Autorub On the Making Of “The Falling (432Hz)”
Can you tell us more about "The Falling (432Hz)?"
I can tell you that there are layers to it...musical layers, lyrical layers, ethereal layers. It's up to the listener what they take away from it, and that will depend on the level of attention they are listening to. Like the majority of Autorub songs, "The Falling (432Hz)" is musically fun, energetic and melodic. Listening casually will likely give you that enjoyment. But a closer dive into the lyrics and their meaning tells a more serious story. Some reviewers have speculated this is a breakup song, or that it's a departure from the usual political satire. It isn't really. There are multiple political figures that fit this bill, this "agent of chaos" persona, and I did have them clearly in mind while writing this, as well as other enemies from over the years. So really, it's kind of a Swiss army knife song about any enemy that ever attempted to come up against you and win...but it's FAFO season now, and there isn't a damn thing they can do about it in the universe!
Can you share any interesting or unique musical elements or production techniques used in "The Falling (432Hz)?"
Might as well talk about that (432Hz) in the title. It simply means that all the instruments are tuned slightly lower than the standard 440Hz for note "A." What's the reason for this? Certain frequencies have healing and other beneficial effects on health, and 432Hz is one of them. From ancient times all the way up until 1939, 432hz and several other tunings were popular. The tuning of 440Hz was then forced out as the new standard - a frequency that can even irritate as opposed to soothe. Autorub is championing for a return to these healing frequencies in popular music. The uplifting effect this would have globally would be massive.
How do you feel this single represents your artistic identity?
I think it's an excellent example to listen to for anyone looking to familiarize themselves with Autorub. It integrates well all the layers I mentioned before - the music, the deeper meanings, etc. I think it's a very relatable piece of music on all those levels as well. It is absolutely true to the unique sound that is Autorub.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
Many of Autorub's more political material is inspired by current events. In the case of songs about specific people like "Miss Mace (432Hz)" or "Oh Marjorie," the process is kind of like doing an old fashioned book report. I will typically search the politician's story online, and build the lyrics from that information. Musically, I usually experiment with some guitar riffs and record the ideas on my phone for reference. Then I go through them later and develop the ones I like the best into full songs eventually.
Can you share an example of a composition where you aimed to evoke a particular emotion?
In most cases, I prefer to have fun when listening to or composing music. I'm not one for sad songs generally speaking. So most of my songs - even those with serious undertones, are designed to be fun for me (and the listener) - to be put in a good mood. On the first Autorub EP "America the Sick" which was made during the lockdown days of Covid, there are a couple of songs that are really just for laughs, because we needed them badly. "I Don't Wanna Hear Any More About Mitch McConnell" and "Tears on My Pillow Guy" are good examples!
