SPEAK! On the Making Of “CAN YOU FEEL IT?”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "CAN YOU FEEL IT?" and the story it tells?
We started to write it in the summer of 2020, just as the world was starting to open up again. I think that's really reflected in some of Shannon's (DAME) lyrics, talking of 'endless opportunity' and a real feeling of nostalgia. I remember dancing around my living room to the first demo 10 mins after I made it - I could feel there was something there!
What impact do you hope this single will have on your audience?
I hope it shows some range when compared with “WAKING UP,” our debut single. I would say “CAN YOU FEEL IT?” is the quintessential SPEAK! song, though that being said, the next single is another left turn...
What did you enjoy most about making "CAN YOU FEEL IT?"
It’s been my favourite ever recording process for a song by far. As with all the SPEAK! tunes, I produced it but also got engineer this one alongside Lucy Hill. Last September, I gathered 3 of my best friends in my favourite little studio in London (Zig Zag) to record the drums, piano and do all the vocals. I then came back up to Brum and had Tom, Arran, Sam and Mark from the live band add their touches to the song, got my best mate Joe to mix it and it was done! Felt like such a family affair and very much in keeping with the good vibes of the tune.
I can’t lie, I love this record! And I hope people have as fun a time listening to it as we did making it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I actually work in music outside the band which is very fulfilling in itself. So anything I do with the band is just out of a pure love for music, and really focused on making the best records and being the best live band we can be rather than "making it", which honestly just means it’s a lot of FUN!
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
Keep making the music I want to make and try and not worry about any external factors. Chase collaboration wherever possible. Leave arrangements loose and let the band bring it to life!
