Stories Behind Songs on EP
Saturn Returns
Written at the end of my twenties, 'Saturn Returns' emerged from a period of deep self-confrontation and growth. I needed to take a hard look at my life and change certain ways of thinking that no longer served me. The seven songs part of this EP tell that very story. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for listening <3
Track 1: 'Wrapped in Gold'
'Wrapped in Gold' is all about that feeling you get when you've made it out of your darkest days and you can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I wrote while I was sitting in an airplane flying from the U.S. (where I'm originally from) back to Amsterdam (where I live now). After going through this heavy period of self-confrontation, I felt like I had gained new perspective and was just overall feeling grateful for that perspective and for the life choices I had made up until that point. It was like saying: "I can see the light now, the next chapter of my life is about to unfold, and this time I'm ready for it."
Track 2: 'Loose Ends'
'Loose Ends' is a song I wrote for my intuition. I've come to learn that even when you can't trust your surroundings, and even when everything around you seems dark, you need to trust yourself regardless and listen to what your heart is saying. Many times we get a 'gut feeling,' a moment when our heart is truly speaking to us. That doesn't mean we always listen to it though because it can be quite terrifying. If you are brave enough to listen, and disciplined enough to keep moving along no matter what, I've discovered that your life will change in magical ways.
Track 3: 'Wings'
Over the past 10 years I've lived in 5 different countries and have had so many beautiful yet heart-wrenching experiences during this time period. Nonetheless, I always felt like I was being watched over by an unexplainable force - and this is what 'Wings' is about. It's all about learning to have faith in the unseen. Whether you believe in it or not, this song is an ode to that 'guardian angel' watching over each and every one of us.
Track 4: 'Stardust'
We all have something that makes us special - be it a hobby, a passion, or a unique talent. Sometimes, what makes us special is also what makes us feel the most vulnerable and timid. Each person has so much to offer, but many times we keep these 'special' passion and talents to ourselves because we fear what others will think. I call these 'special' things 'Stardust,' and I believe the world would be a better place if everyone shared their 'Stardust' with others. It's also my favorite song on the EP.
Track 5: 'Same Pace'
After this period of self-confrontation and growth that I went through, I really felt like I evolved as a human being. I'm not perfect, nor do I know everything, but 'Same Pace' is a love letter to that future 'special someone' basically saying that if you are going to be with me, you need to walk the 'same pace' as me. As in, you need to have a growth mindset and genuinely want to have an emotionally mature relationship. Maybe it sounds a little arrogant to other people but IDC, I know what I want in a partner and I'm not afraid to ask for it <3
Track 6: 'Blossoming'
'Blossoming' is unique because it's not actually about me. I wrote it after a friend told me about his breakup. While I listened to his break-up story, I felt inspired to write this song. It's all about how we as human beings are constantly changing and sometimes that means your heart wants and needs something different. And that's totally ok. I truly believe life is about embracing change, and when we do that, we live in less resistance and set ourselves up to thrive and 'blossom.'
Track 7: 'On My Way'
Upon turning 30, at the end of this period of growth I keep referencing, (or at the end of my 'Saturn Return' - for anyone who loves astrology you will understand the reference), I wrote 'On My Way.' In a way, this song and 'Wrapped in Gold' are like a full circle moment when I really came out of this dark period feeling more confident, motivated, and aware than ever before. It was like this feeling of 'I don't know what comes next, but now I know myself well enough to understand that whatever comes my way, I am brave, strong, and resilient enough to handle it.' The world will continue to move along with or without you, so make the most of it and give it meaning. That's the idea behind 'On My Way.'