Singer-songwriter Adam Lytle chatted about his new single “Sister Wave” and being a part of the digital age.
How did “Sister Wave” come about?
Since its initial conception Sister Wave has been a song that required development. I had already recorded several different versions before it made the shortlist for ‘Altars.’
Despite this (or maybe because of it) it became the first song we recorded during our full-band session at Figure 8 Recording last spring. Up to that point neither I nor my co-producer Jonathan Schenke had a clear idea for how the song would come together.
What we did know is that we’d assembled an incredible group of trusted session musicians and that once we started playing, the answer would come pretty quick.
There’s always a lot of pressure on the first song recorded in the studio. Especially when the musicians are playing together for the first time.
After a few takes, we listened back in the control room and I remember asking myself with uncertainty “Is this it?” but time was limited so we kept moving.
In the weeks that followed, I realized that Cameron Kapoor’s guitar riff was permanently stuck in my head. A good sign, but other parts weren’t clicking. So Jonny and I kept chipping away at it. Oli Deakin added guitar. Kristina Moore added supporting vocals.
Mauro Refosco added bits of percussion. Eventually, I replaced the bass and modified the drum-beat. Jonny kept shaping the sound in the mix and it wasn’t until the last session that we really felt it had come together.
Some songs require more work than others. Sister Wave is a good example. It’s up to us to follow their lead.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
I am inspired by the act of living. There is so much beauty and horror wrapped up in our daily existence on this planet that I just try to be aware of it and how certain moments impact me and my community.
Reading helps. Reflections of past generations. Reports on current affairs. I’m interested in provoking thought and having conversations about topics which can sometimes only be addressed through art.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
It’s a daunting proposition. On the surface, we have all these new tools and platforms which give truly independent artist’s like me the ability to release and distribute music ourselves.
But underneath, the system is as full of gatekeepers as ever. Spotify is the most potent example, but they aren’t the only bad actors out there.
I have a problem with any system that attempts to measure art in terms of data. In the most literal sense, it’s dehumanizing. If everyone creates based on a formula, then all the nuance of personal expression gets lost.
And what happens to the artists whose identities don’t fit the formula? All of a sudden the system is not as democratic as it says it is.
The antidote to all of this is community involvement. Real-life exchanges. That goes for artists as well as their audiences.
What do your plans for the future include?
I have tours in Europe and the U.K. scheduled for this summer and fall. My live band is ferocious. Beyond the rehearsals and planning, it’s time to start working on the next album.
Jonny and I tapped into a particularly exciting kind of magic during our collaboration on ‘Altars’, and I left with a clear vision on where I want to go next. Let’s just say the sound is going to get a little more wild from here on out.
What is your advice for young and emerging artists?
Take pride in doing the work. It’s up to you to dignify your art. Choose your collaborators wisely. Take risks. Make mistakes. Only chase the ideas and opportunities that excite you.
Take care of your body. Take care of your mind. Be present in your life. It is the fuel that will keep your creative engine running.
You can’t control how the world will perceive your art, so stay true to yourself and let the rest fall as it may.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Sister Wave”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Remember that life is short. Be sure to celebrate its beauty even in the seemingly trivial moments. You never know if they will be your last.
“Sister Wave” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Adam Lytle, follow him on Instagram.
