new single, “What’s On Your Mind” — premiering exclusively today on Music Crowns. Fusing lyrical vulnerability with irresistible grooves, the track is an infectious, genre-blending meditation on the unspoken distance between two people at a breaking point.
Written during a deeply personal moment in 2020 — just before the end of a five-year relationship — Bertram leans into emotional honesty with refreshing clarity. Yet rather than settle into melancholy, “What’s On Your Mind” bursts with energy. Upbeat Pop/Funk instrumentation layered with R&B and Soul textures forms a vibrant sonic bed, allowing listeners to dance through the ache. “I wanted to bury the message in something you could dance to,” Bertram shares. “Even though the song is about emotional distance and difficult conversations, I hoped the energy would help people connect to it in a visceral way.”
A true multi-instrumentalist and meticulous producer, Bertram arranged, recorded, and mixed the song himself — layering 17 guitar parts, 36 vocal tracks, and a lush spectrum of synths, keys, and bass to build its sleek, dynamic sound. Longtime collaborator Jared Gershon co-produced the track and provides the live drums and percussion that ground the song’s rhythmic complexity, elevating its emotional heartbeat.
The result is a track that nods to musical greats — think Michael Jackson, Prince, Aretha Franklin — while carving out its own contemporary lane. With its rich harmony stacks and tight, expressive instrumentation, “What’s On Your Mind” will resonate with fans of John Mayer, Cory Wong, Tom Misch, and Jamie Cullum. But what sets Bertram apart is his ability to channel vulnerability through groove, weaving depth into every beat.
As a preview of his upcoming full-length album, “What’s On Your Mind” signals an exciting new chapter for Sean Bertram — one where self-reflection meets sonic sophistication. It’s a song that dares to ask the hard questions and dares you to dance anyway.
