LoveSelf On the Making Of “How Do I Survive”
What was the creative process like for this particular song?
The creative process for this song was no different from how I’ve written in the past. First I find a particular chord that I like; something that makes me feel or pulls a certain emotion. Then I structure the chords and song into its certain parts. While that process is happening, I’m constantly figuring out the subject matter. However, I find the chords always have the ability to answer that question.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "How Do I Survive?"
No, not really, although I guess there was one! When I received the track from being mixed and mastered and heard it back for the first time, I knew that the chorus needed some extra vocals. I wanted some harmonies to give it some more depth. The thing is, I’m terrible at finding harmonies, so I turned to my fiancé. She is a great piano player and particularly good with melodies. So, we sat down together and she helped me write the harmonies out on the chorus which turned out to have a very pleasing effect.
What impact do you hope "How Do I Survive" will have on your audience?
Honestly, I’m not hoping the song has a huge impact on anyone and that’s not why I wrote it. Although if someone listens to the lyrics and has been through something similar, I hope the song can be a sort of solace for their pain and a message to them that they are not alone.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
My musical journey started at the tender age of 8, singing in the school choir before rapidly progressing to the point where I could adeptly play and sing tunes written by myself. I would say the credit for my infatuation with songwriting goes to my Northern Irish roots. I love skateboarding, pizza, effed-up movies, and the stoner/doom metal genre.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Personal growth, self-awareness, self-love, mental health, and healing.
