Plain Mister Smith Chases Warmth and Wistfulness on “Miss Sunshine”

With “Miss Sunshine,” Plain Mister Smith delivers a sun-bleached slice of indie-folk that’s as warm as it is quietly cutting. Released 8 August via AmeliaRecords/Symphonic, the single marks the first chapter in a run of new music leading up to the Vancouver-and-London-based artist’s forthcoming 2026 album.

The man behind the moniker is no stranger to reinvention. A former guitarist for Canadian darkwave outfit Moev and current cellist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, he folds years of disparate musical experience into a sound that’s eclectic yet unshakeably his own. Under the Plain Mister Smith banner, that vision has earned praise from the likes of CLASH, NOTION, and Under the Radar, and here, it’s as sharp as ever.

“Miss Sunshine” is breezy on the surface, its chiming guitar licks and steady, understated drums (courtesy of John Raham, with mixing by Chris Perry) evoking the charm of The Beatles, the melodic looseness of Death Cab for Cutie, and the dream-tinged haze of Tame Impala. But dig deeper and you’ll find something more bittersweet: a portrait of someone you admire caught in a web of exploitation, painted with empathy, affection, and maybe even a hint of romance.

Plain Mister Smith’s delivery is tender without slipping into sentimentality. His voice rides the groove like a knowing smile, letting the melody carry the emotion while the lyrics do their quiet work. It’s a track that feels effortless, but it lingers, the kind of song that wraps you in warmth while planting just enough sting to keep you coming back.

Stream "Miss Sunshine" now: