LAUGHING CATS
Q: Can you tell us the story behind the creation of “GYB”? What inspired the song?
The song is about breaking away from a partner that isn’t serious enough, basically. It’s about recognizing your own personal power, reflecting on all the drama that came from that partner, and finally deciding to say what you need out loud.
Q: The lyrics reflect a change in the dynamic between two people who had initially set boundaries to keep things platonic. Was that pulled from personal experience?
Some of my songs are written from personal experience, some are written from observing others. I think everyone has been in this situation at some point in their lives, but in this case, I was inspired by obsesrving a relationship close to me.
Q: There is also the metaphor of a roller coaster in the song. Why did you use that imagery, and what does that represent on an emotional level for you?
There are some relationships that are surrounded by uncertainty and drama, usually because one partner doesn’t want to evolve. This causes plenty of ups and downs. It’s important to feel safe and secure in a relationship. I don’t know why we put ourselves through relationships that don’t reflect our worth. But I guess that is how we learn what we need.
Q: One thing that really stands out in “GYB” is an emphasis on personal empowerment-from lines like “I’m making money faster than the Fed can print it.” If you could talk a little bit about what that lyric means, I’d appreciate it.
I’m glad you asked me about “the Fed” line! The character in which the lyrics are about is a Boss Babe. She is successful in her own right. It’s a take on making more money than the Federal Reserve prints on a daily basis these days, (which makes our dollars less valuable, by the way). It’s just a fun way to describe her own personal success.
Q: There are also lines that reflect a struggle between free will and being pulled back into someone. How do you balance this in your life?
Well, it’s a struggle for all of us to decide what we are worth and what we are willing to accept. Even after you are married, there is always going to be the need for both partners to grow as individuals, look inside oneself. You have to do the work, and if the other partner isn’t doing the work, you need speak up about your needs.
Q: Further into the song, there is just so much self-worth and independence added. Was this something important to you that you wanted to pass along to your audience?
I defintiely think that knowing your own worth is very important and a lifelong journey. But at the same time, you gotta have fun in life. You have to live with a big smile on your face and tell The Universe what you really want!
Q: You say that your friends tell you that you’re better off without your partner. How significant is the role of friendship in cases like these, and how much of that do you reflect in the lyrics?
I think when you’re on the brink of considering a breakup, it matters. In the case of this song, I was rooting for the man to step up. But stories often converge in past situations, and in that line I was drawing more from my past relationships and what my friends would say at the time I was finally letting go from my own bad long term relationships. That’s when friends let their real feelings out!
Q: The line “You better pack” offers the song a surefooted but also almost playful energy. How did you land on that as one of the song’s anchor lines?
Honestly, it was Tony who thought of the line “You better pack”, not me. Our creative energy collides in places. Sometimes I’m directing or composing drums, or other parts of the music, and sometimes Tony will hear a phrase or even a full melody, like our song “Love On Fire” that is coming out later down the road. He heard the entire melody and I wrote off of it. Make sure to stick with us through our waterfall album release. Everyone will enjoy the album journey.
Q: How do you approach writing lyrics that are fun and meaningful? There’s always some kind of tricky balance to be reached, for sure.
Coming up with lyrics is an interesting process. Sometimes you are literally extracting words and phrases coming down from the heavens, and other times you are technically syncing rhymes and beats and honing on specific parts to get that exact ping. But either way, it’s intense and focused. For me, I like to tell stories and perspectives. I’m not really into nonsensical phrases with no real meaning (watch me eat my words in future songs, haha). I like there to at least have something in the lyrics we as listeners can connect to, whether straightforward or abstract.
Q: Do you think the lyrics of “GYB” were some kind of way to take back your power following on from such a negative situation?
With regard to taking back your power: yes. Breakups usually are depressing. But I think this particular character is putting on a front because she doesn’t want him to see how frustrated he makes her. He wants her to see everything he is missing and figure his stuff out. But she is also making it very clear that if he can’t evolve, she has it all, and she will indeed get what she is looking for, with or without him. With that said, the song is as much his perspective as hers, with Tony singing “I will get you back”. He is determined. Her partner wants her back and is assertive about it. So that is exactly why she has to speak her mind. If he wants her back, he has to do the work. Don’t we all!
Q: When you wrote the lyric “I got used to having all the sheets to myself,” it feels like a moment of self-realization. Was that a turning point in the narrative for you?
I think it’s that moment mid breakup where you just got comfortable by yourself- and then surprise, here he comes, begging for you back, but not acknowledging the ways he needs to mature first. That’s when she rolls her eyes, realizes she deserves more, and feels how much power she actually holds.
Q: When listeners pay attention to the message of “GYB,” what are you hoping they get from it?
I hope everyone smiles, number one. I hope they feel good and healthy. I love the beat, and I hope it gives everyone that feeling of personal strength and belief in yourself, no matter if you’re single, coupled, married or somewhere in between.
Q: Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Do you always start with a lyrical idea, a melody, or something else?
My process: I think I answered this above. What I wrote above is literally my process. I will say, it’s really important to be intentional in everything you do. Write it all down, work on it with meaning. If you are driving and have to send yourself a VM for later, do it. Be intentional.
Q: I think that track-I think it could be almost an anthem to self-empowerment. Was this in any way your intention when you first started writing it?
It was an anthem for my girlfriend. So yes, I guess in a way, I was speaking through her. Our next song is also an anthem, but of self-improvement and reflection. Our next song is called “Jerk”. I look forward to sharing it.
Q: What musical or lyrical influences have shaped the way you approached GYB?
Without a doubt my biggest lyrical influences are John Lennon and Paul McCartney. As we approach nearly 60 years since the Beatles era, they STILL remain the songwriting champions and will go down as the Shakespeares of songwriting.
Q: You fluctuate from fun to serious moments in your lyrics. Do you think it’s important to keep a balance of both in your music?
I’m impressed by your understanding of my lyrics! Yes exactly, the character in which the lyrics are about is definitely utilizing her inner happiness to propel her forward. It is so very important we all get in touch with our inner-happiness at all times, because that’s where our inner voice is, and that’s where our power is!
Q: What was your favorite line to write in “GYB,” and why?
My favorite line is defintiely “I’m making money faster than the Fed can print it”. We don’t talk about the Federal Reserve enough, and it’s fun to be able to do that in one of my songs.
Q: Your lyric writing has changed from the early days of doing music. How?
I used to be a stage actress, and so I approach my work from that craft, really. But when it comes to writing, it comes down to constantly doing it. When it’s writing time, it’s writing time.
Q: Will you continue singing about empowerment and independence in the coming record?
Will I continue singing about self-empowerment? Probably. But there are so many aspects of the human condition to explore, and I intend to explore it all!
