Your Best Nightmare On the Making Of “St. Agnes”
How does "St. Agnes" differ from your previous work?
Compared to the songs on Presents: A Simple Solution For Toxic Masculinity, “St. Agnes” has sharper edges and more glitter and grit. Presents was recorded predominantly with acoustic ukuleles and a softer sparkle to every song, whereas “St. Agnes” was recorded with a heavily distorted ukulele and bass. Thematically, “St. Agnes” is just as angry as earlier Your Best Nightmare songs, but she’s a bit more in your face about it.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in this song?
Feminine rage is almost always a theme that is woven through Your Best Nightmare songs. “St. Agnes” initially started as a journal entry about a situation and an individual that I (Erin) was, and still am, so incredibly angry about. It seemed like so many people were, and are, ready to turn the other cheek to the disgusting actions of irresponsible men; the same ones that make us all want to choose the bear. I grew up going to church being told to forgive others, and yet as an adult I struggle to find forgiveness in my heart for those that are truly heinous excuses for humans.
I guess the message of this song is “f*ck creeps. I hope they rot.”
How do you feel "St. Agnes" represents your artistic identity?
I feel “St. Agnes” is a celebration of what we are; a group of pals making tunes. I recorded the main music of “St. Agnes” and then shared it with everyone; our voices as musicians are all definitely present in our tracks, and even more so in our live performances.
Can you tell us more about you as a band?
Your Best Nightmare is a ukulele-fueled indie punk band. It initially started as a solo project, and still appears sometimes as a solo project. Everyone in Your Best Nightmare started off as a friend of mine (Erin) that said they would love to play in a Your Best Nightmare band. Now, we’re a really fun band. I’m very grateful to make music with friends that are as passionate about music and having a good laugh as I am.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
I think it’s safe to say all of us in YBN get musical inspiration from the music we listen to, or from the other bands we work with. As a lyricist, I find a lot of inspiration in the world around me, and I have started journaling about different things. The world is full of things to piss me off and sing about, so I’ll be busy for a while.
