Interview With Sandy Netburn – ISSUES
Creative Process & Inspiration
ISSUES is such a bold title—what personal or societal “issues” inspired this album?
The title “ISSUES” is in reference to three different issues discussed on the album: Political Issues, Relationship Issues, and the issues that come with simply being human.
Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the first song?
When I first started writing the album… I had no idea I was writing an album! I was just writing individual songs based on what I was experiencing every day.
How did your songwriting evolve during the creation of this project compared to your previous work?
These are some of my very first songs! I think there was definitely an evolution and growth in not only the language I use to convey a message… but also the messages I feel the need TO convey. I think I’ve developed a more cerebral aspect to my music that I’ve learned to apply—when it’s needed.
Sound & Style
How would you describe the sonic landscape of ISSUES? Are we hearing new genres, instruments, or production styles?
It’s all very… well—ACOUSTIC! I think there are lots of folk elements because of that… I think you can definitely hear some theatrical influences and chord progressions influenced by my love for prog rock.
Did you collaborate with any producers or musicians who helped shape the sound in unexpected ways?
Gary Sohmers definitely had a LARGE impact on this album. Gary gave me many different ideas in regards to different styles and genres to explore, and our discussions gave me many different topics to think about, and then write about.
Is there a track on the album that you think will surprise longtime fans?
I think the background vocals on “Tunnel at the End of the Light” and “A Silent God” will surprise listeners. I’m a huge fan of harmonies… they’re just… GORGEOUS. This was my first endeavor into creating songs with background vocals. I decided—it’s my song… I want a WORLD of harmonies! And there it is. And there will be more. And more. Forever.
Lyrics & Themes
Which lyric from ISSUES hits you hardest emotionally—and why?
“Empty I kneel before a silent god” is very personal to me. The whole album is contemplating right and wrong, normal from strange, tangible from abstract, real from fake… that line is the chorus to the very last song… which leaves everything in question. It’s kind of like, I need to continue to learn and grow and build… how much of what I do from day to day is helping with that? Is anything working? Is anything real? Will I ever get an answer? Maybe.
Are there recurring themes or motifs that tie the album together?
It’s all about issues. Political, social, daily life… just what you encounter in this world. Everything is in question on this album.
Did you write any songs that felt too vulnerable to include… but you did anyway?
I was apprehensive about “Not Another One Like Me.” I’m not sure that it’s… vulnerable… but it’s very raw, emotionally. Very honest. Very accurate…
Behind the Scenes
What was the most chaotic or hilarious moment during recording?
The very first time I was in a studio… I could not have been more terrified. This seemed like the most serious, stressful, professional thing in the whole world to me and I was so worried I was gonna mess it up. I mean—there was a click track and everything… THAT’S like… professional stuff!
I remember sitting on the floor, incredibly nervous… the room was completely silent. I looked over at Gary (Sohmers) for a moment—we locked eyes… he pulls a toy dinosaur out of his pocket and just, completely deadpan, has the dinosaur say “hello” and then puts it back.
That was the moment I took a breath and was like, “Right. Everything’s okay. He’s got a dinosaur in his pocket.”
If ISSUES had a visual mood board, what would be on it—colors, textures, images?
Hmm… I see Issues as a Burnt Orange. Everything is “up in the air” and nothing is completely certain in everything encountered in this album, other than each subject can be defined as part of the category of “ISSUES.”
Did any songs go through major transformations from demo to final cut?
The Final Cut is a very natural, raw interpretation of these songs. Of course, with just practicing the songs, things evolve and change, but not super dramatically. The biggest transformation was in my ability to record and use effects.
Philosophy & Message
What do you hope listeners walk away thinking or feeling after hearing ISSUES?
I hope that listeners open their minds to new perspectives. I love writing from the perspective of different characters and there are SO many in this album. Lots of satire, but a lot of raw honesty too. I hope listeners will feel it’s okay to say the words they want to say, express the feelings they have, and feel the need to learn more about things they don’t necessarily agree with.
Is there a message in the album that you feel is especially urgent right now?
Listen. Listening is so important if you’re preparing to speak. For me personally, I’m okay with my beliefs always being somewhat in question. I would like to think my morals are firm, but my actions as a result of those morals will only continue to correspond if considered and reconsidered often throughout this journey of life. I think internal exploration is essential for evolution, cerebrally and spiritually.
If you could sit down with one listener and talk about a specific track, which would it be—and what would you say?
I would talk about Heaven. That song is about hope, and how so much of that can come from purely loving something or someone. There is so much hope in this world derived from music, from art, and believe it or not—from people. It’s so important to hold onto that hope to continue to move forward in this life; hence, “Don’t you make me face death, when I’ve already made it to heaven.”
