"Dead End Countdown" is the debut single by Canadian band The New Cities from their debut studio album, Lost in City Lights. The song peaked at number 16 on the Canadian Hot 100 and was certified Gold by Music Canada with over 20,000 digital downloads.
The song won the SOCAN "Pop/Rock Music Award" and the music video, directed by Jodeb, was nominated at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards for "Post-Production of the Year".
Background and composition "Dead End Countdown" was written by Christian Bergeron, Matthew Brann, David Brown, Nicolas Denis, Francis Fugere, Philippe Lachance, Julien Martre and Greig Nori. It was produced by Nori and Alex McMahon. The song is about "the melancholy that surrounds a break-up." Musically, the song is described as electropop, which singer David Brown said of the track, "We really identify with this song, with its New Order-esque foundation. It's rock and soft at the same time. It represents us well."
Release The song was released for digital download in Canada, on February 24, 2009. In the United States, it was released on June 16, this version titled, "Dead End Countdown (New Mix)". In the United Kingdom, it was released on April 26, 2010, which features an alternative version, a remix by Dave Ogilvie and a music video of the song.
Awards and nominations +Awards and nominations for "Dead End Countdown" Year Organization Award Result Ref(s) 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards Post Production of the Year 2010 SOCAN Awards Pop/Rock Music Award
Music video The music video for "Dead End Countdown" was released on April 17, 2009, and was directed by Jodeb. The video reached number seven on the MuchMusic Countdown. It was nominated for Post-Production of the Year at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards. The video was released in the UK and Ireland in March 2010, and was added to Kerrang! TV, Scuzz TV, NME TV, Chart Show TV and The Box playlists. The video reached number ten on the Kerrang! TV's "Most Wanted".
Track listing
Personnel Credits for "Dead End Countdown" adapted from the album's liner notes.
The New Cities David Brown – lead vocals Julien Martre – backing vocals, bassist Christian Bergeron – guitarist Francis Fugere – drums Nicolas Denis – synth Philippe Lachance – synth
Production Greig Nori – producer Alex McMahon – producer, recording Dave Ogilvie – mixing Phil Demetro – mastering Olivier Jean – recording Ryan Haslett – engineer
Charts
Weekly charts +Weekly chart performance for "Dead End Countdown" Chart (2009) Peakposition Canada Hot 100 (Billboard) 16 Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard) 8 Canada Hot AC (Billboard) 10
Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for "Dead End Countdown" Chart (2009) Position Canada Hot 100 (Billboard) 69
Certifications
Release history + Release dates and formats for "Dead End Countdown" Region Date Format Label Canada February 24, 2009 Digital download Sony Music Canada United States June 16, 2009 Sony Music United Kingdom April 26, 2010 Red Ink
References