Never Said (Piano Version) / goodbye 2023
A little over two months ago I held a gathering at my studio to celebrate the release of my EP ‘And Nobody Dies’ and, like I’ve done at every release event this year, I wanted to perform some songs live for everyone there. My challenge to myself this time was to do everything at the piano; even though it was my first instrument, I became so comfortable on the guitar that I never really go that into playing songs at the keys.
So as I was putting a short setlist together for myself, I added ‘Never Said’ - and as I sat there at the piano felt myself subconsciously channeling some of my favourite piano-driven songs, especially Greg Kurstin’s work on Adele’s ‘Easy on Me’. I leaned into it, into a new key, new chords, new feel, and just loved how it came out. And pretty soon after I decided that it would be a pretty beautiful final addition to all my releases this year.
Speaking of this year, it’s been a pretty wild ride for me. I started out the year not believing I could produce a song by myself, always feeling like I had to give everything to another producer to make it sound ‘right’. I’m so glad I had Eirik Hella to co-produce both ‘Walk Over My Friends’ and ‘You’re a Better Friend’ earlier in the year, because he ended up giving me the confidence to take that extra step, always commenting that my ideas were solid, that the elements I wanted to add were just what the track needed, and ultimately walking me through the steps to get a song ready for release. Thank you x a million, my friend.
At the same time I found myself stepping more into the producer’s chair outside of my own music, with my first step into that world being ‘Så Vondt’ by Stina Talling, and then a slew of exciting songs coming out in the next few months by other artists. The whole time I had to keep reminding myself that I’ve been asked to do this because people genuinely love what I have to offer as a producer, and slowly that wee voice in my head that was convinced that I couldn’t do it got smaller and quieter.
The final moment of the year that’s given me so much confidence for the future as an artist, songwriter, and producer, was my week spent in Canada at the Seeking Blue Retreat, where I worked 12-14 hours a day, running from room to room writing across multiple genres, lending my ear as a producer, and singing on multiple tracks. It was a moment to just enjoy the fruits of all the hard work that I’ve put in this year.
Which takes me to 2024. I’ve already started writing the initial ideas that I want to share with you - it might be a while before you hear the first song, but from what I’ve already done I think you’re going to love it. Thank you for everything in 2023 and have a blessed new year ❤️