Do you recall the last time a song struck you so profoundly that you found yourself compelled to listen to it repeatedly?
I certainly remember my most recent experience. It occurred last year when I stumbled upon ‘Tarred and Feathered‘ by Cardiacs, which is one of the most peculiar songs I’ve ever encountered. Yet, its peculiarity is merely one aspect of the song’s allure. Ultimately, I’m unsure why it resonated with me so deeply. Perhaps it was simply the perfect song for that moment.
Moreover, the song’s eccentric music video heightened my sense of confusion and delight. Discovering that Tim Smith, the band’s leading figure, had passed away a few years earlier added a layer of sadness, yet it also strengthened my emotional connection to the band.
What an extraordinary way to discover a band you’ve either never heard of or perhaps passively ignored until now.
This raises a question: does a wonderful song need to belong to a genre you typically enjoy? Or can it captivate you despite being completely outside your usual preferences?
The answer, I believe, is unequivocal. A good song transcends genre boundaries. Ideally, discovering a new band can introduce you to a new realm of music, akin to uncovering a previously unknown genre. This reminds me of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s experience when he began learning Finnish and encountered Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. He described it as akin to uncorking a wine bottle of an entirely new variety and flavour.
It’s often said that one’s musical taste tends to stagnate before reaching 30. Finding entirely new bands that resonate with you becomes less likely, though not impossible. Hence, one should never cease exploring new music. Opting to bask in nostalgia is perfectly acceptable too. Who am I to judge?
Nonetheless, the thrill of discovering something new can rejuvenate your spirit. Then again, for some, reliving the music of their youth brings back a sense of youthfulness. It’s a matter of perspective.
From a songwriter’s standpoint, my aspiration is that at least one of my compositions has profoundly touched a listener in some way. This, I believe, is the pinnacle of achievement for both songwriters and musicians.
A few observations…
In an interview, Sting once remarked, “If a new song fails to capture my interest within the first eight bars, I’ll skip it.” While this approach may seem stringent, I understand his perspective. First impressions are crucial, especially in an era where attention spans are challenged by 15-second TikTok videos.
Another perspective comes from Warren Huart, a British producer based in the USA, who opines that music nowadays lacks excitement. He suggests that bands should infuse their songs with originality and unexpected elements. According to him, while 90% of a song should align with the genre’s conventions, incorporating 5% to 10% of something completely unique can make a track stand out. This could be an unusual instrument, chord, melody, rhythm, lyric, vocal style, production technique, or any other element of surprise.
In my view, this embodies the essence of progressive music, which I see not just as a genre but as a mindset focused on innovation rather than taking the easiest path.
Merging these insights with my understanding of melodic death metal—always striving for diversity and drawing inspiration from various sources—provides a glimpse into my approach for the upcoming album. It won’t be straightforward or quick, but it will materialize.
Above all, my deepest hope is that the new songs will profoundly impact at least one listener. Achieving this would be immensely gratifying.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Jarmo Puolakanaho 