This week’s Track of the Week comes from BIMM Institute Brighton student Martha Eve.
Check out her latest track, ‘Cold’ below!
Describe your new track in three words…
Chill, emotional, vibey
What inspired you when writing this track?
Written in my childhood bedroom after a lockdown breakup, ‘Cold’ describes the realisation that someone isn’t all that good for you after all. My mum always told me to find someone that makes me laugh and makes an effort. “If they don’t make you feel good about yourself, what’s the point.” It’s painful when the person that warmed your whole heart goes cold. “Your smile got smaller, your calls got shorter, ditched all the plans that we thought of.” I find it fascinating how much another person can influence your feelings. People can hurt you a lot without even really trying to.
Writing this song has been a way for me to accept that this just happens. Nothing lasts forever and that’s not always a bad thing. If someone doesn’t stick around, it’s because something even better is around the corner. Just got to wait for it.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Alice Phoebe Lou, Eloise, Men I Trust, Rex Orange County
What would you say makes your music unique?
The honesty in my writing. I’ve been extremely vulnerable in the writing of my first single. It’s about someone I cared a lot about and someone who made me feel pretty shit. I’m calling them out on it. The tiny details in the arrangement and production create a relaxed and chill vibe.
Do you have a process you follow when writing a song?
I like to get outside and write in my garden at home. There’s a field with sheep next to my garden and I find it really comforting to sing to them. I’ll find some pretty chords, usually, something with major 7ths because I love a jazzy sound. I don’t use much theory; I just play what sounds nice and improvise over the chords, with the voice notes app at the ready, so I don’t miss any moments. Then I’ll play around and create a structure from what I recorded. I took ‘Cold’ to my producer Scoop Monty, where we transformed it from an acoustic song to what you hear now.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
Being around a bunch of musicians and finding the best band I could’ve asked for to play my songs and write with. They’re great. Being in Brighton has allowed me to find a network of musicians, artists, producers, and other collaborators to work with. I love it here.
What’s next for you?
More music is on its way this year and lots of gigs. I’m super excited to finally show everyone what I’ve been working on!
