For more than a decade, Night Lovell has carved out a lane entirely his own. While many artists from the SoundCloud era chased trends, viral moments, and mainstream attention, the Ottawa-born rapper quietly built something far more difficult: longevity. His unwavering authenticity has earned him a global audience while allowing him to remain firmly connected to the city that raised him.
Now, as he prepares to release My Blood as The Ink on August 28, Lovell finds himself entering another chapter. The artist born Shermar Paul describes the project as a character study of sorts, one that explores what might happen if he became the person others have often assumed him to be. It follows 2023’s I Hope You’re Happy, a record that marked a creative turning point and showcased a more intentional approach to songwriting and recording.
Despite international success, Ottawa remains home. It’s where his family is, where many of his memories were formed, and where he continues to return between tours and recording sessions. As he looks toward a new album, a potential tour, and whatever comes next, Lovell remains committed to the same philosophy that has guided his career from the beginning: staying true to himself.
It’s been more than two years since the release of I Hope You’re Happy. Who is Night Lovell today?
Night Lovell today is someone that I would absolutely love to be on the good side of, but probably fear being on the bad side of.
You’ve been teasing a new album recently. What can you tell us about it?
In short, this album is Night Lovell playing into all the bad things people make him out to be. Essentially, Night Lovell cosplaying as Shermar Paul in a world where he is fed by the lies about him and decides to be exactly that. My Blood as The Ink releases on August 28, 2026.
You’ve described your last album, I Hope You’re Happy, as a more intentional and mature project than some of your earlier work. How does your new album build on that evolution?
I feel that I’ve grown a lot over the years, as a man but also musically. I Hope You’re Happy was a big step for me musically because I was putting more effort into my recording process. My Blood as The Ink is me being fully comfortable with my vocal style and delivery.
Is there a particular song from the new project that feels especially important to you? What makes that track stand out?
Cigarette means a lot to me. I feel it was a nice way for me to tell a story about something I feel in my life, but make it relatable in a way that a lot of people can understand.
Which of the new songs are you most excited to perform live?
This Ain’t K-POP is going to be really fun to perform live. Stranger and Fight Night at Gitanes will be nice to do as well.
Can fans expect to see you back on the road soon?
It’s only tradition to take a new chapter of the story on the road. That being said, I’d want to make this next tour the best Lovell show any Lovell fan has ever been to.
You’ve built a global fanbase without chasing trends or constantly being in the spotlight. How have you managed to stay relevant while doing things on your own terms?
I guess by not trying to stay relevant. I’m at a point in my life where I want to really build something that will last. And I feel like authenticity always shines through when trends die.
What does doing things on your own terms mean at this stage of your career?
For me, it means ignoring what’s going on around you and just focusing on what inspires and motivates you.
It’s been nearly a decade since Red Teenage Melody. Looking back, what stands out to you about that period of your life?
Haha, I miss those times. I miss being a dumb kid and being able to use my age as an excuse for being a dumb kid. It was very much a learning period for me. A lot of things in my life were moving pretty quickly.
What feelings do you have toward that project today?
Around that time is when Ottawa first really discovered me. It felt like a really uniting time for the hip-hop community in the city, even outside of what I was doing. Along with that, some of my biggest songs are on there. It was a great moment.
You’ve always maintained a strong connection to Ottawa. Do you still spend much time here?
I live here. Ottawa will always be a home for me. I have grown such a connection with this city that I miss every time I’m away for any extended period of time. I love the small-city feel of being in Ottawa, although with all the traffic on the 417 lately, I’m not sure many will agree.
When you think back to your childhood in Ottawa, what memories stand out most?
The memories that stand out the most to me involve spending time with my mom and my sister. My mom would take us everywhere as kids, so my core memories of the city come from those times of us being together.
What’s something fans might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an aviation geek. It’s something I really want to pursue once I slow down with music. But not to worry, that won’t be anytime soon.
Who has had the biggest influence on your journey, both as an artist and as a person?
My dad has always been my biggest influence. It hasn’t ever really changed. I feel like I’ve been able to continue his story in one way or another.
If you had to describe Ottawa in one word, what would it be, and why?
Home is the word I’d use. But also I’d describe Ottawa as a city where dreams are born, and a city that gives extra gratification once you turn those dreams to reality.
How do you view Ottawa’s music scene today?
I’d say it’s matured over the years. There are a bunch of artists making music in the city these days. Some I’ve worked with or connected with. Shoutout to my boy Lindasson — got something coming ASAP.
When people listen to Night Lovell ten years from now, what do you hope they take away from your music?
I hope in ten years my music sounds and feels just as timeless as I want it to be today.
What’s next for you?
I am a man of many tricks and secrets.
