7 Seconds is out now!
Image: Supplied.
Tokyo-via-Sydney singer/songwriter Joey Sachi has teamed up with producer AKINAT has released her new single, 7 Seconds. To celebrate, Sachi and AKINAT sat down to unpack their process creating the song.
Joey: How did the production process for this song differ from your other work?
AKINAT: Unlike other sessions, this song started with the ever classic, acoustic 4 on the floor, 127 bpm drum sample. My ambition was to have everything fall nicely around that pocket, an impulse motivated by several of my favourite tunes from 2011-2012 - an era I consider peak Soundcloud. With the beat feeling punchy and settled, a serum-y bass was the obvious next step. From here you and I workshopped the hell out of the vocals- balancing simplicity and interest.
Joey: Were there moments where you felt stuck? If so, how did you push through to finish the song?
The chorus was a bit of a creative tug-of-war for you and I because there were so many directions we could take it. I often think of this stage like a tree of possibilities—every choice takes you down one branch while leaving others behind. We ended up experimenting with two very different vibes: one was glitchy and granular, inspired by Four Tet, while the other leaned into clean, retro analogue synths. In the end, we went with the latter, saving the Four Tet-inspired ideas for another track.
Joey: Were there any unexpected challenges or breakthroughs while creating this track?
Honestly settling on a chorus was an unexpected challenge! You can find yourself under a lot of pressure to deliver ‘the perfect’ or ‘the most original’ chorus and often fall short. As I mentioned previously we found ourselves with two equally compelling choruses, so once we settled on a decision that really felt like a huge breakthrough - it was certainly getting in the way of completion.
Joey: Did any particular track or artist's work inspire this song?
Two tracks inspired 7 Seconds, the forever iconic Dreams (Fleetwood Mac) and a 2011 all time great - Want You In My Soul (Lovebirds, Stee Downes). In this final version it might be difficult for listeners to make that connection though I’d be curious to hear what they have to say!
Joey: How did you choose the samples at the beginning/end, who are they sampling?
The final touch was the addition of the documentary samples from Clive Wearing, a fascinating British man who lost his memory and experiences life in seven-second bursts. We decided to feature these in the intro and outro, adding a layer of meaning to the song that felt outro-y human. For us, his words tied everything together, symbolizing the idea that love transcends 7 seconds… that love indeed transcends time.
AKINAT: Was there a particular life experience, emotion or memory that inspired the lyrics or melody?
A combination of many life experiences all relating to love, of course. More specifically a deep love that endures all the ebbs and flows of a life with your significant other, your ‘person.’ Although I didn’t write the lyrics explicitly about Clive Wearing (sampled) he was certainly a source of inspiration and constantly on my mind.
AKINAT: Were there any challenges in aligning the topline with the production beneath? Which came first?
Initially, they both flowed and fit perfectly together. The production came first, but the topline followed very closely after! Later, we hit a little speed bump. After experimenting with new ideas, the track changed direction and we grew to love different sections/production—something that often happens during collaborations. The issue was that my original topline no longer fit harmonically. It took a bit of reworking, but it was a welcomed challenge!
AKINAT: How did Clive Wearing’s story impact you?
Clive Wearing’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of overwhelming loss. Hearing it profoundly impacted me -how cruel and unfair life can sometimes be… A beautiful part of Clive’s story is that despite his devastating condition he doesn’t lose his memory, or how he feels for Deborah. She remains a constant in his life, which speaks to the depth of his connection with her. As you mentioned, love truly does transcend time. His story serves as a reminder to love deeply, love passionately and hold your loved ones close.
AKINAT: What was it like working with the incredible AKINAT on this track?
Haha… oh gosh he’s a nightmare to work with… a real taskmaster!! No, of course I am joking! AKINAT you are a dream to work with. There is never a moment where I don’t put my entire trust into you and your ability to create. I value your musical opinion above all else, even when you push me far out of my creative comfort zone. I cannot wait for the world to hear the next track we may already have in the works.
7 Seconds is out now!
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