Richardine Bartee
Neek is like us all.
Over subtle indie pop production that carries the relatable lyrics of the song, Neek sings about wanting what she can’t have. Based on what’s in the verses, the singer-producer discloses that the guy is in a relationship. It’s unclear if Neek and the guy were ever in an exclusive relationship beforehand. Instead, we’ve got the aftermath of how it makes her feel. I think we’ve all been there—in an emotional mess that challenges our existence and worth.
Oddly, your human brain joins forces with your human heart. In what feels like a plot to destroy you when they should be protecting you. Next, you’re suddenly thinking of someone who is out of reach. Subsequent to your heartache, the individual begins to take up a significant part of your mind. When you’re in it, it feels like you are not able to get over that person. In my personal experience, I never understood why my heart and my brain weren’t able to instantly stop thinking about someone who has hurt me. Realistically, I think it’s time for a natural ailment.
To gain a deeper perspective on ‘Let Her Go’, I asked its creator some fitting questions about its inspiration, relationships, and more.
Is the music based on a personal situation?
Always.
Is it just me or is it difficult to ‘shake’ someone who breaks your heart? Why is that?
Difficult, but all things come to an end, so I’m prepared. I find the most frustrating part is coming to terms with not getting the answers you want when something ends.
How do you overcome?
I spend a lot of time alone.
Are you naturally jealous? If a lover did what the chorus of the song suggests, for you, would it make you happier? Or is it just a fantastical thought?
I’m naturally jealous of the things I don’t have, but it doesn’t necessarily mean I want those things. I feel like I’m always looking for something I haven’t seen or found before so I think the jealousy comes from watching others be able to settle and be happy with what they have.
How did you pick the production for the record? Was it made for the songwriting? Or did you write to the beat? Is the song from a project?
I self-produce all of my music out of my bedroom in West LA. My room consists of a bed and a studio rig, so I’m always in a pretty raw mindset while I produce. I don’t really have a conscious practice, but rather gravitate toward whatever sound is feeling right and base it off of whatever vocal melody/lyrics I have in my head that day.
‘Let Her Go’ started as a voice memo on my phone. I was feeling so much for someone at that time, but couldn’t tell them a thing. I tortured myself, analyzing and replaying moments non stop, so much so that eventually it just turned into a melody and lyrics and something I couldn’t get out of my head. When I started producing it, the heavy, muddy and at times, dissonant synth captured how weighed down I felt by not being able to express myself and everything just sort of flowed from there. I used NASA space sounds to create the atmosphere because it was the only thing that felt cold and isolated enough. My drums represent the will to keep going, and almost serve as a cheerleader to the vocal.
When approaching my vocal, I felt a resigned calmness when freestyling. I like to sing when I’m in my most vulnerable state and then, I end up falling in love with my scratch vocals because of how flawed they sound. I just don’t have the heart to polish them. I guess I’m a nostalgic person.
If you can tell anyone out there that might relate to the music, more than they should right now, what would you say to them?
Don’t be afraid to be alone.
