rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
I usually start out by humming and/or singing random words while trying to come up with a melody. Once I’m happy with the melody I’ll then try to consciously write lyrics around that idea. I try not to focus too much on the lyrical content initially as it can hinder the creative process if get caught up in trying to find the perfect word/phrase. It’s not until I have the full arrangement and melody locked in that I’ll then look over the lyrics with a fine toothcomb.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in song writing?
For me, the song has to feel like it’s going somewhere. The listener needs to feel they’re on the journey with you. With advances in technology and accessibility to software/instruments at a low cost, there’s more songs out there now that have amazing production quality however I think we often lose sight on how important the actual structure/arrangement of a track is. As a songwriter, you only have on average 3ish mins of the listener’s time (if you’re lucky). There’s no time to waste, get to the destination!
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
The interpretation of music and lyrics is highly subjective and can take on new meanings over time. In the past I’ve gone through a period of writers block where I was so caught up in what to say lyrically. After that, I make a conscious effort to place less emphasis on lyrics when writing and try focus on the overall bigger picture and message I’m trying to convey. I also try to keep my lyrics relatively broad as I want the listener to be able to interpret the song in their own unique way.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
‘I’m deserving of this world, I’ve got to get through‘.
This lyric phrase means a lot to me personally. It’s about the never-ending battle trying to break into the music industry and my desire to push through in pursuit of pursuing a career in music.
What inspired “Higher Ground”, your latest single?
I’ve always wanted to write a dance record. In the past I’ve spent unnecessary energy worrying about what to say and how to say it lyrically. For this song, I wanted to be free from that and allow the music to be at the forefront. This song is about the freedom and excitement of getting lost in the music and chasing the night with friends, wherever that may lead.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Feeling For You”?
I spent a couple weeks at Sam’s home studio in Sydney over the course of 2018. I remember Sam was working on finding the right sound for the main riff we had and I started top lining it while he was working. I recorded the vocal idea on my phone and got Sam to bounce a demo of the instrumental where it was at the time and I finalised the vocal idea on my laptop. It all came together fairly quickly!
Are you working on a new EP/Album?
I’m currently in the studio finalising the mix of my next single. Hoping to have it finished in the coming week! I’m also simultaneously working on a couple other tracks, aiming to have them finished ASAP to release them as an EP later in the year. Fingers crossed!
What is the best suggestion your producer gave you?
Know your waveforms.
What are your plans for 2019?
Following the release of ‘Higher Ground’ on 17th May, I’ll be playing a free gig on 26 May at the North Gong Hotel in Wollongong, NSW (at the time of speaking). In the meantime, you’ll find me working hard finishing a bunch of tracks that I will be releasing throughout 2019 and hoping to play a bunch of more shows!
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your song “Higher Ground”: Carefree.
- The best show you ever played: Groovin The Moo (VIC).
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Spare batteries.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: Hallelujah.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Love yourself before you love somebody else.
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