There's new music out every Friday — look at Spotify's "New Music Friday" playlist for a whole list of songs released yesterday. But if you listen to just one new song today, it should be this one.
"Swim" is singer/songwriter Shelby Darrall's debut single, and it's a killer one.
"I’m really proud of “Swim”," Darrall said. "Out of the four songs on my upcoming
EP, this song just felt the most “me”." A debut single is traditionally one of the most important moments of an artist's career, because it's the first piece of music that the world hears from them. "I wanted to be sure that while it was a song I loved and could see listeners enjoying, it also had to be a good representation of who I am and want to be as an artist."
"Swim" tells Darrall's personal story in regards to what she wants in a relationship. "At twenty-two years old I think I’m allowed to be a little selfish with my heart and my decisions," Darrall said. "The lyrics of this song just kind of dance around the fact that sometimes we tease and confuse people or date the wrong person or end up hurting someone because we’re protecting ourselves, but I think it’s all part of the process and it’s only human to mess things up a couple times before we figure out what we really want."
"I’m really proud of “Swim”," Darrall said. "Out of the four songs on my upcoming
EP, this song just felt the most “me”." A debut single is traditionally one of the most important moments of an artist's career, because it's the first piece of music that the world hears from them. "I wanted to be sure that while it was a song I loved and could see listeners enjoying, it also had to be a good representation of who I am and want to be as an artist."
"Swim" tells Darrall's personal story in regards to what she wants in a relationship. "At twenty-two years old I think I’m allowed to be a little selfish with my heart and my decisions," Darrall said. "The lyrics of this song just kind of dance around the fact that sometimes we tease and confuse people or date the wrong person or end up hurting someone because we’re protecting ourselves, but I think it’s all part of the process and it’s only human to mess things up a couple times before we figure out what we really want."
The track went through a couple evolutions before it emerged in its final state. According to Darrall, the song was initially more of a ballad, but in the production stages it was sped up. "Andrew Conner, who produced the song, had sped it up a bit thinking that would give the song a little bit more of a fun side and he was totally right," Darrall said. "From then on the song just kept growing exactly how I wanted it to." Darrall said she wanted a mixture of older country and modern pop/country sounds, and that the song is a "perfect blend" of that.
Darrall cites Maren Morris and Little Big Town as major influences. "I think [Maren]’s doing an awesome job of keeping country music rooted while also toying with different ideas lyrically and instrumentally that give her this new country flare" Darrall said. "I’m still trying to figure out exactly what my style is but these artists definitely are role models for me in finding my own sound."
"Swim" is not only a song that Darrall wants listeners to jam to in their cars, but it's also a lesson in a song. "I really think the main message I want to get across with “Swim” is to follow your heart and don’t be afraid to be selfish with your feelings while you can," Darrall said. "It’s okay to mess up along the way as long as you’re staying true to yourself."
Purchase "Swim" here.
Darrall cites Maren Morris and Little Big Town as major influences. "I think [Maren]’s doing an awesome job of keeping country music rooted while also toying with different ideas lyrically and instrumentally that give her this new country flare" Darrall said. "I’m still trying to figure out exactly what my style is but these artists definitely are role models for me in finding my own sound."
"Swim" is not only a song that Darrall wants listeners to jam to in their cars, but it's also a lesson in a song. "I really think the main message I want to get across with “Swim” is to follow your heart and don’t be afraid to be selfish with your feelings while you can," Darrall said. "It’s okay to mess up along the way as long as you’re staying true to yourself."
Purchase "Swim" here.
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