Wet Denim shares the songs that inspired and brought forth into the world their brand new single ‘Free’
Wellington indie-rock quartet Wet Denim has returned with the gorgeous sophomore single Free. The new track is layered with all the goodness that windy Wellington has to offer, infused with equal parts brightness and darkness, that reckons perfectly with the pure and pulsating vocals, indie rock guitar, and punchy drums.
There must be something in the South Pacific Ocean because it seems that the remote country of NZ can’t stop producing the next big thing. Free is a perfect amalgamation of introspective isolation and inner strength if ever there was. Borrowing from Nick’s experience of feeling socially isolated from loved ones, the themes of aching solitude, and subsequent inner growth because of it, can be felt quite deeply in the tone.
Wet Denim’s lead singer and guitarist Nick Goodwin, Luca Crampton on guitar, synths, and keys with brothers Jack and Joe Ledword on the drums and bass share their inspiration behind their latest single Free. Tread with care, these bangers are going to get stuck in your head.
Nick
Beautiful Day – U2
Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
I grew up listening to these bands on long car trips during the school holidays with the family. Their big singalong choruses are something I have taken from these experiences and put emphasis on throughout my songwriting process.
Joe
Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
Ain’t It Fun – Paramore
During my younger years Kings Of Leon would most likely be playing on the stereo. Since then, their instrumentation has been drilled into my head. During my highschool years I got into Paramore with the way they use their vocal melodies, grooves, basslines and mix. Artists like these inspired my production path and structures within our music.
Luca
New Year’s Day – U2
Sunbather – Deafheaven
‘New Year’s Day’ by U2 is one of those formative songs that my dad played heaps when I was young. The Edge’s spacey, wall-of-sound guitar tone has a huge influence on my own playing – something that shines through in my work on Free. Deafheaven’s ‘Sunbather’ is a heavy, angry and melancholic song – while it seems a far departure from Wet Denim’s rock/pop appeal – the emotional progressions and journeys remain some of my most treasured musical moments.
Jack
Rest – The Temper Trap
Maybe – Opshop
The drum sound ‘Free’ was inspired by the song ‘Rest’ by The Temper Trap – I really liked the crispy sound of the snare. The final chorus of ‘Maybe’ by Opshop was a big inspiration – both vocally and instrumentally. The track is awesome and it was one of the songs we used as a reference for the final mix of Free.
Listen to Wet Denim’s Spotify playlist below:
Nick reflects on the lyrics, sharing:“The lyrics talk about a time when I was feeling very secluded from the people around me both mentally and physically. I had just come out of a very short but intense relationship paired with having a tough time with glandular fever so was spending a lot of time alone”.
Listen to Free:
Free – Wet Denim
[Verse 1]
I just keep talking to myself
Wish I could reach somebody else
This feelings creeping up on me
Now that I can barely see
You try and tell me that I’m free
But I keep talking to myself
Keep rearranging all my shelves
Can’t wait for an apology
It’s a lack of company
I just need some time to breath
[Chorus]
(Free)
I tried to say it’s not me
(Free)
Needed some time to believe
(Free)
Tried not to complicate things
(Free)
Unable to break free
(Free)
I tried to say it’s not me
(Free)
Needed some time to believe
(Free)
Tried not to complicate things
(Free)
Unable to break free
[Verse 2]
Sitting on the bay on own time
Reflections from the sea gone at low tide
Believe I’ll never see with my own eyes
This doesn’t feel right
I walk on through the night
Running through a time I didn’t see you
In-between emotions I can’t see through
Feel the tensions grow
Reveal to let me know
[Chorus]
(Free)
I tried to say it’s not me
(Free)
Needed some time to believe
(Free)
Tried not to complicate things
(Free)
Unable to break free
[Bridge]
Take my hand
I’m on my own
I’m just a man
Im feeling so
In my head
Put down the phone
Feelings dead
[Chorus]
(Free)
I tried to say it’s not me
(Free)
Needed some time to believe
(Free)
Tried not to complicate things
(Free)
Unable to break free
