Richy McLoughlin On the Making Of “Slipping Away”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Slipping Away" and the story it tells?
I worked on “Slipping Away” when I was going through a period of depression. I came across a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox and thought it was so beautiful. I had been writing a lot of lyrics re depressive thoughts and feelings of darkness and her poem really spoke to me in that moment. So, I attempted to adapt it into a song lyric.
The musical style of “Slipping Away” and the album it is from ‘Richy McLoughlin’ was inspired by my recollection of an early 90’s track by Concrete Blonde called “Everybody Knows.” It was on the soundtrack of the movie ‘Pump Up The Volume’ starring Christian Slater. I don’t really remember much about the movie, but the song and its atmosphere stayed with me for a long time.
How did you work with the producer or engineers to bring your vision for "Slipping Away" to life?
I have been working with Milo Rei on my music since my ‘Endless Nights’ album. As we have progressed together, he has developed a great understanding of my voice and sound. The ‘Richy McLoughlin’ album is quite a departure from my previous work with Milo.
Together we have explored 80’s synth pop, synth-wave, folk/pop and what I would class as very light alt rock. The ‘Richy McLoughlin’ album explores some Middle Eastern sounds and a very different emotional language to my previous albums.
I trust Milo and so value his contribution to the music.
Are there any future plans or projects related to this song that you're excited about?
I am planning to release four singles from the ‘Richy McLoughlin’ album. “Slipping Away” being one of them. I am both nervous and excited about how these songs will be received as they are rather a departure from my previous work.
I have made a synth pop companion version of the album called the ‘Darksome Edition.’ This includes ten of the songs rerecorded and produced in an 80s synth style and four remixes of songs from the album.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I feel that this is only the beginning. This has been a new and surprising journey for me, coming out of a very long spell of darkness. A wonderful gift. I am finding my voice and are exploring different genres and expressing very different emotions and feelings. It has been so healing and has enabled me to feel connected to the world even when I have not been able to leave my home.
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
I have had a lifetime of mental health issues and song writing has proved to be hugely therapeutic. Being able to express some of my darkest thoughts, working through past events, making sense of relationships and finding some kind of inner peace. Lyric writing has helped me cope.
Two of my sentimental favourites are tributes to relationships I had when I was young with family in Ireland. Both are from the album ‘Echoes;’ “Dublin 7” is a recollection of the fun times and love shared in my aunties’ home whilst “A Gentle Soul” is a heartfelt tribute to my Uncle Jimmy.
I have seen very dark lyrics such as “End Of The Road” from ‘Endless Nights’ transform from being very negative into something hugely positive that I love and dance around the kitchen to.
