American band Letdown are proud to present their new album Be Ok, released today through Big Loud Rock.
Listen to the album here.
Track-by-track from Letdown:
Track 1: [Hate Myself]
The song “Hate Myself” expresses my feelings of frustration and disillusionment with daily life. Highlighting the monotony and challenges of modern existence, such as dealing with unsatisfying jobs, strained interactions with others, and general dissatisfaction with oneself. It also suggests a resigned acceptance, perhaps as a way of coping. The song captures a sense of collective struggle, as it acknowledges that others feel similarly and that finding solace in shared struggles can help make the difficulties a bit more bearable.
What was the inspiration behind this track?
This was sort of a homage to the unhappiness a lot of people have in their day-to-day existence, doing things they don’t like.
Can you describe the writing process for this song?
With most of my songs, the theme comes first. Then I start noodling with chords and beats whilst words and meanings flow through my thoughts.
Track 2: [Dead Right]
This song centers on feelings of regret and a sense of wasted time in a strained relationship. I confront past arguments, late nights, and regrets that seem to go in circles along with an acceptance of the truth about the relationship’s issues, acknowledging that continuing might be pointless. There is a moment of realization, where we recognize the need to stop replaying old conflicts and just move forward.
Can you tell me more about what went into making this song? What influenced you in making this record?
This record was compiled after I had written and recorded over 80 songs. The record itself was not written as a collection but came out as a selection of what felt to work together cohesively.
Are there any interesting stories or experiences tied to the creation of this song?
This song is one of my favorites from the collection.
Track 3: [Raincoat]
How does this song fit into the overall narrative of the album?
This song theme was thrown around by my co-producer, Carlo. It started sort of as tongue-in-cheek, and eventually the chorus just slammed. All of a sudden, we took the song more seriously, and I am happy we did. It came out great.
Track 4: [Deja Vu]
What musical influences shaped this song?
This song was influenced by past feelings of frustration in returning to a partner who consistently brings disappointment, even though I am fully aware of the relationship’s dysfunction. There’s a pull that brings me back, especially when I feel lonely, and emotions are heightened. It highlights the sense of reliving the same mistakes and emotional turmoil over and over.
Track 5: [Be Ok]
How do you think this track showcases your growth as an artist?
This song has an intense, emotional depth. The song is about finding a way to be okay even when things aren’t. it’s definitely a more mature song on the record.
What was it like to work with LOLO?
LOLO is an amazing collaborator! She’s open, passionate, and fearless in her approach, which made creating together such a smooth process. It was easy to open up, and I think the vibe she created in the track shines through.
Track 6: [Bad Childhood]
What message do you want to convey through this track?
This song is very personal. It delves into the impact of a difficult upbringing marked by feelings of abandonment, resentment, and unresolved anger. It conveys my bitterness over my troubled past, highlighted by my mother leaving, school troubles, and holding onto grudges. I have a sense of wanting revenge or release from my past trauma. I wrote with a mix of dark humor and resignation, underscoring how deeply these past experiences have shaped my outlook and current actions. I am not alone in these feelings and unfortunately, I am also not unique in being abandoned by my parents. This song I dedicate to anyone who shares this similar awful past.
Track 7: [Voices]
How did the arrangement of this song come together?
This song was written much like a lot of my songs. The music parts and the theme came together, and eventually the lyrics fell in place.
Is there a personal story behind the lyrics?
Thematically, this is about struggling with my thoughts. These voices in my head are both comforting and disturbing, offering a form of companionship but also contributing to my feeling of confusion and distortion.
There is a desire to detach from reality, to cope with my emotional struggles – a conflict between wanting to feel at peace and the overwhelming presence of these internal voices.
I explore themes of mental health, self-deception, isolation, and the complexity of navigating my inner world.
Track 8: [Crying In The Shower]
What role does this track play in the context of the album?
This song happened to go to radio, and it charted. It was previously released. It’s a great song, and found it’s place on this collection.
Did you experiment with any new techniques or sounds on this song?
Not really. As a producer and engineer myself, I deep dive into all my songs, both as the writer, and as a producer in it. Being objective is not easy, but I try. I have developed an efficient process of “demo-ing” songs, and then turning some of the demo tracks’ into actual stems for the final recording.
Track 9: [Memory]
How do you want listeners to interpret this track?
With every song, every listener’s interpretation is different. I welcome all of them.
Are there any hidden meanings or references in the lyrics?
The theme of this song revolves around the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the bittersweet nature of memories. I reflect on the emotional journey of past relationships, acknowledging that while people come and go, the experiences shared, and the memories created are what remain. Even when someone is no longer physically present, the emotional connection and the memories do live on. There is an unpredictability of relationships. There’s a balance between the pain of loss and the value of the moments spent together. While things change and people might part ways, those shared moments are immortalized in our memories.
Track 10: [Imposter Syndrome]
What was the final touch that brought this track to life?
The psychological phenomenon where we doubt our accomplishments and feel like a fraud, despite evidence of some success, seems to be a universal theme. When things are good, I sometimes feel like I’m living a lie and am unworthy of any recognition. This song just came together as I continue to work at my goals but have a hard time accepting that some things I have achieved are genuinely little success stories. This song felt very natural to write the more I dove into it. – exploring the emotional impact of imposter syndrome, and the sense of isolation that often accompanies this feeling.
Track 11: [Me, Myself and I]
What influenced the making of this track?
This song is straight up a self-confession of being part of the problems I create. There are many hurdles we all face, and if I am being totally truthful, I typically try to find someone or something else to blame things on, but at the end of the day, I have to be accountable.
Track 12: [It Gets Better]
What techniques help you stay positive?
Being positive is not easy for me. I have struggled with my mental health, with negative thoughts, and with my past issues. I work hard every day to understand that the things I cannot control should not bring me down.
Was this song written to help with that?
This song was written to help me cope with deep loss. The loss of someone that was not good to me, but somehow when I too am gone, I may find solace with a possibility of reunion or continued connection beyond life. It speaks to the experience of mourning someone like this, while holding onto the belief that time and healing will eventually bring peace. There’s a yearning for closure and understanding, especially when revisiting some of the only memories I have. – which offer little comfort and highlight what’s been lost. I struggled with moving on, not knowing what could have been and this song helps me get through all that.
Track 13: [Evidence]
Can you please tell me more about the making of this track?
This song explores self-doubt, manipulation, and the internal battle between personal identity and external influences. Thematically, this song was based on my personal experiences of betrayal and loss, and the scars they have left on me. The psychological toll of being caught in a cycle of deception and manipulation, keeps my fighting daily. – not only external forces but also the feeling of losing myself in the process. This song is very personal.
Track 14: [Go To Hell]
What emotions do you hope listeners feel when they hear this track?
This song was one of my biggest songs virally. The reaction and engagement I got on this track was epic! It proves its connection with the public.
This universal meaning involves a willingness to endure suffering for a person, despite all the pain they have already caused. It highlights the internal conflict between knowing that the relationship is toxic and still feeling the need to stay connected to it.
There is a paradoxical feeling where one seems to find a strange sense of comfort in the chaos. The emotions I hope listeners feel, comes in where we recognize that a relationship may be destructive, yet it’s something we’ve grown accustomed to or even craved, and the pain is a form of feeling alive.
Photo courtesy of Letdown
