We Speak Music

Lady Bird Lad Shares New Single ‘More Than Enough’

Published

9 months ago

January 20, 2024

Lady Bird Lad is the music project of Harry Hudson-Taylor. He combines elements of Conor O’Brien’s Villagers, Ben Howard’s emotive storytelling, Damien Rice’s raw emotional force, and eerie Elliot Smith-like melodies, all converging to create something truly unique.

Returning with his second single ‘More Than Enough’, this comes ahead of Lady Bird Lad’s four-track debut extended-play of the same name, slated for release on March 1, 2024.

The melancholy and upbeat new track ‘More Than Enough’ demonstrates the depth of his passion for music and his unparalleled ability to combine powerful lyrics with enthralling instruments. The alternative folk-pop release incorporates vocals, synths, piano, bass guitar, bass synths, strings, and nylon acoustic guitar with electric and acoustic drums. Listening to it is uplifting since it features Lady Bird Lad’s heartfelt vocals and amazing earworm production.

Lady Bird Lad wrote ‘More Than Enough’ with Belfast artist Jack Devlin during the lockdown in 2021. It was the first time they met each other and the original idea was for the songwriting session to be just for Jack’s music. They wrote ‘Dialogue’ during this writing session too via Zoom. The song is a conversation with a friend (or could be yourself) who is having a hard time and telling them they are enough exactly how they are.

In terms of production, the bones of the original demo made the basis for the final production. Lady Bird Lad produced the song up to about 75% of the way and then got help from a dear friend Brian Speaker (Speakersonic) to finish it off. The drums on the track are played by Tom Osander (Damien Rice ‘O’ and ‘9’, Lisa Hannigan). Backing vocals and some last-minute lyric change suggestions came from Lady Bird Lad’s partner Seraphina Taylor. ‘More Than Enough’ was mixed by Ruadhri Cushnan (Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Mumford and Sons, Kodaline).

On the song, Lady Bird Lad says, “‘More Than Enough’ is a poignant and empathetic song that delves into the universal struggles of self-doubt and emotional hardship, while simultaneously offering a message of unwavering support and self-acceptance. To me, this song signifies the journey of recognizing one’s inherent worth, even amidst life’s toughest challenges. It speaks to the heart of anyone who has felt overwhelmed by their memories or circumstances, reminding them that they are always sufficient, just as they are. The emotional tone of the song is nurturing and supportive, akin to a compassionate friend or guide offering solace and understanding in difficult times. The song resonates deeply with me and I use it as a bit of a self-healing tool as well, as it mirrors the essential human need for connection and empathy.”

We Speak Music

Argyle Returns with a Powerful Anthem for Change ‘Heal Me’

Published

1 hour ago

October 18, 2024

Philomena Marie

Argyle is back, and with his latest single ‘Heal Me’ delivers a track brimming with urgency and emotional weight. Known for his soulful, introspective music, the Scottish artist, now based in Zurich, ventures into darker, more thought-provoking territory. ‘Heal Me’ is a harbinger of his upcoming EP, slated for release in February, and if this track is any indication, the EP will be a powerful and necessary artistic statement.

Musically, ‘Heal Me’ is striking, conjuring the emotional gravity of Paolo Nutini’s ‘Iron Sky’ and Hozier’s ‘Take Me to Church.’ Like those songs, ‘Heal Me’ isn’t just a sonic experience; it’s a call to action. Argyle uses the track as a vehicle to examine the dark realities of the modern world—from religious hypocrisy to political corruption and the devastating impact of capitalism. His message is clear: we can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the suffering and injustice that surround us. Instead, he calls on individuals to take responsibility, to confront these issues head-on, and to advocate for peace and compassion.

The song’s instrumentation plays a crucial role in conveying its message. Built on a melancholic gospel choir sample, ‘Heal Me’ has a spiritual yet sorrowful undercurrent. The choir’s haunting harmonies are paired with sharp guitar riffs and shuffle drum patterns, creating an atmosphere that feels cinematic—reminiscent of a tension-filled Quentin Tarantino film sequence. This charged backdrop elevates the song’s intensity, making Argyle’s message feel all the more immediate and raw.

Argyle himself describes the track as his first major “statement song,” and it’s easy to see why. According to the artist, the gospel choir sample immediately guided the song’s theme, and the writing process flowed naturally, completed within just a few hours with the help of Tom Oehler. The speed and spontaneity of the songwriting process are reflected in the track’s raw energy—it feels both urgent and deeply personal, as though the music couldn’t have been contained any longer.

What makes ‘Heal Me’ stand out is its ability to channel Argyle’s emotions into a universal message. It’s a song that grapples with disillusionment, but rather than dwelling in despair, it advocates for change. Argyle’s rich vocals glide over the haunting instrumentation, delivering lyrics that challenge the listener to think critically about the systems we live under.

As a teaser for his forthcoming EP, ‘Heal Me’ promises a collection of music that will not only be sonically captivating but also socially conscious. Argyle’s willingness to tackle heavy topics while maintaining a sense of hope and humanity sets him apart as an artist with both a message and a soul. In ‘Heal Me,’ he offers not just a song, but a rallying cry, urging us all to face the world’s injustices and seek a path toward peace.

For fans of emotionally charged music with depth, ‘Heal Me’ is a must-listen, signaling Argyle’s evolution as both a songwriter and a voice for change.