In Conversation With #080 - BRYDE
A favorite of ours BRYDE has just released her sophomore album ‘The Volume Of Things’ - which is a collection of tracks filled with big sounds and emotions. The record itself was produced by Thomas Mitchener - who has worked with the likes of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, his contribution has certainly left a rockier depth to BRYDE’s music compared to her debut album. She took a moment to talk to us in more depth about the release.
So, the album is out now - how does it feel?
Yes. Welcome to the world LP2. It feels great!
It is called ‘The Volume Of Things’, does that have a certain meaning?
I love a play on words.. so yes the title is about the volume of noise and sometimes the loud silences we are faced with in the modern world, as well as the volume of ideas, opinions, notifications and stuff we are surrounded by. I think we've become so used to having access to whatever we want, whenever we want it, in terms of information and possessions. It's a blessing and a curse and for me it was drowning out a lot of the important feelings I wanted to grasp.
How does it differ from your debut album ‘Like An Island’?
It's a lot happier I think. It feels very different. I felt very different when I wrote it. It was written during a confusing time and it's about looking for something but far more open-minded and less focused on the negative. Less angsty for sure.
The album tackles the bombardment of modern life, can you explain that a bit more for us?
Yes, as i've said, I wanted to quieten my mind. I love connecting with people via social media and I love having the luxury of information just a Google away (sometimes even correct information ;) and Amazon next-day deliveries when I need them, but I was looking for something more and needed to quieten some of those channels.
How do you like to escape modern life?
Sometimes just a walk, often along the Regents Canal or I read a book, a paper one. I also enjoy meditation and yoga and have been using the lock-down to practise that more regularly.
It was produced by Thomas Mitchener, who has worked with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Blackwaters. These names are a lot heavier than your sound, so how did this partnership come about and how was it?
The label, Easy Life wanted me to work with Mitch because they heard the record having that rock-edge that I think we achieved. I liked what I'd heard of his showreel so we went with it. He's a really lovely guy to work with and knows how to make things sound pristine.
You are studying counseling part-time, do you feel it has contributed to this release?
I started my course after i'd written and recorded the album but a lot of it was written while going to therapy myself (as a few of the lyrics mention) so yes I think having my mind in that world very much contributed to it.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album, if so which one and why?
We are digging for diamonds in the fire. Because it's about love.
Now the album is out there, what next?
Who knows! It will take a little while for me to feel ready to really start writing properly again, it always does and I've accepted that the feeling that - I'll never write a good song again! is something that passes. For now, I'm going to enjoy people's reactions and focus on other things.