From humble beginnings, to the unexpectedly anthem-like, choir-style brightness of a hook, from optimism through mild uncertainty, from keys to sax, the whole thing is unpredictable in a beautifully comforting manner.
Songwriter
The compelling, descending, long-form melody of the verse paves the way with perfect anticipation towards the ultimate and mighty resolve of the hook.
We’re all too busy for the important things sometimes, too busy being right, self-involved, arguing. We should be busy being happy resounds from the quiet instrumental break, staying with you long after listening.
It connects for its purity, for the changing level of passion in the voice, and for the skillful way in which the soundscape reflects and reinforces all of this. Beautiful.
The best way to experience a song like this is at volume – headphones, isolation, absolute escapism. Beautiful.
“Sufjan Stevens was a huge inspiration. So I began bleeding that with folk sounds like Mumford or Lumineers. I also spent a lot of time listening to speaches by Alan watts.”
Delicately rhythmic and intimate production meets with softly emotive vocal work, deeply human lyricism, and a quiet rain of detail; building atmospheric bliss and ultimately offering powerful respite from the weight of the world.
An anthem to empower and energize, Yes She Will is a pop single with a mighty build-up to a drop that ultimately rains down with strength and secure intention.
Telling the story of divers watches under the sea, Island Of Tears fuses a reggae rhythm with a chorus of voices and flickers of distorted electric guitar.
Though the vast majority of the lyrics deal with regret and negative reflections on life, what really lingers with you is the simplicity of that line about hope – the lasting image of you (hopefully) opening your door. The song leaves you wondering, but it also leaves you with an air of optimism.
Just before putting on a stunning live show at Cardiff’s Acapela Studios, the one and only David Ford kindly sat down for a chat about all things indie, songwriting, performance, promotion, and much more.
“Remember you can talk to anyone, about anything, without yelling at them. Rage is useful, but not when it drowns attempts at progress. Pick your moments, pick your battles, and see the humanity in everybody.”