The Rest Between Notes
Behind the scenes: “Ballad of the Jester”
I welcome you behind the scenes of “Ballad of the Jester!”
“Ballad of the Jester” was written as an exploration of systemic unlearning and reclamation of the voice, at both the individual and collective levels.
I received “Ballad of the Jester” as I was relaxing with my husband. I say “received” because my writing process feels more like someone has deposited the song into my brain with an eyedropper. This happens when I’m feeling safe and relaxed - taking a walk, enjoying a shower, laying close to someone who brings me security.
For the first time in my life, I am in a romantic relationship where I feel both held and free, concepts that had previously felt like opposites. As I lay near my husband, contemplating this paradox, the lyrics of “Ballad of the Jester” flooded me. I ran to my computer and typed out the lyrics as they arrived. I was in awe; these lyrics shook me to my core.
I didn’t fully understand the lyrics at first. The three characters (the narrator, the Jester and the Lover) did not make sense to me. As I spent more time with this song - receiving the melody and recording the instrumental layers of the song - I have come to relate to this song as a refusal to normalize absurd power dynamics and collective silence. I long for this personally; I long for this collectively. “Ballad of the Jester” reflects that longing.
For the final version of this song, we decided to add layers and layers of guitar, as well as an upright bass. In fact, here is Samir writing one of the guitar parts for BOTJ. In the background, you can see the album’s producer Nico at Sweet Spot Studio listening on.
“Ballad of the Jester” is the first of a twelve-song rollout, with one song releasing per month for twelve months. All of the songs explore this theme of systemic unlearning and reclamation of the voice, but from very different angles and genres.
I am honored and delighted that you are on this journey alongside me.
P.S. While you are here, read how the end of one relationship started my music career and check out the Song Deconstruction series! And if you haven’t already, make sure to pre-save “Ballad of the Jester” so it will be added to your library the moment the song releases on September 4.
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