Reading someone else’s journal has to be the most intimate point of view you can get of another person–the closest you’ll ever be to walking in their shoes. Almost as if he’s opened up his father’s diary, City of Union’s “Hand & Feet” shows us what it’s like be the man who inspired his new song.
Like my hands and feet are
You and me were
Matthew Campbell, the musician behind the moniker, took on the challenge of becoming someone else. A fascinating songwriting choice, one that undoubtedly leaves both the artist and his listeners feeling tender-hearted, Campbell’s track delicately transforms simple life for two brothers into a moving song. It leaves space to breathe, space to think about not just the memories of the relationship it details, but the memories we wish to keep alive. The relationships we think of as extensions of ourselves.
The song is folksy, moody, and easy-listening, evoking the presence of a region bustling with life but often overlooked–the American midwest. But that’s not all the up-and-coming Australia-based musician has up his sleeve. From moving around the world to experimenting with different genres, City of Union has lived a life full of song-worthy experiences in just twenty-something years.
Read on to find out what inspired “Hands & Feet” and how City of Union approaches songwriting.
https://youtu.be/TxmIM_Qbfvk
When you’re writing a song, which comes first: lyrics or melody?
When I’m writing a song I tend to do lyrics and melody separately and then piece them together based on the feel. For example, I have a library of potential songs and melodies saved on my computer and voice memos. I also have a library of lyrical content saved on my computer and notes. I let them keep building up until I am really struck by an idea – often a melody that reminds of some lyrics I wrote and then I start to piece them together into a full song.
Do you think of one as more important than the other?
Lyrics and melody must be equally strong and complement each other – neglecting one of them is how you make bad songs. Which – I’ve done plenty of times.
What does your songwriting process look like?
My songwriting process is quite ordinary and simple. I would love to tell you about some complex method of dimming the lights, taking off my shirt, and breathing heavily until magic happens, but unfortunately, it’s not quite like that for me. I write a lot and think a lot every day while I do normal things – like at work, or doing the dishes, or bathing. When I find a nice melody or lyrics I sit down with my guitar or piano and flesh it out.
How do you know when a song is finished?
Knowing when a song is finished is the hardest part of the job. Luckily I have good people around me who can tell me they think it’s done.
You choose to write and perform under a stage name. How does this affect your songwriting? For instance, do you find it enables you to be more vulnerable, or that it creates a safe distance from you as a person to you as an artist? Is it just stylistic?
That’s a really good question. Hmm… I’m not sure – I reckon it hasn’t made much of an impact on my songwriting.
“Hands & Feet” tells the beautiful story of a man’s fond memories of a pure and meaningful relationship with his brother. What inspired you to write and release this song now?
Hands & Feet is the story of my Uncle Keith as told from my father’s perspective. I’ve had the song finished for several years now – and I just decided it was time to release it with some beautiful footage my sister shot of my hometown.
“Hands & Feet” takes on a more traditional, indie-acoustic sound, but you’ve been influenced by genres far and wide like hip-hop and rock, too. Who were some of the influences behind this track and style?
Hands & Feet is stripped back and more ‘folky’ than my other songs because I imagine that my Uncle would have enjoyed it that way.
When people think of the Midwest, it’s often met with this idea of nothingness or boredom. But your song managed to capture the simplicity of the region in a way that’s reflective and moving. How do you think growing up in Missouri has affected your songwriting, especially on this song?
I find that often the best ideas come from moments of boredom. Not that the Midwest is particularly more boring than anywhere else, but I always had a healthy space to keep a clear mind. Missouri is inspiring to me because it’s home – not necessarily because it’s Missouri.
And how has moving across the world to New Zealand and Australia changed your writing style? Do you think location affects sound?
Moving away has changed my writing style, my opinions, my clothing choices, my diet, my state of mind, etc… very very much. Some in good ways – some perhaps not so good. But I’ve grown smarter as a songwriter – and I’m getting better.
What’s next for City of Union?
Perhaps another big move across the world. Like maybe… Egypt?
