Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Maki's new single, "Old School Heart," starts 2026 with a statement of purpose. The track arrives as the official follow-up to last November’s “Nine Lives,” with both songs set to appear on his highly anticipated sophomore album expected later this year. All of these things show that an artist is getting more in touch with his feelings and becoming more confident in what he stands for.
David Adam Mohacsi, Justin Allan Edward Maki, Laura Anne Short, Martin Steven Patrick, and Maïa Davies collaborated to write "Old School Heart" in Nashville. Mohacsi and Davies were in charge of production. The song was originally called "My Damn Heart," but it changed over time, which is a sign of how its emotions have grown. Changing the title didn't just change the way the song sounded, it changed its identity, making it softer and more powerful.
"Old School Heart" sounds like a love song that is really a personal manifesto. It's not based on metaphors or mystery, it's based on clarity. Maki doesn't see commitment as a requirement, instead, he sees it as a set of values. His voice sounds like someone who knows who he is, what he wants, and why it matters. It's nice to hear someone be honest, especially in a music world that often values ambiguity over honesty.
This new release builds on the story that started in "Nine Lives" and adds more emotional depth to Maki's upcoming album. It makes him not only a songwriter but also a storyteller with a clear sense of what he wants to say. "Old School Heart" doesn't follow trends, instead, it leans into timelessness and sends a message that is both personal and universal.
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