Darlington singer-songwriter Robyn Errico releases ‘Deep Sea Diving’, her first single since February’s critically acclaimed debut EP, ‘Back To The Mud’. Lee Allcock caught up with Robyn to discuss the importance of imagery and more.
What inspired the themes and imagery in your new single, ‘Deep Sea Diving’?
The melody and words for the chorus came to me a few years ago and, truthfully, at first they didn’t mean much. It wasn’t until I was in Kefalonia earlier this year when, looking out across the ocean, the old idea started circling around in my mind. It is easy to feel small in the presence of something so vast and unknowable, and for me, that has always translated into feelings of longing. It conjured the idea of searching for something – a thought, a purpose, a person – that you know you may never find. I think that gives a somewhat lonely quality to the song, which I wanted to convey through strong imagery of being pulled out to sea. I felt we just had to get some cover art that would make it even more literal. The final picture was taken at Saltburn by my lovely sister, who braved getting in the sea with her camera to get the shot.
How does ‘Deep Sea Diving’ build on or differ from the sound and style of your debut EP, ‘Back To The Mud’?
This is a hard question because I feel the EP has some variety. For me, each song I write feels very self-contained and I like that they have different personalities, so ‘Deep Sea Diving’ is another chapter of trying to bottle what I’m feeling in that sound and pass it on. I think what brings them all together is that they are built upon immersive soundscapes, so I suppose ‘Deep Sea Diving’ builds on the EP in this way whilst also having its own character.
You mentioned using the ocean as a metaphor for loneliness. Can you share more about how you developed this concept and how it’s reflected in the music?
Sometimes I think that finding a life purpose, a life person, whatever it may be, feels a bit like diving down into the depths only to find there isn’t anything down there – at least not yet. I wanted to create a soundscape that reflected this emptiness, and this was made using a mixture of samples from my beloved upright at home, synths and drums. I put the whistling down on a whim but it has taken on new meaning as it reminds me of whale song, which can travel for thousands of miles in search of the ears it was meant for.
How has your songwriting process evolved since you started writing at the age of ten?
For me, songwriting has always been the same. It is my escape and the thing I love to do most in the world. I sit down at the piano when I feel like I have something to express and the songs come out. I enjoy playing them just for myself, and in that process, they usually change here and there until their final form emerges. Sometimes that takes minutes, and sometimes – like ‘Deep Sea Diving’ – it takes years.
What can fans expect from your upcoming live gigs in support of the new release?
Well, I haven’t performed any of my stuff live yet so I don’t quite know myself! My music has always been a way for me to find escapism and complete creative freedom, so I’m hoping the gigs will carry that quality. When I listen to music, my mind is plucked out of wherever I am and into my imagination, so I’m really excited to convey that.
You can listen to ‘Deep Sea Diving’ now on all major streaming platforms.
