When it comes to crafting art that transcends boundaries, few creators embody the spirit of reinvention quite like Mario Deschênes. Under the name OneSelf, the Quebec-based multi-disciplinary artist returns with Unicitude (Unique Link), released on September 9, 2025, as the shining finale to his ambitious eighth studio album Versions ’N’ Not 8. More than a single, Unicitude is a declaration — a celebration of identity, connection, and evolution from an artist who refuses to stand still.
Versions ’N’ Not 8 is not just another rock album. It’s a culmination of years of exploration, reflection, and relentless creative experimentation. Deschênes, who serves as the sole musician, songwriter, and producer across all sixteen tracks, delivers a body of work that balances fiery rock anthems with moments of introspective tenderness. Every note bears his fingerprint — the product of a lifetime spent mastering not just instruments, but the delicate art of translating emotion into sound.
At the center of this album stands Unicitude (Unique Link), a piece that perfectly encapsulates OneSelf’s artistic philosophy. Originally born from one of Deschênes’ earlier compositions, the track has been completely reimagined for this release, given what he calls “a new sonic face.” It’s a moment of reflection and renewal — the merging of past and present into something undeniably forward-looking. The result is a lush, rock-infused anthem that pulses with both familiarity and discovery.
Where previous releases like Seven Eleven introduced Deschênes’ instinct for melody and emotional storytelling, Unicitude represents the sound of that vision reaching full maturity. The production is unapologetically raw, intentionally “garagey” in feel, yet layered with the finesse of a seasoned artist who knows exactly when to let the music breathe and when to let it roar. The blend of English and French lyrics adds another layer of intimacy and universality, reflecting both his roots and his reach as a global artist.
There’s a palpable sense of purpose driving Unicitude. It’s not just about making music; it’s about creating an experience that links artist and listener — a “unique link,” as the title implies. Each guitar riff feels alive, each drumbeat deliberate, each vocal phrase drenched in authenticity. The song radiates the energy of someone who has been through countless versions of himself and finally arrived at the one that feels true. It’s rock music in the purest sense — passionate, personal, and fearless.
The track also functions as the perfect closing statement for Versions ’N’ Not 8, an album that thrives on reinvention. Across its sixteen songs, Deschênes revisits material from his vast catalog, reshaping old ideas with new sonic life while introducing fresh compositions that stretch his sound even further. The album’s concept — to explore multiple “versions” of his musical self — mirrors the iterative nature of creation itself. It’s the sound of an artist revising, refining, and ultimately arriving at something definitive.
The structure of the album feels almost cinematic. Opening with the instrumental First Season (Opening Theme), Deschênes sets the tone with sweeping guitars and rhythmic drive, then dives into reimagined tracks like This Is Her Eyes and Forget Her 2. Midway through, the tone shifts with Entre Deux Raisons (Middle Theme), a meditative instrumental bridge leading into more reflective pieces such as Letter To My Soul and I Need Her Help (I’m So Busy). The final sequence, performed in French, adds emotional depth and cultural texture, closing with the touching Versions et Pas (A La Fin) before Unicitude ties everything together in one final, resounding statement.
For Deschênes, the process of creating Versions ’N’ Not 8 was both an artistic and personal pilgrimage. “I am at the service of my musical creations,” he explains — a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the album. As a composer, performer, painter, videographer, and photographer, his artistry is all-encompassing. He doesn’t just make songs; he builds entire worlds. The accompanying videos, over twenty in total, bring his sound to life visually, revealing a creator whose imagination refuses to be contained by medium or genre.
That ambition is what makes Unicitude feel so vital. It’s not simply a song at the end of an album; it’s the thesis statement of OneSelf’s creative identity. It’s the bridge between who Mario Deschênes was and who he continues to become — an artist evolving, version by version, without ever losing the spark that drives him.
Beyond its musicality, Unicitude carries a message of unity and authenticity that resonates deeply in today’s fragmented world. It’s about finding beauty in individuality while recognizing the invisible threads that bind us all. The track’s title feels prophetic in a way — a reminder that every connection, every creative act, is unique, and yet universal in its desire to reach and be understood.
With Versions ’N’ Not 8, Mario Deschênes proves that longevity in music doesn’t come from repetition, but from reinvention. Each project he releases feels like a fresh chapter, one that honors the past while daring to explore uncharted terrain. Unicitude (Unique Link) stands as the perfect embodiment of that ethos — bold, heartfelt, and timeless.
In the end, OneSelf’s greatest accomplishment might be in the name itself. Through his work, Deschênes has achieved what every artist strives for: to become entirely, unmistakably himself. And with Unicitude, he’s extended that invitation to us — to find our own version, our own rhythm, our own link in the music he’s so passionately built.
