Penny Lame On the Making Of “Holes in My Armor”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Holes in My Armor?"
Honestly, this song took years to make. I was always the weird kid growing up. I had this secret traumatic childhood that no one knew about in school that really affected my young life. The people that I opened up to, I considered my best friends and they saw the world I was living in. Some really empathized and are my friends to this day, while others really used it against me. I never got closure on a lot of those “friends” that hurt me, and for years I tore myself down trying to understand what I did that was so unforgivable. I had tried to write every time I thought of one of these “friends”, but was so caught up in the way that I wouldn’t be able to get a word out. So finally after years of therapy and forgiveness, I was able to let it go. Let go of the fact that I would never get closure. Let go of my insecurities. Let go of their opinions and their impact on me years later. It took years. Sometimes people just aren’t meant to be in each other’s lives.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Holes in My Armor?"
Yes!! So I started producing about 3 or 4 years ago. I learned on Ableton and have used it since. Basically, I will make a demo as I write the song- I sing my vocals and lay out a track. I work with a band out of Nashville, Naked Gypsy Queens, who record the live drums and guitar/bass. I am from Nashville, so I will just fly home and take my laptop, and record straight to the session. Then from there, I get the song where I like it. After it is to a point where it is just mixing and mastering, I send it to my friend David Kerckhoff and he gets everything up to streaming standards!
What do you like the best about this track?
I think this song is my most danceable song. It is just an easy listen that makes you bob your head. If we are talking specifics, I love the end of the song. I added it really late after the fact and it is a nice surprise at the end!
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
The most important role. My music is emotional. I write songs like my diary and always have some sort of emotional release making them. I grew up singing a lot of soul music, R&B, rock n roll… all super emotional genres both lyrically and in the sonics. I think that is exactly what music is for, to make you feel- and that is what I strive for. My goal is to make music that heals.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
Working with Naked Gypsy Queens has been such a fun process. My favorite memory was doing a live show in the middle of the desert. We all really got our Pink Floyd Live in Pompeii fix. They have added their own flare to my music. We work together a lot, and plan on having a show together in December in Los Angeles!
