I have recently discovered a new song by Ell Freeman titled “Goodbye Stranger” and, in my view, it is great. While Freeman is both a neuroscientist and a musician, or at least an enthusiast, he came up with one song that can be felt and heard on multiple levels. It is a new song that Freeman wrote while in quarantine, and it incorporates rock music from both the 70s and the 90s in an exciting manner.
What really touched me was that the words were so intimate, Freeman penned the song as a father’s apology to his sons, due to an often neglectful parenting since he had always been busy serving his music. It is a theme, which I would assume, most of us can identify with as we try to balance our interests with our duties.
In terms of the melody and harmony, ‘Goodbye Stranger’ is complex. It draws from Britpop but similarly has some glam rock elements that Bowie experimented with. The guitar harmonies being especially fitting, and the drums give a nice groove to the song. Freeman manages to deliver the song’s lyrics fully while the chorus increases the music’s intensity.
This single is from Freeman’s “A Hard Place” EP and the quality of the song can only be improved with the rest of the EP. What I find most admirable is the way Freeman stands to depict his individual narratives in a manner that they become a subject of global concern.
It is a message of how presence matters in the lives of those of us that are dear to us, all encapsulated in music mastery. To sum up, if you fancy reflecting, meaningful lyrics and outstanding rock with a touch of vintage, you should give it a try and listen to “Goodbye Stranger”. I always enjoy those moments when artists are able to combine the things they do in their personal lives with what they do professionally to come up with something that is clearly meaningful.
Watch Goodbye Stranger
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What inspired the creation of “Goodbye Stranger”? Could you share the story behind this release?
During the Covid lock-down craziness, my son had a nasty argument with his mother and barricaded himself into the bathroom.
I tried to talk to him through the closed door but he yelled at me to go away, furious with me for always being in my studio working on my music, rather than supporting him as a loving father should. I realised he was right, and wrote this song as an apology to him, and to reassure him that I was still there for him.
In what ways does “Goodbye Stranger” represent your growth as an artist?
In writing this song and others around that time, I was learning that I could talk about personal topics in a poetic way, to convey deep emotions that may be familiar and relatable to listeners even though the actual events inspiring them are not revealed.
How did you come about with the total number of songs on the Album?
The five tracks on the EP are the ones I have worked most on, and finished first, and they represent a particularly difficult period of my life that I am ready to draw a line under. I have several others in a similar genre that I will continue to release until the EP becomes a full album.
Are there any particular musical influences that shaped the sound of “Goodbye Stranger”?
As a kid, I would hear rock, soul, folk and pop music filtering through the walls from my brother’s or sister’s bedrooms. A lot of my songs still carry the DNA of this music from the late 70’s and early 80’s.
What were the most significant challenges you faced while crafting this release?
Sleep deprivation! During this intense period I was working full-time on a very demanding university management job by day, and after making dinner and putting the kids to bed I would work on songwriting and music production until 3am, starting again at 7am the next morning.
Did you collaborate with any other artists or producers on “Goodbye Stranger”? If so, how did these collaborations influence the final product?
The lyrics of this song were shaped during a zoom collaboration with Roel van Veldt, when we were both enrolled on an online songwriting programme. At the time he was living in a tiny caravan, after a difficult family break-up. The themes of this song resonated deeply with him.
What do you hope listeners will take away from “Goodbye Stranger”?
Perhaps a reminder that we should always make time to be present for the ones we love before it’s too late, or maybe to try to forgive those whom we wish could have been more present in our lives.
Are there any specific elements or tracks in this release that you feel particularly proud of?
I am proud to have finally released this first batch of songs. Goodbye Stranger is the product of a late musical awakening of emotional self-awareness after a lifetime devoted to scientific objectivity.
How has your approach to music-making evolved since your earlier works?
Through practice, I have become more conscious of the process of songwriting and production, and how to convey nuanced emotions more precisely through sounds and words, as well as how to create a catchy hook and singable chorus.
Are there plans for any visual content or live performances to support “Goodbye Stranger”?
There is a video accompanying this song ([youtu.be/xU9gjR2qWxw](youtu.be/xU9gjR2…Wxw)), in which I recorded video game imagery of desolate landscapes from my son’s virtual reality device. I chose this to depict the alienation that took hold as we each sought refuge in other worlds, during the forced confinement of lockdown. The song itself is not so suitable performing solo, but if and when I put a rock band together again, I will look forward to playing it live and loud.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Ell Freeman in the near future?
I will continue to release songs dating from this previous era, to complete a full album. I will also release songs that reflect the more positive, hopeful side of my present life, in a wider variety of genres including bossa-nova and soul-funk.
If you had to describe the essence of “Goodbye Stranger” in a brief statement, how would you characterize it?
Goodbye stranger is a song of regret and redemption, about a long-neglected relationship that is hopefully not too late to be rescued with renewed love and attention.
