Elk City On the Making Of “Strong (You're Not Alone)”
Can you share any interesting or unique musical elements or production techniques used in "Strong (You're Not Alone)?"
Ray Ketchem: I’ve always loved psychedelic drones - a consistent note or chord that lasts as long as musically possible without interruption. Part 1 of “Strong” implements this idea. Part 1 has a middle eastern flavor. Part 2 releases the tension and blossoms into beauty.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in "Strong (You're Not Alone)?"
Ray Ketchem: It’s a song about bravery and challenging yourself to accept who you are in the face of adversity.
Renée LoBue: The song was a subconscious improvisation... a jam that started with me sitting in bed singing into my phone to a random percussive Garage Band pre-provided track in 2018... improvisation is the way I write melodies and lyrics. I played my improvised parts for the band and then we took it into the live room and jammed further, with everyone adding more parts and melodies. It's my hope that it’s a universal song to prove to people that everyone has the strength within them to face whatever challenges they are facing because they are born with that strength. It’s about accepting the beautiful power within you that's been there from day one. It's a reevaluation of the self -back to the self- back to our pure strength and beauty. Our essential selves. And no one can take that away from any of us if we realize it.
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
Ray Ketchem: Filming in the woods with the early summer sun setting behind the trees was magical. The rim-light and color were inspiring visually. I was deliberately over-exposing the light and shifting in and out of focus to create the feel of footage shot quickly by fellow cult members.
Renée: There was an otherworldly light the day we filmed... we couldn't have asked for better... The scenes of us in the woods came down to capturing and playing with that light... enjoying it... In some ways it filmed itself. We were witnessing a very powerful “paint brush” of nature that day.
How did your band members initially come together?
Ray Ketchem: Elk City was formed after the break-up of our first band, Melting Hopefuls. The band has always revolved around the collaboration of Renee and myself. Our line-ups have shifted over the course of seven albums and multiple EPs. Our current line-up is our favorite because we’ve found people who are the most compatible with the music we want to make.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
Ray Ketchem: On out New Believers LP we collaborated with Brother JT, who is one of out favorite artists of all time. His off-the-cuff delivery was enriching to me.
Renée: I agree! Working with Brother JT is always next level. He’s a wildly gifted musician + a longtime friend. Another wildly gifted musician and longtime friend is our dear Claudia Chopek, a violinist who has played on tracks on “Everybody’s Insecure”, “Above the Water” and now on “Undertow”. In the Talented Friends Department we're jam packed.
