When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and Catching Arrows band members were homebound, it took a lot of effort to engage in other activities outside of all day school Zoom classes. They missed friends, bandmates, shows, and creating music together, but decided they would establish some goals and try to write a song on Zoom to keep their relationship strong and goals in view. It was a new experience for them to be away from each other, so their song lyrics spoke to the desire to escape the pandemic and walls around them, and live as they had in the past.
Never been through this before
Stuck between all these walls
Don’t let the memories crash
Whoa-oh-oh
Let the past be here now
They were in control of very little during that time, but knew they could set up a focused plan, develop some new content, and be in it for the long haul. They realized the collective solitude brought them new challenges and opportunities, so they forged ahead taking on new projects they never had done before in a remote environment.
On August 20, 2021 the product of these efforts was released across the universe. The new indie/rock single, “Locked In” (click here to stream), relives the emotions of the lockdown when they were in isolation in their homes unable to communicate directly with friends and the outside world. They at times yawned through the weekly Zoom sessions feeling like little progress was being made. They even tried to practice outside in 30 degrees, only taking short breaks to warm their hands over the fire pits. This song, therefore, is a big accomplishment for the band, as throughout the process there was doubt they could meet their goals. They didn’t know how it would sound live, and for sure had a lot of kinks to work through to get it studio ready. Finally, the band hit Zippah Studios in Brighton, MA on May 22, 2021, fully masked and prepared to complete the recording process involving four instruments, vocals and background vocals, in a six-hour timeframe. After the recording session, they had their first rough mix ready to review, which was all done remotely.
This is a song that covers a moment in history and all the emotions the young band members were feeling while in isolation. The song attracted over 20 playlists and over 2,000 streams in its first day and a half of release. “Shadows follow all around” is one visual lyric in the double chorus at the end, that paints a picture of the solitude that existed, as they felt alone with only their shadows present. You also really feel the frustrations, anger, and the reality of the situation in the bridge…
I’m really here
You’re really there
Can no longer isolate
The song lyrics were written on Zoom calls, and the collaborative effort really captured the group’s personal experiences with their lives during a time that was unfamiliar and had no confirmed ending point. The band bloomed in solitude, adding new covers, participating in many live stream events and creating a collaborative cover song project, which was all performed and engineered together remotely. There was a sense of motivation to continue developing new content at a time when most of the usual channels of musical expression were unavailable. Despite the difficult emotions, the band created an arrangement that was well-balanced in live instrumentation, and dynamics that flowed throughout. Their tight connections and their preparedness both on and off the stage are recognized. Vocals powerfully soar in the right moments and have a calming vibe in the verses. It has a perfect combination of lyrics, rhythm and melody, with hooks that effortlessly shine through.
The female-fronted band has five band members:
Ava Gaudin, lead vocals
Cameron Hebert, lead guitar
Cameron Fox, bass and backup vocals
Matthew Hebert, rhythm guitar
Nick Yee, drums
Below are the song's lyrics which deliver the emotions of the separation and isolation. The lead line in the chorus that paints a strong visual, "A million calls without a face", is an exaggeration that exemplifies their longing to see their friends and classmates and have face to face communications. A generation that operates in online chatter across social channels, realized quickly how they were missing face-to-face contact and direct collaboration on their music. The new song project brought them hope and a much-needed connection to music and friendship. The last line in the song, "At last seeing people fill the world", is a confirmation everyone can now safely come out of hiding and fill the spaces that had been empty for so long. The band is done with waiting and has many shows booked for summer and fall through their manager, Patty Duffey, Performers on the Go, at some favorite and new spots including the Hard Rock Cafe, Hampton Beach Seashell, Faneuil Hall and the Cape Cod Music Room.
"The band succeeded in accomplishing a lot in 2020 through empowering each other to continue to advance and grow in positive directions, with enthusiasm, commitment and an open-minded vision of a music filled future.”-Performers on the Go, Management
Catching Arrows, "Locked In", Zippah Studios, 2021
"LOCKED IN"
INTRO
No
No
VERSE 1
Never been through this before
Stuck between all these walls
Don’t let the memories crash
Whoa-oh-oh
Let the past be here now
PRE-CHORUS
I can’t get out
When will this end
Day by day
And day by day
Whoa-oh-oh
CHORUS 1
A million calls without a face
It’s not quite the same
We sit around locked in all day
I still feel insane
And I hope the sunshine casts our way
It is a dream
Or is it real
Gotta see the light of day
VERSE
It’s not the same, it’s not a game
When will I see the outside again
Stuck here on the inside
Whoa-oh-oh
Is this a sick play
CHORUS 2
A million calls without a face
It’s not quite the same
We sit around locked in all day
I still feel insane
I hope the sunshine casts our way
It is a dream
Or is it real
Gotta see the light of day
BRIDGE
Ooh yah
Ooh ooh yah
Ooh yah
Ooh ooh yah
I’m really here
You’re really there
Can no longer isolate
DOUBLE CHORUS
Another day of mystery
All days are the same
We sit around with hope all day
I still feel insane
And I know the sunshine will cast our way
Shadows follow all around
A million calls without a face
It’s not quite the same
We sit around locked in all day
I still feel insane
Let’s see the outside again
So the sun will cast our way
Is it a dream
Or another day
OUTRO
At last
Seeing people fill the world
Please visit the band's website at catchingarrows.com to follow their journey.
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