Lane Simkins Drops Cyclical, Relevant Track "Paranoia"
New Jersey based but Philly favorite Lane Simkins released his first track of 2020 with a very topical single, “Paranoia.” As with most of these shut-in themed songs, whether or not the timing was planned or artists have just gotten lucky, we’re getting flooded with a rush of songs filled with a new sense of relevancy. I’m really happy to add this one to my list. Simkins has been a Philly Live regular for the last couple years, but because it’s been a while since we chatted (he took a long social media hiatus) I sent him a couple questions so we could catch up.
You took a break from music/socials for a little while. What kind of effect did that have on your creative process for “Paranoia” as opposed to other releases?
Lane: Taking a break from socials and spending time just living is super important. For myself as a writer, allowing those spaces to just live and experience makes coming back in to the writing process so much more refreshing. I didn't really ever stop "music,” I never will and probably never can. It just burns within me in the best way.
Most of your songs (from a listener perspective) seem to be about internal struggles/conflicts/conversations. “Leave” and “Cycles” capture that especially. “Paranoia” from the name alone seems to fit with that theme too. Why do you think you gravitate towards these subjects?
Lane: I love transparency, and I think people love transparency. They enjoy being in on someones secrets. It makes them feel at home and valued. Maybe to some they feel seen or understood. If I can provide that experience for someone, I feel that there's some magic about it. In the future I would love to expand more in my story telling, but this is where I am right now and I think that's okay.
What did you do on your downtime while you were taking a break from the industry?
Lane: In the eight months since releasing music and taking that break to live I bought and renovated my home, spent time creating, built a studio, got engaged to the most beautiful girl you could imagine, and since then have been planning the wedding and creating music. It all happened so fast but I'm soaking in every moment of it.
What do YOU want me to know about this song?
Lane: “Paranoia” hits a few different notes but I think settles on the realization that assumptions while in that paranoid state hurt more than yourself and if it's not addressed, it could end in hurting others.
The song itself carries that instantly recognizable sound that has been present through all of Simkins’ releases. It’s full of weighty yet atmospheric instrumentation, light and smooth vocal tracks, and relies heavily on lyricism. It’s pleasing and cyclical and can certainly pull influence from our current state even though that wasn’t the initial intention. Featuring a delicate horn section and less acoustic guitar than I’m used to hearing in his songs, Simkins’ apparent new direction with his releases - more production, less raw-cut acoustics - is a success in my ears. Check out the track below!