Kailie Simpson On the Making Of “We Don't Stand Alone”
What inspired you to write the lyrics/music for “We Don’t Stand Alone?”
I originally wrote this song as an introspective piece, reflecting on my own feelings of isolation and longing. But as I kept writing the song evolved into something much bigger. It became a reflection of our collective experience, a response to the world we live in, where so many are searching for belonging, safety, and connection. I kept asking myself: What is home? Is it a physical space with a roof and four walls? Is it in the arms of someone you love? Or is it something deeper, something we carry within ourselves? At its core, this song is about that search for home… not just as individuals, but together. Because no matter where we are or what we face, we don’t stand alone. This song is for anyone who’s ever questioned their path but chose to keep going anyway.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for this song to life?
I went to Big and Tall Recording in Wood-Ridge Nj to work with Gabe Valle & Tommy McCormick. I showed up with a vision, lyrics, melodies, and a piano arrangement. I knew this song had to be BIG, anthemic if you will. The guys and I spent many days in the studio… lots of trial and error. Nothing seemed to click. We were using drum samples, and noodling around on the guitar to find the right “sound.” I referenced “Sign Of The Times” by Harry Styles and “Screamland” by Father John Misty. Both songs represented that large, anthemic, haunting sound I was looking for. We eventually found our path and brought in my drummer, Bryan Framhein, to deliver those bellowing drum hits. Once we had the drums laid out, the rest fell into place effortlessly.
What impact do you hope this song will have on your audience?
I really hope that whoever listens to this song realizes they aren’t alone. It’s funny, we live in such a digital world, where everything is at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless, the connections cross land and sea, yet we collectively feel much more lonely. May this song be a beacon of light, to remind the listener that we are ALL looking for our place in this world, we are ALL trying to find purpose, we are ALL trying to find “home”. We don’t stand alone.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I have been at this music thing for almost a decade now. I grew up singing, and performing but it wasn’t until college where I realized, “wait I can do this for real”. Over the course of 8 years I have taught myself piano and guitar, wrote more songs than I can count (or remember), found musicians to help me build my sound and image, and really threw myself into the music scene. I grew up on pop music, I am forever a fan girl (I was lucky enough to grow up in the early mid-2000s so the pop girlies were unmatched!) My love for pop music is evident in my song writing style.. as I evolved not only as a person but as a musician I fell in love with rock n roll. I am heavily inspired by Janis Joplin, Jet, Jeff Buckley, (to name a few). Guitar solos stole my heart and as the years went on my music got bigger, better, and louder! I continue to blend all my favorite genres into my original music, not allowing myself to be strictly in one box. I’ve learned a lot over the years, not just with the creation of my music, but with the business side and I really look forward to this next chapter!
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
All of my music so far has been life experiences. So if you listen back to my earlier releases you’ll hear the young adult, navigating her first heart break. You’ll see themes of questioning one’s worth, wondering how anyone can mend a broken heart. You’ll experience the anger and denial that comes with it all. Then as time progresses you’ll discover new themes, how you start to question the world around you, or the fact that time literally flies the older you get. You blink and you aged 5 years! This next batch of music is fun. There are themes of woman empowerment and sexuality, confidence, love, loss… but here I am, freshly 30 years old with a bit more sureness. I might not know where I’m going, but I know where I’ve been… and it’s led me to this moment. I’m making rock n roll for the girls! We need more rock music from the female perspective! I hope this next round of releases reminds people that music can be FUN! The world has a lot to hold nowadays, we deserve to let loose and not think for a little bit. Let the music take over!!
