We’ve all been torn between two emotions or decisions or states of being at one point or another; this may even happen to you today. It’s a very human way of forcing ourselves to hit the pause button for fear of making a mistake, but even when still, we can feel that rumbling chaos inside. This emotional turmoil has been captured in a quirky-pop style by Tennessee-via-Florida singer and songwriter Jesse Brady in her new single ‘Conflicted’.
The song is jam-packed with interesting metaphors and similes that evoke this sense of divergence, such as “no number of stitches could repair the damage” and “keep treading water, like a sinking ship.” We also love the effect the Brady puts on her vocals for the “forwards and backwards” section, in which her voice subtly rises and falls over the off-kilter, bubbling production. At no time does the style of ‘Conflicted’ adhere to convention; it’s flush with alternative synths, playful melodies and vibrant percussion that makes this song spring out of our speakers. Each time we listen to it, we notice a new little detail that brings such a smile to our face.
Jesse Brady is clearly an instinctive songwriter, you only need to read the quote below to understand just how naturally this art form comes to her:
“I found the idea for my song, “Conflicted”, when I was on the phone with my grandmother. We were about my dreams of performing and writing, and I was releasing my first song, “Transformations,” at the time. I wanted to do everything I could to market it well, but I wasn’t sure of how to do so. I had instincts and logic, and I was overwhelmed by both. My grandma told me, “It seems like you’ve got a feeling and a knowledge and they’re kind of criss-crossing.” I was immediately struck by this sentence, and after we said goodbye, I darted to the piano and put her words to melody. The song unfolded over the next few weeks. I picked up my bass, and felt like a rockstar, while singing possible lines over it in hopes to tell a relatable story. After I finished composing the song, I had a clear idea of production in mind. Late one night, when I was at work as a receptionist in an empty apartment building’s lobby, I produced “Conflicted”. As an artist, I enjoy viewing situations from as many different perspectives as possible. I like to imagine where other people are coming from, different sides and points of view. I consider this thought process a strength, but sometimes when I see pros and cons so vividly, decision making can be really hard, especially when emotions are involved.”
And while you’re here, don’t miss ‘Conflicted’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
Follow Jesse Brady:
UNRECORDED 