Words by Annie Barber
Photos by Jacob Swetmore
Cordelia Gartside is already proving herself as a force to be reckoned with, despite only having 5 releases under her belt. Though her catalogue may be small, it is very impressive. Her latest release, a rousing post-rock track titled ‘good’, is no exception.
The song is dynamic and textured, combining distorted guitars, haunting strings, crashing drums, and emotive melodies. As Gartside’s assertive vocals take centre stage in the chorus, the music cascades, making for a cathartic release. Few artists can make music so layered and exhilarating, and the fact that the track was recorded live in a single take is the cherry on top.
Gartside’s talent doesn’t stop at her musicianship; she is also a skilled lyricist. Even from the first verse, her deft songwriting capabilities are clear: “shaking in my show boots / skull under the lights / all that wearing down my wire / all that weighing out the time.”
On the song, the artist confronts her past self over fears of being inadequate. Revealing the meaning behind the track, Gartside says “I used to have performance anxiety so bad that I’d be depressed for weeks after shows. I got therapy, and I love playing live now, but this song speaks to the voice that told me I really sucked at it. And all the voices that tell me I’m not good enough in other ways.”
‘good’ is a powerful mantra for self-belief and releasing yourself from your inner critic.
The song is out now via state51 Distribution. To catch Cordelia Gartside live, get tickets to one of her upcoming shows:
26 September, Bad Vibrations All-Dayer @ Shacklewell Arms, London
23 and 24 October – Left Of The Dial Festival, Rotterdam
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