Naked Face “Eyes in Love”
Emotions soak up the luminous pop soundscapes in “Eyes in Love.” Steve Silk’s heart-wrenching vocal tells a story of heartbreak, betrayal and addiction. Inspired by his own struggles with a tumultuous relationship while battling severe post-surgical addiction, “Eyes in Love” dives into one of the darkest moments in his life.
Sometimes, knowing that you’re not alone can save a life. The Australian pop duo Naked Face tackle a heavy topic in “Eyes in Love,” but despite the weight the track carries, the sonics are woven with a sensuous light palette. There’s so much hope in the luminous skyscape, while the eclectic, bombastic groove is simply contagious. With the swirling synths and ethereal backing vocals pumping energy into your blood, it’s impossible to not feel the heaviness being lifted off of your shoulder an inch.
That’s the beauty of Naked Face’s music. They are not afraid to tackle the hardest topic, but as they utilize their experience and creativity to vocalize the unattended feelings and tough situations, they not only create tracks packed with feelings that make people feel less alone but also deliver a positive note to help them cope with the hardship.
For a drowning man, hope is everything.
“Eyes in Love” is soul-baring no doubt. It’s a cry for help and a cry for understanding. People so often judge by what they see, but they have no clue what another person is going through. With this infectious, raw and hard-hitting single, Naked Face sheds light on mental health issues and raises awareness of the danger of post-surgical addiction.
Read our interview with Steve Silk and learn more about the behind-story of Naked Face and the song “Eyes in Love.”
Punk Head: I love the mood and aesthetic painted in "Eyes in Love." I read that the track was composed during a particularly harsh time. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
Naked Face: "Eyes in Love" was composed during a challenging period in my life, marked by a toxic relationship with my ex-partner and post-surgical opioid addiction. Unfortunately, I was overprescribed lethal amounts of oxycodone, which resulted in a dangerous overdose. I was not provided the support necessary to taper off the medication and was forced to go cold turkey, leading to a difficult and painful experience. The withdrawals left me with severe medical trauma, suicidal thoughts, and an ongoing battle with PTSD and anxiety disorders.
Despite the negligence of the doctors and hospital staff, I was able to use my experiences to create "Eyes in Love." The track serves as a powerful reminder of the difficult period in my life, and I hope that it can offer comfort and inspiration to those who may be going through similar struggles.
PH: What are you most proud of about this track?
Naked Face: I'm most proud of the fact that this track captures the pain and emotion that I felt while writing it. It's a very personal and honest reflection of that moment in my life, and I think that comes through in the lyrics and the overall vibe of the song. This track was a way for me to cope with some of the most difficult experiences of my life, including addiction to oxycodone, a painful breakup, and extreme anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Despite the challenges I faced, I was able to channel those feelings into something positive and creative. It's a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward. I hope that this track can serve as a source of inspiration and comfort for others who may be going through similar struggles.
PH: Can you tell us more about you as a duo?
Naked Face: As a musical duo, we share a deep connection that goes beyond just a love for music. We are like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating and performing music that resonates with our listeners. Our friendship is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for our musical career. We are committed to working together to achieve our goals and to continue pushing ourselves to create music that is both authentic and meaningful.
Our unique blend of musical styles and influences creates a sound that is truly our own, and we are excited to share it with the world. We draw inspiration from a wide range of genres and artists, from classic rock to modern pop and everything in between. This shared musical vision allows us to work together seamlessly, bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating to create something truly unique.
Growing up, we both faced significant challenges that helped shape us into the people we are today. These experiences have given us a unique perspective on life and have taught us the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination. This shared resilience and determination is reflected in our music, which often deals with themes of overcoming adversity and finding hope in difficult times. We hope that our music can serve as a source of inspiration and comfort for others who may be going through similar struggles.
PH: Who are your biggest inspirations?
Naked Face: As a songwriter, I draw inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres and artists. Some of my biggest inspirations include legendary bands like The Beatles and The Police and contemporary artists like Twenty-One Pilots, The Weeknd, and David Guetta.
For me, a great song is like a well-crafted piece of art. I'm constantly analyzing the structure, melody, and lyrics of my favourite songs, looking for ways to incorporate those elements into my work. I'm particularly drawn to songs with a strong emotional impact, whether through the lyrics, the melody, or the overall production.
One of my most significant sources of inspiration is my father, who is also a songwriter. We've been collaborating for years, and our shared experiences and perspectives as both family members and musicians enable us to create something truly unique. Over the years, we've developed a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses as songwriters, and we work together seamlessly, bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating to create something truly special.
In addition to working with my father, I also have perfect pitch, which has been a tremendous asset in my songwriting. It allows me to quickly identify the key, melody, and chords of a song, which helps me to write and arrange my music more efficiently.
As I continue to develop my craft, I'm always on the lookout for new sources of inspiration. Whether it's discovering a new artist or revisiting an old favourite, I'm constantly seeking out new ways to push myself creatively and develop my unique sound.
PH: What would you like to say to your fans out there?
Naked Face: To all of our fans out there, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support. It's truly humbling to know that our music has resonated with so many people, and we're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our work with the world.
As musicians, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing our fans connect with our music on a personal level. Whether you're singing along to our songs at a live show or listening to our tracks on repeat at home, your support and enthusiasm mean everything to us.
We want to assure our fans that there's much more to come in the near future. We're constantly working on new material, and we can't wait to share it with you all. We're committed to pushing ourselves creatively and exploring new musical territories, and we're excited to bring you along on this journey.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support. We couldn't do this without you, and we're grateful for every single one of our fans.