Irian Darkwood returns with Light At The End Of The Tunnel, a powerful song of hope. She shares its journey, remote collaboration, and how music helps heal and connect listeners.
1. Your
last release, "Greensleeves," blended humor with serious themes.
"Light At The End Of The Tunnel" seems to take a more hopeful and
deeply personal approach. How did your mindset shift between these two tracks?
With Greensleeves,
I wanted everyone to relate and laugh it off because I know there isn't much
that can be done about these things, like if you can't beat it, try to have a
smile about it. Light at The End of The Tunnel is a message of hope, that
during dark times, you can face it and recover, it's really just a more serious
look at life.
2. You wrote this song nine years ago while immersed in the Canadian Country
Music Awards scene. How has your perspective on the song evolved over time?
I don't think my perspective has changed really, the message is the same in the
song, the difference is, is that I'm not a country singer anymore, so the type
of music changed.
3. The song carries a powerful message of resilience. Was there a specific
moment or turning point in your life that inspired you to finally bring this
track to life?
I've had my own personal struggles in life, so I wanted to share the
message that anyone who is struggling can recover, like myself, and to tell
people they aren't alone as well.
4. This project involved both Halifax and Sweden. What were some of the
biggest challenges and rewards of working across different locations and with
session musicians?
I guess tor me, the obvious was that I get to see Sweden, it's really
beautiful, highly recommend, but, all of my songs are actually based in Halifax
and Sweden, it's really great to work with such talented people, they're
incredibly friendly and I really love the culture there. The challenges? Well,
distance of course is always a challenge, thankfully, today's technology helps
with that, even if it can be somewhat frustrating sometimes haha.
5. You’ve mentioned a renowned Canadian country artist encouraged you early
on. Have there been any other key figures along the way who helped shape this
song or your artistic journey?
Yes, I took inspiration from recovering addicts, veterans, first
responders, lots of cool musicians...I would name the individually, but there
are so many, we might be here a while .
6. "Light At The End Of The Tunnel" is aimed at those struggling
with addiction and mental health. Have you received any early reactions from
listeners who connect with the message?
Actually yes, when I first wrote this, years ago, I let a veteran friend of
mine read it, the look on his face was deeply impactful, all he said was 'Wow,
that really hits home'. I actually felt bad a bit because he is such a tough
guy and he was clearly holding back tears. I'm hoping that this dong impacts
others as well.
7. The recording process was unique, with files being sent back and forth to
your producer in Sweden. Did this remote collaboration introduce any unexpected
creative twists?
Well we did change the entire layout of the song and the sound to fit my genre
of music, otherwise, they make everything very smooth for me, really an awesome
team .
8. Having transitioned between musical styles, from country to your current
sound, do you feel your songwriting has changed in approach or purpose?
No, I think the purpose is the same, I want to get my messages to people
out there, have them enjoy the music and make it relatable, the approach, is
now a but harder hitting, but I find it makes a greater impact this way.
9. Your music often carries deeper messages. What role do you believe
artists play in supporting conversations around mental health and recovery?
I think everyone in the public eye can be impactful on this topic, many are, in
their way also, I don't necessarily consider myself an advocate, but I guess in
a way I am, as is anyone who has a voice, as artists, we certainly have access
to many, many people, so our roke is to get our message heard.
10. If listeners could take away just one message from "Light At The
End Of The Tunnel," what would you want it to be?
The message here is: You're not alone, there is hope, don't give up before
the miracle happens.
11. You’ve been through personal challenges and have emerged as an artist
who wants to inspire others. How has music helped you in your own healing
process?
The short answer is? Music has saved my life ha ha, by creating and put my
music out there, it's sort of like therapy in a way, I get to express myself
and the added benefit is, is that hopefully, I can help others as well.
12. With this release finally seeing the light of day, what’s next for you?
Are there more songs from your past waiting to be reborn, or are you moving in
a new direction?
lots of new songs coming! Keep an eye out!
Post a Comment