Carleton Stone Shares Dive-Bar Inspired Single, “Lights”

Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Carleton Stone is back with a late-night slow-burner, following up his recent single “Used To” with the dreamy, dive bar-inspired new track, “Lights.”

Written several years ago with longtime friend and collaborator Morgan Cameron Ross, “Lights” was born out of hazy post-show nights at a legendary Sydney, NS watering hole: the Capri Cabaret. Equal parts iconic and unpredictable, the bar became the unlikely muse for a song about feeling out of place, and finding connection anyway.

“Lights” takes the listener out for a spin on a dive bar dance floor. “Look at all these lonely people, sticky floors and broken tables,” he sings over a groovy bassline. “Everybody’s looking for love; man, I wish them good luck.” Things nearly seem a little lonely until Stone reveals that, under the dim lights of the honky tonk, and despite whatever shitty music is coming across the speakers, he’s got a partner to spin around the scuffed-up hardwood: “Baby, when the lights come on, it’s you.”

With swooning pedal steel from Aaron Goldstein and warm organ textures courtesy of Todd Lumley, “Lights” leans into its rose-coloured haze. Co-produced and mixed by Howie Beck, alongside contributions from Neil Quin and Carlin Nicholson of beloved Canadian outfit Zeus, the track glows with a gritty warmth, like last call stretching just a little longer than it should.

Stone says:

“This song was recorded in Toronto with my dream team. It’s one of those tracks where everything just fell into place with people I really trust.”

The accompanying video, directed by longtime collaborator MOOSECANFLY, keeps things intimate and unpolished, mirroring the song’s emotional core. Shot at The Carleton, a cornerstone venue in Stone’s career, the visual pays tribute to over a decade of late nights and lived-in stages.

Stone shares:

“I’ve had countless memorable moments there over the past fifteen years. It felt like the perfect backdrop for a song about falling in love in a bar.”

MOOSECANFLY adds:

“We wanted to keep the concept simple and let the music and lyrics speak for themselves. It’s always a pleasure working with a great songwriter.”

Over the past three years, Stone has been deeply immersed in songwriting, earning a 2026 East Coast Music Award nomination for “Songwriter of the Year.” His co-write, “Dodge,” recorded by Baby Nova, has connected with more than a million listeners.

With “Lights,” Carleton Stone proves that even in the most unlikely places, amid busted tables, questionable playlists, and last-call desperation, there’s still room for a little romance.

Carleton Stone “Lights” single artwork