Faded Get Ready for An Album Release with a New Single
- R.A.G.
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
Faded returns with a new single that gives us a bit of a glimpse into their upcoming album release, and the song certainly boasts a freeing and breezy approach with smooth, almost whispering vocals, acoustic guitars that feel like they're played on nylon strings of a Spanish classical instrument, and the whole thing has a vast, spacious undertone that just pulls you in.
This song lets you swim through its soundscape. It is calming and peaceful, while still keeping a good, firm hold on the pop sensibility it was created from.
The beat is kind of four on the floor, making me think a little bit of classic disco Tech, and this is the company by those warm acoustics and expansive synth pads that give depth to the song and really start adding layers, creating this wondrous atmosphere that you end up getting quite addicted to.
This is a tribe with a very particular kind of aesthetic. The feel of it is inviting. It's almost dreamlike, but not dream pop exactly. It's more contemporary pop mixed with that dreamy element, with electronic influence coming right through as some of the synths are added upon and built into a sort of swirling sound.
You can tell there was a lot of attention paid to the tones of their instruments here. They wanted that acoustic guitar to feel tropical. They wanted the synthesizers and keys to feel spacious and big.
It really worked out amazingly because they created something that you sort of step into. It's a different place, and a warm welcoming one at that.
The vocals sort of follow suit because they're deep-toned for the most part, but again they're very delicately performed. He's sort of performing in a way that goes with the calmness and the vibe of the instrumentation.
This is a really good move because it keeps the feel and energy all in one place.
Later on, you start to notice additional guitars that are electric but still clean. These just play single notes, and they're affected lightly with a sort of wavy-feeling chorus or tremolo effect, letting the notes come through with a slight twang but a beautiful wateriness that goes right along the side with the aesthetic of the track.
The way that they layer the instruments and vocals is awesome. They really created something that's got a bit of a deepening sensation to it, but feels good, freeing, bright, but not over the top.
The combination of that electronic synthesizer element and acoustic instrumentation is really amazing.
A lot of the instrumentation throughout this track complements each other, as do the vocals.
By the end of the track, those synths, keys, and guitars are sort of Full Throttle. The energy isn't higher, per se, but those layers are bigger and more sonically present.
I love how they're able to take something smooth and peaceful, and bring that up to a certain height.
This is a song you listen to with headphones on. Pop on headphones, and kick back, close your eyes, and drift off into this sort of tropical escape.
The lyrics are very descriptive as well, so that helps paint this picture in your head as the song unfolds.
This track feels like lying on the beach, staring up at the stars in the night sky while listening to waves lightly crash by your feet.
The song is called "Bellemont," which obviously holds some importance for the songwriters here, as you will clearly hear in the track itself.
This is a single that will definitely engulf you, but in all the best ways possible.
So, absolutely drift off with this track. It's telling you to come along and Float with it.
Be able to soak in all of these beautiful textural layers when you do, and you'll feel good.
Upon listening to the track, I wanted to have a sit-down with the guys to find out where this actually all came from and what might be coming up next for the project itself.
So, while you listen to this single, have a read through of our interview with Faded below.
Don't miss this one.
Hey and welcome! Thanks for taking some time with us! Let's kick things off with "Bellemont"!
This single is part of a full album release coming up correct? Tell us about that!
Yes it's from our new long player Electrique.
coming out July 17th on Hottwerk.
Where did the album come from and what is it about?
This is our POP record. Lyrically kept it positive, lighter than previous releases.
There's a nice Balearic vibe, takes you on a trip from the opening song Rituals until the final more white boy soul of Poetry.
Is it a summer album? Maybe.. I was a July baby, guess I just can't shake it!
What's the next single set to release before the album?
Our next single is a song called 1993.
It's the third in a trilogy of songs that I wrote about my experiences in the nineties club/rave scene which started with 6am (a Genic tune) , 9192 (a Novablood track) and now 1993.
It's a love song I guess, wondering where that lost girl from back in that dingy club is now and where life has taken us thirty years down the line.
I am hearing some different approaches here. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Oh gosh, on Electrique it's more electronic. The title itself is our take on Technique by New Order.
There are hints of Daft Punk, Phoenix, Depeche Mode, The Beloved and even Prefab Sprout (on Serenades).
Solarlites has a distinct Cure/Bunnymen feel in the production. It's a lovely lyric about cherishing the moments when your kids are 'running ragged round your feet' , garden parties with solar lights flickering to a soundtrack of classic dance gems , northern soul and dub!
There's at least another five songs that would have fitted on this album but due to time restrictions they ended up in our Paisley Park-esque vaults.
Did you guys record this at a big studio, or a home DAW?
We work remotely, myself and Dave (guitarist and lush harmonies) bash out a tune, send it to and fro until it sounds good.
Then we send it to our drummer Fergus who instinctively records his beats. It's a great process that works for us.
Did you guys work with an outside producer on this, or was it all you?
Our last port of call in the recording process is sending to Ken our producer. He adds his magic, with extra guitar, bass and strings.
He does the final mixes that you hear.
Are you performing live right now?
We haven't yet gigged this line up, have rehearsed as a three piece but don't really see the point unless something amazing comes along that we can't resist!
But never say never.
We ARE talking about doing some stripped back acoustic shows. I think we would enjoy that if people wanted to see it..
Now that this is out, what's next for you guys?
Back to writing and recording as a three piece, Ken is moving into soundtrack, TV stuff so we wish him the best of luck with that.
We have a load of fully formed tunes written, some even recorded and are constantly writing new stuff.
There is a full album of Americana stuff that we so need to get out. That will happen sooner than later.
We may just drop singles when we feel the urge, either through the amazing label Hottwerk, or our ourselves.
That's the beauty of it I guess.
How did all of this start for you as a band?
I have been writing with guitarist Dave since I was 19, always had a bond.
We did some gigs as Faded in the early noughties with some other great local members Andy (now playing with Dead Religion) Mark Watson and Sandy Sweetman (Dumfries drummer/music mogul)
What would you say people can expect from this release?
Bellemont is a pumping catchy summer tune, the title is French derived from 'Beautiful Mountain' but also a pet name that I call my daughter Isabelle. When writing the hook it fitted so I stuck with it!
It's like Club Tropicana but not as good.
Before we go, what would you like to express to listeners?
Seriously?!
I'd like to express that life is short, so enjoy music, film, art.. whatever makes you happy for that moment. Fuck everything else, it's not important.
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