Here's the next one of my 'Unlocked' tunes. I'm releasing music as I make it to share with you how I'm feeling right now, during this insane time.
Neon and Lace reflects the darkest time for me during lockdown, when everything I felt I was, everything I worked for so hard suddenly came to a brute stop. I couldn't sleep, I felt restless, completely useless, confused, lonely but without the energy to do anything at all. I felt dark. And so did the city. The whole of Amsterdam was deserted, awkward, depressing... But still absolutely beautiful! I hadn't seen my home town like this since... well, ever! Even the red light district - usually a sticky parade of tourists and stag do's on steroids - that Amsterdammers avoid like the plague, now was quiet and gorgeous and one of my favourite areas to go for a walk at night.
None of this I had told my good friend and co-writer Robert Isaf, I just sent him a demo of me playing the piano and humming a melody. For some reason though he can hear and feel what I mean and put it into beautiful, singable lines. Thank you Robbie for helping me understand myself and the world a bit better!
Loads of gratitude to my other good friend Charlie Platt, who plays keys on this track. His talent is out of this world and his playing really made this tune come to life. You should also totally check out his band NEL - they are absolutely amazing.
callnel.bandcamp.com
released September 4, 2020
Music by Chagall
Lyrics by Robert Isaf
Keys by Charlie Platt