‘Shitty Town’ by Sarah Mary Chadwick | New Album, ‘Messages to God’
Sarah Mary Chadwick share the latest track, ‘Shitty Town’ from her upcoming album, ‘Messages to God,’ out September 15th via Kill Rock Stars.
Sarah Mary Chadwick eighth studio album was produced by Tony Espie (The Avalanches). It is a beautifully realized record. It’s not happy, but it is funny and optimistic. It is melodramatic, self-serving and generous. This record signals a change; whether profound or momentary, in the New Zealand artist’s discography.
The first single, ‘Shitty Town,’ is released today, accompanied by a bold video directed, edited and filmed by Geoffrey O’Connor. It tells the story of a love affair set on a theater stage.
The record started with file sharing—Chadwick sending demos to Espie and her long-time collaborator and close friend, Hank Clifton-Williamson – and slowly transformed into a full studio effort, elevated by the inspired production of Espie. The result is a record that is arresting and ambient, with Chadwick’s vocals and keys very much front and center.
Chadwick has described her most recent three records as a triptych – three pieces of work drenched in grief and struggling to get out. This record signals a change; whether profound or momentary, time will tell. There is an undoubted strength and love of life underpinning these songs, and a feeling less claustrophobic than her earlier work.
Indeed, ‘Messages to God,’ like all of Chadwick’s music, is centered around her completely singular approach to songwriting and storytelling. ‘Messages to God’ is perhaps a more universal record in terms of its content than 2021’s ‘Me and Ennui Are Friends, Baby’ yet it is still unquestionably intimate. ‘Shitty Town’ was one of the first songs written for the record. “It’s a leaving a place kind of song.” Chadwick says that when she visualized it, she saw someone packing up a suitcase, going somewhere. “I watch through the window at my life,” she sings, “It seems to function/but who’s driving/this shitty car?” All around her, keys are resonant, flutes shimmer in the backdrop.
Watch/Share the single here!
Pre-order the album here!
Headline photo: Sian Stacey
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