James Barker Band’s ‘After Dark’ Creeps Onto the Billboard Canada Airplay Chart

James Barker Band is heading out “After Dark.”

The Ontario country band’s track arrives at No. 48 on the Billboard Canada All-Format Airplay chart, dated Aug. 8. It’s already a Canada Country hit, rising 34-25 on this week’s chart.

Using the imagery of having a shot of bourbon and a beer at the bar at the end of a long day, the group’s song reflects on the push and pull of leaving the past behind and staying present.

“The bourbon’s to forget the things you’ve gone through and the beer’s for the dude who’s just hanging out tonight,” frontman James Barker shares, noting that the song emphasizes that “juxtaposition.”

While it’s still grounded in the group’s quintessential country instincts and melodic tendencies, “After Dark” embraces a folk-inspired sound that charts new territory for the band. On the track, they worked with producer Todd Clark, who most recently worked with chart-topping act Noah Kahan.

“We’re trying to carve out a sound that isn’t based on where we’ve been, but where we’re going,” Barker explains. The band plays Boots & Hearts this weekend.

LØLØ 's “The Punisher” hits the Hot AC chart at No. 32. It’s a post-breakup anthem, as the Toronto pop-punk artist and songwriter sings about stalking your ex — in what she calls a “sick twisted ritual” — the gritty track showcases LØLØ’s knack for effortless emotional honesty. Last month, “The Punisher” made its Airplay chart debut on CHR/Top 40. In its sixth week charting, it climbs to No. 25, a new peak.

Five spots down, Felix Cartal & Fionn’s “The Way” arrives at No. 37. The two Vancouver acts have crafted an electro-pop interpretation of Fastball’s 1998 track of the same name. It elevates Cartal’s signature bass-heavy dance production, with twin sister duo Fionn’s nostalgic yet melodic vocals. Back in June, the track arrived on CHR/Top 40 — it currently sits at No. 24 in its 10th week on the chart.

The two tracks join Blonde Diamond and Dear Rouge’s “Love Is A Shadow,” which debuts at No. 29 on Modern Rock.That chart is topped by Death Cab For Cutie’s “Riptides,” which spends another week at No. 1.

This week, many Canadian artists are moving into the top 10 of various Airplay charts.

On CHR/Top 40, Cameron Whitcomb’s song-of-the-summer contender, “Kingdom of Fear,” zooms from No. 19 to No. 7.

On Country, two homegrown acts make the cut. Tyler Joe Miller’s “Under The Influence” rises 10-7, while Dean Brody's declarative hit “A Man Without A Woman” moves to No. 9. Still, Jason Aldean’s “Don't Tell On Me” sits at No. 1.

Mainstream Rock sees Three Days Grace’s “Don't Wanna Go Home Tonight” climbing from No. 7 to No. 4, reaching a new peak. Time will tell if the group scores another No. 1 hit, which is currently reserved for Evanescence’s “Who Will You Follow,” which holds down the top spot. On Modern Rock, Valley’s “Vending Machine” climbs from No. 5 to No. 2, while Wednesday Management mates, The Beaches, jump from No. 11 to No. 7, with No Hard Feelings deluxe track, “Should’ve Known Better.”

At the top, Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” holds down the No. 1 spot on All-Format, followed by Sombr’s “Homewrecker” at No. 2.

As Olivia Dean’s Canadian trek continues, the British singer’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” holds down the top spot on AC, as Alex Warren moves up one spot to No. 2 with “Fever Dream.” Over on Hot AC, Dean’s self-love track climbs to No. 2, sitting one spot below Tame Impala and JENNIE’s viral hit “Dracula.” Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drop Dead” maintains its pulse at No. 1 on CHR/Top 40, as Zara Larsson’s sweaty summer bop “Midnight Sun” moves to No. 2.

Check out the Billboard Canada Airplay charts here.