Darcy Winter On the Making Of "Save It"
What was the creative process like for this particular "Save It?"
The creative process/story behind “Save It” came from an experience in New York. I was in a new city, alone, and I started talking to a guy in a bar. He quickly divulged that he was a lawyer and started to tell me how little he thought of my career choice, how I would never make any money or be successful etc. I then rejected his advances and his retaliation was to spike my drink. Not only did it not work, it put me in the hospital, where my blood showed positive for opioids. I then had to spend 24 hours being watched over by staff - a horrendous experience. I came back to the UK pretty shaken, but I (after about 24 hours), sat down at my computer and started to write the song. The lyrics poured out of me -I was so angry but also realised how much I had loved NYC and wouldn’t hesitate to go back. It just sort of put a mirror up to a bigger lesson that when these things happen to you, you just have to turn them into something good. And in the end - I actually felt sorry for him (shown in the bridge).
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Save It?"
After writing in all the instrumental parts to the song, I brought it to the producer that I had used (Ian Janco, a now good friend), who loved the song, and actually brought on another person, Jason Elvin and they tweaked the song and produced it together (Ian was by then based in the US and Jason in the UK), and they really brought it alive.
What has been one of your favorite memories along the path to making "Save It?"
Honestly, being in New York was just magical. The incident itself was of course traumatic, but actually, two of my closest friends who were in the city came to my rescue and literally saved my life. They called the ambulance, stayed with me the entire time in the hospital, checked into their hotel, and didn’t sleep themselves. It really just made me appreciate them and the people around me. I loved working with Jason and Ian on this one - I think everyone gets quite riled up when they hear the story of the making of it, which means everyone wants the song to do well.
Who are your musical influences, and how have they impacted your songwriting style?
Olivia Dean is a big influence, her depth of lyrics and lush jazz chords are just magical, and her energy on stage is second to none. I also take a lot of influence from Eloise, her ethereal voice and melody lines are something I also use in my music. I love the close mic sounds of Billie Eilish and her use of her experiences in a very raw way to connect with her audience. I love the old Jazz classics too.
Your lyrics often tell stories. Can you talk about your approach to storytelling through music?
I have ADHD - so I see things a little differently than other people, things that happen in the world process differently in my brain. Sometimes I find either it’s hard to describe to people my experiences, or I find it hard to understand them myself. When I write music, it seems that I can make sense of it.