Barde On the Making Of “Next to Last Girl”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Next to Last Girl?"
This was the first song I wrote about 8 years ago, moving my wordsmithery into songwriting. It was born from the sting of often being the one before the “forever/last one,” and being seen more as “fun” (because I am!) but that meant I attracted the wrong people. Knowing I am much deeper than that, there is sadness there. But there is also the roar of refusing to water myself down to suit anyone. The right people will want all of you, not an edited version.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for "Next to Last Girl" to life?
Because I write and perform my songs on a tenor ukulele the leap into the studio can be massive! I ask my producer - Chris Pepper at Saltwell Studio - to always challenge me and we sit down, he listens to what I have composed and we discuss ideas. This song originally had a very swingy almost country-folk feel but we both love synth, Blondie and The Cars so it evolved into the shimmering synth-led AltPop song it is today. He is also a multi-instrumentalist with a whole array of vintage instruments dating back to the 1920s, so can pivot on the spot in terms of soundscape, which is very important to me as I don’t feel I sit (or want to sit) in one genre.
What do you like the best about this track?
How it evolved musically. It has a simple structure and lyrics but a deeper meaning I think a lot of people can relate to. Also the artwork and media are very fun! Lots of zebras and 80s aesthetic. And it has a dance to the chorus which allowed me to just be completely silly. So lots of things!
What is your songwriting process like? How do you usually start crafting a new song?
Sometimes it happens on the instrument but it usually all happens in my (messy) head, either words or a tune pops up and I capture the stream of that quickly. If it sticks, I get obsessed with following it through to a conclusion. I hyperfocus and can’t let it go until there is a finished piece. I even dream about it.
I have a huge collection of poetry, observations, sound bites and notes, and clippings that inspire me. I am actually going to do a 30-day challenge on Instagram later this year to go through some tips, mainly from the lyric side. I have done a lot of writing workshops over the years so feel I have some valuable things to share and I have a lot of experience (in other roles) in mentoring and coaching people.
How do you channel your emotions and connect with your audience during live performances?
Channelling my emotions is why I write music! It is important to retain that emotional edge whilst not allowing it to overwhelm you when you are performing. But if I am not feeling it then how can anyone else? I also tend to connect through humour, I am a real goofball and love to make people laugh even at my own expense. Then again, my songs can often evoke tears too as I am not averse to delving into difficult topics. Wait until you hear my next release, which is a cover but a very different take. Released Oct 31…All Souls Day Weekend…Death…Obsession…Wailing…Graveyards...etc! Maybe a “tiny” bit of parody… I have always had a very dark sense of humour!
