Andrew Siddle’s single “The Songs I Once Knew”, released on December 7, 2024, is a rich, soulful track that blends contemporary rock with a vibrant Afro-inspired brass backing. The song touches on the struggles of a band whose music goes unheard, woven through a narrative of personal challenges like marital issues and the pressures of life. Siddle brings these deep, emotional themes to life with a sound that is both fresh and familiar, capturing the essence of a timeless struggle in an uplifting musical form.
The song stands out not only because of its poignant lyrics but also because of its unique musical approach. The beat is infectious, with a bouncy rhythm that immediately draws you in, making the track feel upbeat and engaging. At the same time, the brass section adds an extra layer of depth, infusing the song with energy and a sense of celebration, despite the underlying sorrow in the lyrics. This contrast creates a dynamic listening experience, where the music’s liveliness beautifully complements the more somber narrative. The story behind “The Songs I Once Knew” is deeply personal for Siddle. As part of his ‘Travelling Man Series’, the track is derived from poetry he’s written over the past decades. Siddle takes his original poems and transforms them into compelling song lyrics, creating a bridge between his work as a poet and as a musician. The song speaks to a sense of loss, not just of a band’s forgotten music but also of the broader sense of dreams left unfulfilled. The pain of the unlistened songs parallels the emotional toll of life’s ongoing struggles, offering a raw and relatable reflection.
Siddle’s background in blues guitar and his history with Ednaswap and Lindisfarne come through in the song’s composition. The track’s catchy riffs and steady rhythm are a nod to his musical roots, blending seamlessly with his poetic storytelling. The recording, done in the UK with session musicians, results in a polished production that still feels heartfelt and intimate, with a distinct warmth that resonates throughout the track. Overall, “The Songs I Once Knew” is more than just a catchy single—it’s an exploration of personal reflection, the passage of time, and the emotional journey that accompanies both. Andrew Siddle has successfully merged his past experiences with his current musical evolution, creating a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the weight of unspoken dreams or the struggle of being overlooked. It’s a reminder that while the songs may go unheard, their echoes live on, marking moments of resilience and longing in the face of adversity.
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