Some of the songs we recieve here at The Curve feel a little overdone, there is so much potential and intelligence in the track itself but it feels almost like the artist went for quantity over quality. The theory that more complex instrumentation and unique progressions make for a better song is hugely misunderstood. There is as much skill in using less as there is in using more, and this what Roadie has found in his latest single, “Always Been You”.
We’ll start with the obvious point, this is a simple song. That is by no means a criticism, some of the best songs ever written were “simple” songs. “Yesterday” by The Beatles and “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver both feature very little in terms of instrumentation but more than enough in terms of soul and character. In Roadie’s song, there is a strummed guitar, layered vocals, a few quiet trills and a subtle organ to fill the space; but it’s made in such a way that it never feels like it’s missing anything from a musical perspective. This feels like it was made in a bedroom, once again not a criticism, and both the lyrics and instrumentation reflect that.
Because this is an intimate song, one that thrives off of it’s DIY sound and feel. Whether it was or not, it sounds like it was recorded on an old eight-track and that only adds to what I feel Roadie was trying to create with this. An honest song. His lyrics as well, though simple, are direct enough to follow and understand, whilst also staying ambiguous enough to apply to a wide range of listeners. Why add unnecessary flair and metaphor?
This kind of simplicity helped a lot of household names with their initial growth, as these songs create a closeness with the listener that often becomes quite personal. Artists like the aforementioned Bon Iver and indie musician Shakey Graves both began their careers with beautifully simple songs and then grew to become some of the most successful artists in their respective areas. If there is one takeaway from this comparison though, it is that this style, while a great entrance to music, is not sustainable. Both Bon Iver and Shakey Graves have become two of the most experimental independent artists the world has seen. With their style developing and changing constantly over the years. Personally, I would love to hear a lot more from Roadie in the future, and I look forward to seeing where he takes his style next.
You can follow Roadie’s journey here:
The Curve Magazine 