Octavia On the Making Of “INSANE!”
What was the creative process like for this particular single?
For the most part, my creative process begins with crafting the chorus for a song and then developing the rest of the lyrics around that central idea. This was precisely the approach I took with “INSANE!.” Initially, I conceived the chorus and then proceeded to flesh out the verses. At the time of writing this song, I was grappling with significant mental distress, and “INSANE!” served as an outlet for expressing and confronting my inner turmoil. Additionally, having recently watched a documentary about Sid Vicious from The Sex Pistols, I believe I drew some inspiration from his tumultuous life. He epitomized self-destructive tendencies, and “INSANE!” delves into the awareness of such destructive behavior and the reluctance to seek help despite recognizing its necessity.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "INSANE!?"
When my producer and I initially finished mixing the song, the studio computer crashed, causing the loss of a significant portion of our work. This forced us to retrieve the backed-up pieces and meticulously reconstruct the song. Surprisingly, this unexpected setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave us the chance to approach “INSANE!” with fresh perspectives and sparked inspiration for new ideas. Instead of merely replicating the previous mix, we were able to create an entirely different version of “INSANE!”—the rendition you're hearing today. Despite the computer crash initially seeming like a setback, it ultimately played a crucial role in shaping “INSANE!” into what it has become.
Is there a particular message or theme you hope listeners take away from this single?
The theme revolves around self-destruction but with a sense of self-awareness. The first verse delves into the acknowledgment of being in a negative state. I recognize my continual mistakes and the need to change my ways, yet the discomfort of doing so prevents me from taking action. The second verse explores coping mechanisms, specifically my reliance on 'weed' to navigate life's challenges. The chorus intensifies as I project blame onto others attempting to offer assistance. I adopt a victim mentality, resisting the opportunity to lift myself out of despair and instead making excuses to evade personal growth and well-being.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I wrote my first song when I was 8 years old. Despite not knowing how to play an instrument at the time, I crafted a melody and penned the lyrics. Titled 'Get Your Act Together,' the song touched on a surprisingly mature theme for someone of my age. While I can't recall the exact inspiration behind it, I vividly remember performing it for my parents. At the age of 12, I made the decision to learn the guitar, driven by my admiration for the UK boyband 'Busted.' Their music deeply resonated with me, sparking a passion for songwriting.
What are your future goals or aspirations as a musician?
I aspire to contribute to the revival of rock music. There's an audience yearning for the rawness and authenticity inherent in the rock genre. While rock has experienced a decline in recent years, there's a palpable eagerness and hunger for its resurgence. My aim is to attract new listeners to rock, including those who may have never been fans before. Music serves as a universal language that transcends ethnicity, nationality, culture, or language barriers—it speaks to all people and fosters connection. I'm eager to share my art with the world, to tell my story, and to address important issues through the medium of music.
