Maria Lane On the Making Of ‘35 days’
Can you share any interesting or unique stories or perspectives in '35 days?'’
In ‘35 days,’ I explore the emotional landscape of long-distance relationships, which I've personally navigated more than once. The essence of the song reflects how digital the experience feels; like you're reaching out, but only connecting through a screen. It’s a journey through the sense of separation, the feeling of a wall between two souls despite being so emotionally connected. This ep is a reflection of the trials of distance, the heartache of longing through a screen, and the perseverance of love despite the odds.
Which song do you like the best and why?
I have a special fondness for “quality time.” What stands out to me about this song is its lyrical depth, which feels akin to a heartfelt monologue. As I penned down the words, I sensed an urgency to voice all the emotions and thoughts bubbling inside. Musically, I'm particularly proud of its progression; beginning with a mellow guitar strumming which then crescendos into an intense “rock” vibe by the time we hit the bridge. The juxtaposition of the calm start and the fervent climax mirrors the emotional rollercoaster that relationships often bring.
How does '35 days' fit into your overall artistic vision?
Visually, I think it was captured really well in terms of how I imagined the cover art to be, the image when you're laying in your bed with your phone next to you and you keep looking at it to see if this person texted you back, the agonizing anxiety that can bring.
Sonically, it feels closer to the kind of music I want to be making, and each song is a journey of its own but it has an arc, which is how I want my music to feel.
Can you recall a particular moment, artist, or experience that had a significant influence on your music?
Absolutely, theater has been a profound influence on my musical journey. My passion for theater was one of the earliest I've ever had, and it greatly shaped my understanding of storytelling. I learned the significance of specificity in lyrics from being onstage and getting to be experiencing these stories. Theater is all about transporting the audience to another world, creating an environment so tangible that you forget reality for a moment. That's what I aim for in my music too. I strive to craft songs that don't just sound good but feel immersive, where every lyric paints a scene so vivid that listeners feel they're right there in the midst of it. It's that tangible, enveloping experience I fell in love with in theater, and it's what I aspire to deliver in my music.
How do you balance crafting relatable stories with maintaining your unique voice as a songwriter?
I always draw from my own experiences when I write. By focusing on specific moments in my life and translating them into lyrics, I believe that's where the relatability comes from. For me, being honest and raw in my storytelling is key. While I have numerous musical influences that inspire me, I'm careful to ensure that the essence of my music remains authentic to my experiences. By being truthful in my approach, I naturally blend relatable stories with my unique voice, giving my music a distinct touch that's all my own.
Nerdhappy Releases ‘15913’
Can you briefly describe what the song/each song is about? If you are releasing an album then either describe the thinking behind the project or choose a couple of lead tracks to focus on.
Each song is a story in my mind. Barca vs. Bayern is about a folksy girl who meets a techy guy at a bar during a soccer/football match. Bossk Dreams is an electronic interpretation of a dream/nightmare in the mind of the galactic bounty hunter. Be Yourself, Tamiko is about a girl on a playground who gets dissed by someone who she thought was her friend, so she summons the Japanese God of the Sea to splash her with water.
Were there any notable or amusing happenings surrounding the recording/production of the EP?
Writing songs has always come easy, but learning to produce music was very difficult. In order to make sure everything sounded right I began to mix/master songs in my car to make sure they'd sound right on the radio.
Is there a particular ethos behind the single/EP/album or any particular music styles or events that inspired it?
The title of the album is 15913, which is a reference to hitting the kick on the 1, 5, 9, and 13 on a drum machine. The original inspiration was to make songs that thump, but along the way, the weirdness snuck its way into each song.
Are there any other interesting or amusing happenings – no matter how small – that the band has been involved with that would be of interest to those who like your music?
I live in Red Hook, Brooklyn (Mitski just recorded her music video here :), and when I'd get stuck I'd just walk around listening to my tracks again and again in my headphones, and let the sounds of my neighborhood chime in with other ideas. A bus or a laugh or a police siren provided tones and ideas that sometimes fit perfectly.
What are the band's main influences?
The first influence has to have been Depeche Mode, and in more recent years bands like Daft Punk, Kalkbrenner, Odesza, Moderat, trentem0ller, Extrawelt.