The summer of 2018 had just begun, and I was working towards finishing my 4th LP Independency. There were 17 songs down and 1 to go. I wanted to make a song that represented that period of time for me. Although Independency is not an official concept album like Primitive Normative, I wanted to have a song that could somewhat work as a title track representing the overall feeling from the album. I called the album Independency because I recorded the 18-song record entirely by myself. All vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and I programmed the drums. Even though I had already recorded 3 LPs alone, this one was significant because I found myself without a band. The young band mates I had acquired for Plaid On Flannel in the fall of 2017 had left Toronto for work and school, and they were very hard to replace. Suddenly I was alone, and knew that the fate of Plaid On Flannel was up to me.
On July 4, 2018, I wrote the music for what was to be the last song recorded for Independency. The next day, I wrote the lyrics with the working title "I Depend On Me". Although it's a great title for a self-empowering song, I realized that "Independent Women" by Destiny's Child uses that same phrase. The 2001 pop song is catchy, but I didn't feel the need to associate my music with Beyonce and co. So I changed the title to "Isolate" as the lyrics say "Isolate along the way" in the first verse. It fit in well with the lighthouse keeper concept of the album that was eventually portrayed in the album art. I was rather ambitious while recording this song as it was the last one for the album and I wanted to make it count.
"Isolate" embodies surf rock, glam rock, and psychedelic rock. And some other styles too. The main influences on this song in no particular order are the Beach Boys, Oasis, R.E.M., David Bowie, Weezer, the Beatles, and Doves. Many people reference the Beach Boys when hearing this tune due to the layered harmonies. I spent dozens of hours on the vocals for this song. The most backup vocals I ever had on a POF song. And I've had a lot! The chorus gradually has more backup vocals as the song progresses in the style of Doo-Wop. For that, I was inspired by the Beatles' "Revolution 1" which has the "a-whoa cha-doo-wa" backup vocals in the chorus. I'm referring to the slow version of the song which is on the White Album. There's about 5 times during the tune where a backup vocal goes "a-woo-oooh-oooh" in the background. This was of course inspired by the Beach Boys where you can hear that high falsetto on songs like "Fun, Fun, Fun".
There's an extra guitar in this song that uses tremolo and chorus effects to make it sound more psychedelic. Much like the effects I use on some of the backup vocals which you can hear prominently at the very end of the song. The bass line in the chorus dances around quite a bit and that's where the glam rock influences come in. Inspired by T. Rex and David Bowie. Almost like the song "Suffragette City". A lot of glam rock songs by bands like Sweet and Mott The Hoople have children sing-along type choruses. Something that really captures innocence and imagination. That was my child-like spirited intention while writing the song. I started recording "Isolate" on July 6, 2018 and finished it on July 17, 2018. After some hardcore mastering, the entire album was released 12 days later on July 29, 2018.
lyrics
Words and music by Nolan Randall
Gotta ride it solo even if it feels like slow-mo
Isolate along the way
On the way from somewhere
Chosen ones are all unaware
There's a home for them to stay
Every time I hear the song that is playing
It's all the magic that will never end
Can you understand what it is I'm saying?
Take it in the message I will send
From the pain of losing, to a beggar fit for choosing
Love the time I spend alone
Never thought of quitting
Always thinking of what's fitting
Do what I can on my own
Every time I hear the song that is playing
It's all the magic that will never end
Can you understand what it is I'm saying?
Take it in the message I depend
Feeling like I'm getting stronger
The independency is on my side
Moving on to what really matters to me
Now is not the, not the time to hide
Every time I hear the song that is playing
It's all the magic that will never end
Can you understand what it is I'm saying?
Take it in the message I will send
Every time I hear the song that is playing
It's all the magic that will never end
Can you understand what it is I'm saying?
Take it in the message I depend
Plaid On Flannel is an alternative indie blues rock act from Toronto, Canada. With 80+ original songs recorded since 2011,
singer-songwriter Nolan Randall has remained the sole constant member of the band. POF's music is known for guitar riffs/solos, memorable hooks, catchy melodies/harmonies, evocative lyrics, & superb musicianship. While keeping a focus on originality and songwriting quality....more
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