Los Angeles-based, Indie Pop architect, Subi, is thrilled to release her new single, Tim out now. Tim is the artist’s third single that explores a wide array of emotion and loss. The track is definitely something folk and indie enthusiasts should look into.
The focus of this track came to life following the death of a friendly companion, which is supported throughout the track by the somber vocal tone. The track begins with a softly picked guitar and solemn vocals that set the mood for the entire length of the track. Throughout the song, it blossoms with thunderous drums and creates a beautiful, and slightly haunting song that will stick with the listener as feeling familiar yet unknown at the same time just like its subject matter: Loss. The driven tone behind this track puts you in the same position of recalling memories with an individual, ultimately evoking a strong emotion.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Subi about the latest release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m originally from Chennai, India. It is a big city that feels like a small town. Having grown up in a collectivistic community, I love surrounding myself with meaningful relationships and with people I can rely on. I love walking into a bar, a quaint cafe or family-owned restaurant and knowing the stories of the owners and bartenders and baristas, and running into other locals; I love being part of a community and I love people. I’ve always been fascinated by people–their unique perspectives and stories– all rooted in human emotion, which has always been the same; by weaving tales of sorrow and joy, love and loss, I explore this universality. My writing process centres around manipulating point of view to emote both myself and mentally created characters. My music style, I would say, is emotionally charged, somber and usually follows a narrative.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Growing up as an only child, I’d entertain myself by crafting elaborate stories in my mind. I would start with a character, sometimes loosely drawn from my life, and think about how they were feeling, why they felt this away, their past, their future and everything in between. Writing is cathartic to me and is usually a manifestation of how I’m feeling. It keeps me sane and allows me to convey what I otherwise cannot. At the end of the day, I want to evoke something visceral. Music has helped me a great deal and if I can help somebody through my music or if they can feel what I felt when I wrote it, I’ve accomplished what I set out to achieve. By crafting pithy and emotional lyrics, Ihope to make people feel something. I want to use my music to portray the thread of the human condition, where all people are universally connected through the emotions.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
“Tim” is special to me. Tim is a melancholic tale that explores love and loss. I began writing it when I vividly visualised a boy laying on grass, surrounded by billowing trees and a peaceful stream of water. I named him Tim. “Tim” follows the tale of a 20-something girl, mourning the death of her companion and friend, Tim– a 7 year old boy. Tim was wise yet un-jaded, and she learnt a lot from him. She reminisces about her time with Tim, recalls the things that she has learnt, cherishes him and mourns along with nature. The song has a dream-like quality to it, seems like it’s from another era and is haunting yet innocent.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I do not want to lose my authenticity. I also do not want to lose my love and passion for writing and music in this process of pursuing it as a career. I understand that my music is for a specific niche and I think it’s important to not be disheartened by the slow and sometimes frustrating process of the path I am currently on. I think it is wonderful that everyone can utilise technology and put their music out, expressing how they feel, independently. Whereas before, they would have to go through a record label; their options were severely limited. I think this has led to a rich heterogeneity in palate. I love that I can put music out and promote myself through technology. Honestly, I’m not very good with technology (more of a pen and paper kind of person) and am still figuring it out. I’m also not used to promoting myself, because the music does it for me, but I’m learning and evolving with the times! It has been an exciting and challenging process.
What was the last song you listened to?
Cold/Mess by Prateek Kuhad
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyls. Classic. I grew up with the MP3s though. I remember several overnight train journeys accompanied with MP3s when I was younger.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify. Simply for its ease of use.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Instagram (@_subii_), Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music and all major music platforms.
Anything else before we sign off?
The latter half of 2019, for me, was about acceptance. I’ve started to write more. I’m attempting to debunk the myth of inspiration for myself. It is not possible to always feel inspired in my writing process. I’ve started to write more, not just when I am “inspired”. I’m okay with writing something that I do not think is perfect (yet, at least). I am okay with re-writing, re-defining and discarding material. I’m excited to see what’s in store in 2020 and I’m excited for all the art I’ve yet to create!
