It wasn’t long ago that I fell in love with a tune called ‘The Wailers’ courtesy of Cambridge-based artist Ryan Davies who’s better known by his moniker of Man With A Corduroy Heart. An audio engineer by day, Davies was looking to create something a little less clean and pristine compared to his day-to-day work. The result was a rich and warm work of art, which is why today I’m tremendously excited to introduce you to Ryan’s brand new single ‘The Joy of Giving Up’.
Deciding again to use cassette tapes for the recording, the laidback, lo-fi, indie-folk track has a nostalgic charm that harks back to the golden age of analog recordings. Genuine, raw, and timelessly retro, the song is textured with 50s-style guitars and a psychedelic infusion that adds a mesmerising depth and allure.
As for the meaning behind the song, Davies decides to tackle a bit of blunt realism. “The song is about giving up on your dreams,” he says. “I thought there were too many songs about chasing your dreams – and let’s face it – most of us can’t be fucked with the effort or the admin”. A true coming-of-middle-age tale, ‘The Joy of Giving Up’ is unapologetic in its refreshing storytelling. Just perfect!
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘The Joy of Giving Up’ on Spotify now:
