Introducing ESSIE Laugharne, an emerging UK talent whose music seamlessly blends the dreamy soundscapes of 60s pop with the raw energy of 90s indie rock. Hailing from Biggleswade, England, ESSIE’s latest single “Big Cities” takes listeners on an evocative journey through urban life, showcasing her artistic depth and observational prowess.
“Big Cities” is a sonic tapestry woven with reverb-drenched guitars and ESSIE’s signature warm, soulful vocals. The track deftly captures the dichotomy of city living – its allure and its challenges – creating a nuanced portrait of metropolitan existence.
Drawing from her personal experience of relocating to London, ESSIE explores how big city life is often perceived through the eyes of concerned loved ones. The song’s introspective lyrics delve into themes of personal growth, change, and the search for belonging, resonating with anyone who’s ever taken the leap to a new urban landscape.
In this exclusive interview, ESSIE opens up about her creative process, the inspirations that fueled “Big Cities,” and how the frenetic pace of city life influences her musical output. Join us as we uncover the story behind this beautifully layered track and get to know the artist who’s making waves in the UK indie scene.
Listen to Big Cities below
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“Big Cities” has a powerful title—what inspired the concept for this song? Is it based on your personal experiences?
The song was written during the Covid 19 Pandemic when I began writing a concept EP based around living in London before the pandemic with life during the pandemic. In this song I chose to reflect on the concept of moving to a big city from a small town and how loved ones might view that move as foolish/dangerous or simply a phase that will be grown out of when the time comes to settle down. It’s partly based on my experiences moving to London in my early 20s, and partly based on the experiences of other friends who have made similar moves and then been constantly asked by parents and friends “so when are you moving back home?”
What was your creative process like for “Big Cities”? Did you approach this track differently compared to your previous work?
I approached this track from the concept of writing from a small town/parental perspective but I also came up with the guitar riff quite early on too and this set the melodic tone a fair bit as well. I then built the rest of the song around the riff and the lyrical ideas.
Did any specific city or urban environment influence the sound or lyrics of “Big Cities”?
Definitely London, but I think it works well as a song relating to any major city. There will always be people who long for the hustle and bustle, and there will always be those that couldn’t think of anything worse.
What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Big Cities”?
That it’s okay to move away and to thrive in that new place and potentially never leave. As someone who has moved a lot throughout my life for various reasons, I’ve definitely felt at home in different places during different seasons of my life, and I’ve never regretted any of the moves I’ve made (but it is also okay to stay in your hometown, each to their own).
How would you describe the sound of “Big Cities”? Were there any particular musical influences behind its style?
I don’t really know to be honest, it’s a bit of a departure from my usual more gutsy vocal delivery. I’d say some more Indie influences like The National came into play. I was hesitant at first to release it but I think you shouldn’t be too precious about these things, and hopefully fans still like it even if it’s less upbeat than previous ESSIE tracks.
Has your sound evolved with the release of “Big Cities”? If so, how does this single reflect that change?
I think there are always threads that carry through all of my songs, particularly in how I approach guitar riffs, arrangements, and the style of my voice. This one is a bit of a departure in other ways compared to my previous singles, but I think it’s still very ESSIE. I would say that this next batch of songs I’m releasing are a move towards exploring slightly new sounds and genres, but still firmly in an alt/blues/indie rock space.
What aspects of city life resonate with you most, and how do they come through in “Big Cities”?
The nightlife has always resonated with me and inspired me, and some of that comes through in the first verse, but I also love the green spaces in cities and how much people just enjoy being out in a park, even if it’s cold, it brings a lot of peace. The second verse touches on that a bit with “pockets of green” and the hope that they bring into day to day city life.
Do you feel a personal connection to the fast-paced, hectic nature of big cities, or do you find peace in other environments?
I feel connected to cities when I’m feeling proactive and ready to make the most of the opportunities and night life, but I find a lot of peace and rest when I’m out of the city and getting to connect with nature. I think it’s important to have a balance and I actually don’t live in London anymore, I live in a commuter town so I really get the best of both worlds when I’m in the city for work and then outside for rest and relaxation.
Are there any moments from your own life in big cities that influenced specific lyrics or musical choices in this track?
I mean all of them really, but definitely the bridge and talking about finding something in the city that I hadn’t found up until that point. A sense of purpose and acceptance amongst friends and just so many things. I did a lot of growing in London.
Is there a particular lyric or moment in “Big Cities” that you’re especially proud of? Why?
I like the opening verse in particular, I think it captures the main worries that people have about loved ones moving to a big city. That everyone wants to steal from you or stalk you, or that everywhere is infested with rats and just not pleasant. These things can all be true, but there’s a lot of goodness going on in city life too, and some people really come into their own when they move away from their hometown.
