RUBBISH PARTY
Q: What was the main inspiration for “Smile Now”?
Smile now is the part of the decaying relationship where we take command and control. The crimson creep wrote the lyrics to this track, and he described as the breaking point. The rest of the EP is building up to this moment. its sort of like the “alright I tried to fix this, it’s broken, now I’m taking command” moment of the EP.
Q: Is “Smile Now” more attempt to help, or frustration over where you find yourself in the situation?
Honestly it’s more of power. He’s commanding her to smile now. Hes checked out of caring for her anymore. He is now in charge and telling her when she can feel human emotions .
Q: The words just seem to be fuel for a whole round of things, such as this cycle that will not end. Was that purposeful on your part at all?
Yes indeed it was, both me and the Crimson Creep have been in similar situations such as this, and in these sick relationships, the cycles do seem to repeat themselves.
Q: This song, is it a positive one in your mind, or is a bit more a resignation that the things do not change?
Its a resignation and well as a breaking point. The crimson creep did wonderful on these lyrics I think because it perfectly represents the change in power dynamics. Before this song it was longing and trying to fix things. Then, this is when it all changes.
Q: “Smile Now” is an extremely energetic song for all the emotional weight it carries. How did you resolve that tension in your writing?
The Crimson Creep approached us with the lyrics and told all the band mates he would like something energetic that represents a dramatic change in the EP’s story arch. He came to us laughing maniacally. He can be a very disturbed individual. We knew he had created something he loved.
Q: Is this a song that came out of a personal experience, or is it more of a general observation about feelings?
Both. The crimson creep has been out in some terrible emotional rollercoasters and situations like this and I think much of it is personal for certain. Though he’s also very reserved and likes to leave some mystery.
Q: There is a shift from suggestion to command at the end with “Smile now!!” Was that to signify a change in mood?
Certainly, it’s him going from suggesting to outright forcing her to smile now. And quite frankly, he starts to enjoy it.
Q: The title “ENTERING FEAR” is just so strong. Can you explain what it represents in the song?
Its the fact that his partner is now starting to fear him. She sees he has taken command and there is no going back. She is now scared and helpless in this situation. He is in control. Its over for her. The song even hints heavily that the man will commit some heinous crimes.
Q: How significant was the concept of time in this song? The lyrics make it sound like the feelings have been dragging for a while.
You are absolutely correct. That’s the whole basis of the EP. This decaying relationship has been dragged on far too long and it’s frustrating.
Q: Do you think “Smile Now” is a universal message or a personal message?
I think it’s both. Its personal to the crimson creep in ways but its also universal in that I’m sure many others have been in a similar situation to this. I hope they haven’t, but it happens.
Q: If people take anything away from this song, what do you hope it is?
That when you push someone to a breaking point for so long, despite all their efforts to love you and heal you, they will eventually snap.
Q: Did you always plan the song to be this emotionally push-and-pull, or did it develop like that?
The crimson creep wanted it to be this way and he didn’t stop critiquing us until it was perfect in his eyes.
Q: How do you deal with emotions like the ones explored in this song yourself?
For me and the crimson creep we have had to deal with emotions like this and of course we tried to stay composed but eventually you lose all control and sense. You become sort of an animal living off instinct.
Q: Was there one particular experience or moment that you drew from when writing this song?
The crimson creep informed me that there was many experiences all together that he would rather not divulge.
Q: There are a few lines that suggest a flighty side, and others that are nearly desperate. How do you navigate through those shifts in tone?
We tried to express that instrumentally and I think it worked. With some of the very minor but evident changes in tone through the song.
Q: How does “Smile Now” fit into your work musically and thematically?
It fits in because it’s the final lyrical song of the EP and it ties everything together splendidly. The snapping point. The end of it all. The idea is our character has now been driven to commit crime and do horrible things. Its heavily hinted at that he leads the police on a chase. Maybe he even eliminates his partner. That’s up for the audience to decide. Thank you!
