NotRye On the Making Of “Never Mine”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Never Mine?”
Like every meaningful piece of art, Never Mine started with a feeling. You know those scenes in TV shows or movies where the protagonist is a sick child staring out a window while the other kids play outside? Mix that feeling with the emotions associated with heartbreak; Never Mine was birthed from the pain of watching someone you had love for having fun with someone else. I debuted the full song as the pre-intermission finale for my first release show and ended up crying as I sang the last two lines.
Producing Never Mine was a breeze with the amazing Jameson Tabor. The emotions were still very fresh, and that’s exactly what fueled me in the studio. Essentially, I would close my eyes and sing the words that I couldn’t speak to the person I wrote this song about. The rest fell into place almost as easily as writing this song.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Never Mine?”
I think the first challenge with Never Mine was deciding whether or not to produce this song as a full production or a semi-stripped track. All of my previous tracks are experimental and very eclectic, so I was worried that a slowed, minimal song would be off-brand for me. I’m so glad we went for a minimalistic instrumental approach because featuring so many harmonies and focusing on my vocals are what make the piece what it is: raw, emotional, and true.
How do you feel "Never Mine" represents your artistic identity?
Most of what I write is very direct, to the point, and doesn’t tiptoe around the subject; Never Mine is no exception. I feel it, I write it, I sing it. I’m not the type of artist who tries to overcomplicate lyrics to stand out; what makes me stand out is how willingly and confidently I lay my soul down in front of those willing to listen. My goal is to write songs that people relate to and feel in the pit of their souls, and Never Mine is the perfect example of such a song.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I’m a queer LA native that wants to change the “typical and predictable” aspect of what people think we are or should be. I’m an artist that challenges what’s “acceptable and digestible.” I strive to be proud of who and what I am, no matter what obstacles come my way. I aspire to inspire others to share their feelings without fearing judgment or ridicule.
I was always surrounded by music, whether it was karaoke with my family or headphones blasting in my ears during recess or lunch at school. I grew up in a home with an untuned grand piano and my parents got me my first guitar at 9 years old. Music has always been there for me in ways nobody else could.
How do you approach creating something new and different?
My favorite way to start figuring out how a song I wrote is meant to sound post-production is picking two completely different songs and trying to incorporate my favorite aspects of said pieces into it. Think of it as your two favorite paintings combined. I love the concept of mashing two or more amazing things together to create something with the right levels of chaos and cohesion. Opposites may attract, but so do things of varying natures. Experimentation is something I embrace as an artist.
