Feature: CJ Jarratt Decodes “Bad For My Teeth”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Bad For My Teeth?"
A friend of mine started talking to me about their current relationship and it brought back these memories from when I was in a similar situation. Feeling trapped between not wanting to be with someone but also feeling like there was no way out. I started thinking wouldn’t it be interesting to write a song that sounded happy but lyrically was full of despair, to mirror how a relationship can seem all beautiful and nice to everyone from the outside be actually be something very different in reality. This led me to pick up my guitar and the song came pretty quickly after.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this song?
This was the second song I recorded for my upcoming EP but it was the first that made me go ’this sounds like me’. I recorded it over two days and there wasn’t really one moment that stood out, but the entire process felt special. I remember smiling the whole time and having the feeling of relief that the song was going in the direction I wanted it to.
What impact do you hope "Bad For My Teeth" will have on your audience?
I really hope anyone who relates to the meaning of the song has the realisation that they are not alone. That other people have been in their position and even come out stronger the other side because of it, I know I did. But also I hope the song inspires people to jump around their bedroom and find a sense of freedom. I can’t wait to perform this live and see people's reactions.
What is your songwriting process like? How do you usually start crafting a new song?
It’s never really the same, each time it can come from somewhere else. I don't write lyrics first like some do, but I do write a lot of one liners to set the tone. Mostly I’ll pick up a guitar and sing over the top, but more and more I’ve started to just sing a topline with no instrument. This doesn’t limit my melodies by the progression I’m playing and can make for a more interesting creation.
How has your music evolved since you started as a singer-songwriter? What have been some key milestones in your artistic journey?
To be honest it’s kind of gone full circle but the qualities got better. I started off in a really scrappy pop-punk band but kept getting told I needed to change my sound to become successful. I then took a detour into more pop dance and R’n’B but I never stopped loving the artists I grew up with like Blink 182 and Fall Out Boy. With the resurgence of the genre in recent years I finally felt comfortable to be true to myself and follow the route I always wanted to go. However, I do feel my time doing other styles of music has really helped me develop as a musician and create better music now.
