50mething’s ‘County Lines’ Looks Beyond Crime and Into Vulnerability
Punk Head: “County Lines” deals with a very real and troubling issue. At what point did you realize it needed to become a song rather than remain just a reaction to the film?
50mething: Over time I seem to have drifted into covering everyday issues as a song writing content tool. Since the death of George Floyd which I reacted to with ‘Free to go’, I have covered many other topics. Wade V Roe, Gaza and Ukraine wars and AI to name a few. I had already started recording County lines. It was just waiting for a chorus which had impact. A particular scene from the film inspired me and the rest completed itself.
Punk Head: Your work seems to reward close listening. Do you write with specific layers of meaning in mind, or do those layers emerge naturally during the songwriting process?
50mething: I would say the layers emerge naturally in a gradual fashion. I try to get as much context and am often fact checking through the process.
Punk Head: You handle almost every stage of the creative process yourself. What does that independence allow you to say artistically that might be harder within a more collaborative setup?
50mething: The question actually gave me an idea for a collaboration where two writers sit down and write a piece from different opinions. Working alone though, allows me space to say my piece freely. Hopefully resonating with others.
Punk Head: A recurring idea in your comments is hindsight, the notion of looking back and asking, “What was I thinking?” How does that idea connect to the young people at the center of this story?
50mething: Looking back and asking “what was I thinking” is a bit like “things I would tell my younger self” I do remember a couple of documentaries where ex cons are interviewed. They express regret, the loss of time and the desire to pass on this wisdom to help the younger generation. Sadly, this is not the case for the young people depicted in County lines or any situation where grooming occurs. These are the victims, filled with empty promises. Manipulated whilst in a vulnerable position.
Punk Head: Looking beyond the specific story in “County Lines,” what do you hope listeners learn about 50mething as a songwriter from this release?
50mething: Since January this year I have released 35 tracks. I have the same again to share and am still writing. I hope listeners who enjoy my music have enough humanity, empathy and compassion to collectively help make a change - somehow.
