Sophia Stephens On the Making Of ‘Remnantal’
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind 'Remnantal' and the story it tells?
I wanted Remnantal to be relatable, to anyone who listens. All 4 songs deal with emotions from different points in my life, that I do my best to make relatable to the listener. Because of this, the album tells the story of different phrases, which is a nod to the name ‘Remnental’, as the Ep represents different remnants of emotions I’ve had.
What are you most proud of 'Remnantal?'
I’m most proud of the song Familiar, as originally this song started out at a family pool party where my brother sat down playing the piano, and I began writing the melody to Familiar in my head. Over the years the song has progressed and sounds very different from the original. It’s taken on a new bridge, a new key, and my voice has grown stronger, all of which I can see when I watch videos of my younger self singing. Because of this, it’s very cool to see how far I’ve come from just a few years ago.
What is your personal favorite song from 'Remnantal' and why?
My favorite song is Shadowlit. It’s definitely my favorite as this song is so fun for me to sing. I also loved writing the lyrics for this song, as it includes some of my favorite lines such as “I’m no Icarus, I leave before the fall.” and “I’m the disciple you help me see.”
Could you share some of your musical influences and how they have shaped your sound?
It’s hard for me to determine my musical influences, as I could say any song I’ve heard has influenced me. Even songs I hate, those songs make me think “Well I don’t want to do this.” However the artists I listen to the most definitely include Taylor Swift, and because of that when I first started writing songs I would generally copy her verse, chorus, verse, and bridge structure, including trying to make my choruses as catchy as possible. Taylor’s songwriting pattern was what really gave me structure when I first started.
Are there any specific artists or musicians you dream of collaborating with?
My dream collaboration would probably be Lorde as my favorite album is Melodrama and Lorde is an artist I admire the uniqueness of. Her voice is amazing and to have that on one of my songs would be a fun experiment.
Gingerjamesfair On the Making Of ‘Unreachable Peak’
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of 'An Unreachable Peak?'
This album was inspired by the global disillusionment with work-life balance following the Covid-19 pandemic, where terms like 'quiet quitting' and ‘The Great Resignation’ made headlines. I was interested in how groups of people were arriving at similar conclusions about their experiences of work, despite being in very different fields of employment to one another. I was also inspired by some wider reading on similar themes such as Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber, Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie and The Refusal of Work by David Frayne.
How do you feel 'An Unreachable Peak' represents your artistic identity?
I think it’s quite idiosyncratic, which is in keeping with much of my other work. I think it goes in unexpected or unlikely directions, sometimes successfully, sometimes less so. I think that it’s such a good description of my identity that I decided to call my production company ‘Idiosyncratic’.
What has been one of your most favorite memories along the path to making 'An Unreachable Peak?'
It’s been quite a slog making this record to be honest. I went through a lot of self-doubt about even finishing it at some points. I think my favourite memory has been the release of it, just to get it out in to the world and no longer stuck on my laptop. It is a relief and I feel energised to do the next thing!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’m not in pursuit of a career in music! My ‘professional’ life is as a filmmaker and a lecturer in university. I deliberately didn’t want to pursue a career in music, because I never wanted to be forced to create or express myself through music for the sake of an income. I wanted to preserve it as something I could always escape to outside of my ‘career’, hence An Unreachable Peak providing some kind of therapy!
Are there any specific artists or musicians you dream of collaborating with?
There are so many. I’d love to work with Damon Albarn, PJ Harvey or Sufjan Stevens. They’ve all had such successful collaborations, I’d love to experience their creative process up close.
KAT “Rise”
KAT really impresses you with her powerfully soulful vocals in “Rise.” Expressiveness meets her naturally stunning vocal tune. “Rise” sees her further along her journey of empowerment, claiming her rightful place in the music scene. The song is an instant hit, and it grows on you as you carry it further in your life. With a blend of old school blues and souls, she gives you the power of truth and introspection. “Rise” was written during a traumatic breakup. While KAT may be hitting emotional rock bottom, the song sees the blast of rebirth. As if an empowering letter that speaks to you at different stages in life, “Rise” is about finding the strength to stand up and move on.
Even though the song was born in the thorns, it bears the bright, golden sonic palette that instantly lifts you up. You’ll find KAT’s brutally honest lyrics hitting hard as if she is speaking directly to you through the song. “Rise” doesn’t bend the truth or derive far from the truth. It captures the energy and strength as it emerges in harsh land, and that raw, authentic feeling is what makes this song really special.
At first, KAT’s vocal pulls you in, but it’s the song itself that makes you want to hit the replay button over and over again. “Rise” is full of life. It’s an empowering anthem that easily resonates with every one of us, and it seems to also inspire and evoke the same pure blast of energy to ignite once again inside you. It’s cathartic and powerful with deep vulnerability.
Read our interview with KAT and learn more about her writing process.
Punk Head: I love how intimate and honest "Rise"is. I can hear this being a rather personal project and is certainly different from what you normally do. What inspired you to write this song?
KAT: I wrote 'Rise' after a pretty traumatic break-up and when everything in my life seemed to be going wrong. By nature I'm usually a half-full kind of person, but I was struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The verses in 'Rise' are my admission of this, while the choruses were the anthem I needed to galvanise my spirit, that this too shall pass. At the core of the middle-eight lies the message that the only validation you need is your own. All reminders I needed at the time!
On a deeper level, 'Rise' is about the evolution of healing. Sometimes a supportive shoulder to lean on, or just knowing there is someone there who is holding space for you is enough to spark your own self-belief. In turn, your story shared, will be a guilding light to anyone still finding their way through challenging times. It is a beautiful ripple effect we can all be a part of. I hope 'Rise' helps anyone who is struggling at the moment, as much as it helped me to create it.
PH: What was a pivotal moment in your music career?
KAT: Writing, recording and performing songs from my upcoming debut EP "Warrior Heart' has been monumental for me! Creating my own mini album of songs was something I had always wanted to do throughout my career. Suddenly, I couldn't stop writing - life was providing me with first hand-inspiration, albeit through challenging times, and a way to process some pretty painful experiences. Being able to transmute them into something healing was, with no exaggeration, life-changing for me. Leading the creative process, that had started with just a little seed of an idea, finding the right producer and musicians, trusting my instincts and believing in what I was creating, to now be at this point, finally releasing my songs! This journey has had a huge impact on my artistic evolution while allowing me to rediscover my purpose, my voice as an artist and ultimately, reconnect again with my true self through the process.
PH: What is your creative vision as an artist?
KAT: To write, record and perform songs from a real and autheticate place that hopefully will resonate. Whether that is to bring comfort, joy, to rouse or empower! I love the art of storytelling and my music videos are also a huge part of this. Music is powerful and can change the world for the better, and I'd like to play a part in that!
PH: What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
KAT: I think wearing the huge angel wings was pretty epic! I'd come up with the main concept narrative of the video a while before filming it, and the wings were the first thing I sourced! They were hanging in my house for months before the shoot, I couldn't wait to put them on! Performing at St John's Church in Hoxton, London was also a beautiful moment.
PH: What is the one thing that you’d like your fans to know about you?
KAT: I'm a big believer that our vulnerabilities are one of our greatests strengths and should be championed! It is through these vulnerabilities that often we grow more than we can anticipate and discover our 'Warrior Heart' that will get us through those difficult times.
I'd also love to thank my fans for their continous support. I am truly humbled by the love and messages I've received especially for 'Rise' - hearing about their connection to my music, and how it has helped them in their own lives means the world to me.
Aside from that... I'm obsessed with cats (it's in my name after all!), believe in angels and love the sound of the sea, with the sand at my feet and the sun warming my skin - its my happy place!
Robin Shaw “Yours Sincerely”
“Yours Sincerely” is the goodbye letter you keep it to yourself. It’s the goodbye letter that you don’t know you needed, but in truth, everyone needs that closure and that moment to process, reflect, and find clarity. In this letter form song, Robin Shaw strips down all the pretense. “Yours Sincerely” is concise and humble. Its truthfulness and simplicity speaks to the beating of your heart. With earthy storytelling and appealing lyricism, the track is full of potential as any full-band song.
At the end of a relationship, before taking off, take a moment to reflect on that time in life. The regrets, unfulfilled wishes, memories, mistakes, and emotions unravels as the melancholia piano chord progressions slow down time. “Yours Sincerely” is a song you can’t help falling deeper and deeper into. While Robin Shaw sings, you can picture the ballad stops the busy footsteps of passengers on the street, or in a packed stadium, where the crowds singalong with those captivating, touching and highly relatable lines.
Read our interview with Shaw where he talked about his influences and the creative process of “Yours Sincerely.”
Punk Head: I love how you mend the form of a letter with sonic storytelling in “Your Sincerely." What was the creative process like?
Robin Shaw: The creative process was actually fairly smooth. The production and recording was only a few sessions. It was more making sure we got the right emotion and concise feel of the song across. Usually I write loads for my songs but lyrically, there was less words, therefore the words needed to have more power and the structure needed to support that aspect.
PH: What do you like the best about this track?
Robin Shaw: My most favourite part of the track is the chorus. I had the lyrics of the chorus ringing around my head for months before we recorded it down. I just love the rhyming pattern in it.
PH: Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
Robin Shaw: I don’t know how to answer this. I love writing and I love wordplay. I always find the word “artist” almost a little overwhelming as it’s not something I associate myself being. Music is something that is limitless and powerful and I just try to portray songs through storytelling and imagery.
PH: Who are your biggest influences?
Robin Shaw: I am influenced by musicians and people in my personal life. Musicians such as Lewis Capaldi, Professor Green, the streets, James Bay, Justin Timerlake, James Arthur, Mumford and sons and more. I am also influenced by personal experiences, friends, relationships, family and general day to day situations. Relatability is something I want my music to have.
PH: What is the one thing that you’d like your fans to know about you?
Robin Shaw: That I play Table Tennis for a local village team. I love table tennis. It’s a wicked sport and I would encourage anyone to take the sport up haha
Matt Zambon “Immi”
“Immi” is kind of song that draws you in on its first note. Like the start of a journey meets its fruitful ending, sunrise in the heartbeat of sunset. Melodies weave into a fantastic sonic web, spreading out, wrapping you in. Rich and complex mood never ceases to impress. Evocative, scenic, as if standing on top of a sand dune in front of something larger than you, at the same time holds a special meaning—you definitely want to hear more from Matt Zambon.
“Immi” isn’t made to impress, but the tune is very impressive. Velvety soundscapes, meaningful lyrics and inspired sonics are all we seek in a song. The mood is intoxicating as it thickens and condenses, but it never ceases to be airy and lighthearted. Every line of melody and delightful ornaments of percussion is wonderfully addictive but in a way that’s nourishing and healing. “Immi” has an earthy energy in its composition that grounds you and brings balances to your life. Inspired by Zambon’s migrant journey, the song also captures a meaningful odyssey through a tumultuous sonic swell.
Since his debut “Blue & Yellow” in 2017, Zambon has been on a different journey himself. From the starting point of his creation of atmospheric, heartfelt, scenic beauty, his sophomore single “Faces” tests a lighter retro mood of electronics. “Immi” sees his return to acoustic soundscapes with a new perspective. On this single, Zambon includes more organic sound from the local area. The song spiritedly blends the sound of gum tree leaves, 50-cent coins, ice-cold Zooper Doopers among other iconic Australian daily items.
“Immi” is quite subtle introducing those organic sounds. Like a whole new world of instruments available at hand, this discovery opens up possibilities. They definitely add to the fun of listening. Hearing them, capturing them in the percussion, in the backdrop is like spotting every spirited fireflies at night. “Immi” leaves you crave for more from Zambon, just like its beginning already makes you thirsty.
Samantha Knight “Dreaming”
“Dreaming” is the perfect example that a song could be both intimate and epic while being personal and universal. Samantha Knight’s soulful vocal and expressive single style dubbed with a stunning layer of harmonious vocals is instantly memorable. Sensitive and captivating, “Dreaming” is a song that’ll have you hooked in ten seconds.
Just a guitar and some vocals, not too many strings. She already paints a uniquely mood-filled sight of gorgeousness. The love and excitement of new romance can’t help but carrying a touch of melancholia, as fear, worry and longing is also a part of growth. Knight’s lyrics read like a diary. It’s brutally honest and tenderly nuanced, hitting you hard with few honest words—that tells you how good her lyric work is.
“Dreaming” is a simple but deeply touching and captivating ballad. There’s a taste of classic aesthetic that goes into play in the songwriting. In the groove of a slow dance, starry-eyed under the night sky, Knight explores a sensuous, tender built-up, arriving at a place of embrace and blossom. Like the experience of falling in love or the opening of a heart. Almost a little dazed and lightheaded. A touch of surreality envelops this sensitive thread of emotions.
You can definitely imagine “Dreaming” being in a film or an episode of a series—like a scene with closeness and heart-to-heart conversation. Listening to “Dreaming” is an emotive experience filled with filmic sonic beauty. It’s quite amazing how Knight manages to create this level of multi-faceted complexity within the singer-songwriter song form.
SINGLE REVIEW: CLIFFORD “Love Is Real”
Discovery
“Love Is Real” has a minimal, cinematic approach in its storytelling. Clifford speaks about wanting and hope in an empty, spacious room where the sound echoes between walls and specks of dust. The song remains a very minimalistic, intimate acoustic setting with light bell embellishment that sparks in between. Epic, sparse drum emphasizes now and then, evoking deeper feelings.
Something raw and real in the artist’s voice makes the tune so powerful. A light shiver expresses the outpouring emotions during the performance, which is well preserved during production. “I unexpectedly found myself tearing up during my favorite lines, which are the actual takes I used for the song," Clifford commented.
“Love Is Real” touches on feelings, loneliness, and longing in its introspective lyricism, discussing the line between reality and dream. The song narrates around the searching for love and how our relationship with others sometimes reflects the one we have with ourselves.
“There are double meanings throughout the song about someone’s want for love vs. the truth about love,” said Clifford, “The want for love is about the self while the truth for love is about reality. A loving relationship is a two-way street in that you can’t have a strong relationship with someone without having a strong relationship with yourself. Both play an important part in a love relationship because reality is now, and dreaming is the future.”
Written by Katrina Yang
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