Blackchords have been chosen to support Jet and Powderf… Read Full Bio ↴LATEST NEWS:
Blackchords have been chosen to support Jet and Powderfinger on Oct 29th at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This is Powderfinger's last ever tour and their last ever show in Melbourne.
Check out our new single 'As Night Falls' right here on Last.FM 'As Night Falls' was written specifically for new Australian suspense drama ‘BLAME’ directed by Michael Henry. 'These Lights' taken from the debut album also features in the film's trailer.
Blackchords released their self-titled debut album on October 5 through Dust Devil Music/Stomp. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Blackchords, fronted by songwriter Nick Milwright, have been widely acclaimed on their native turf (“One of the best Australian debut releases”, Reverb Magazine) with critics raving that their darkly majestic collection of understated songs recalls the best bits of Ryan Adams, Elbow and Jeff Buckley. “So far the response has been really positive, especially from the fans,” says Nick. “We strive to write music that moves and connects with people. It’s the reason we want to play professionally.”
Highlights include opening track ‘At World’s End’, which leaks a despair that defies its upbeat arrangement. Richly-scored ballads, ‘22’, and ‘These Lights,’ capture the quietness of intimacy, whilst ‘Broken Bones’ sees Milwright ponder existential matters: “This endless ride has got me I know/I’ve been holding on by a thread/falling towards the end, but I have been held by a thousand hands/we can scream out loud ’cause we’re all on this ride I know”. In ‘Raise My Hands,’ Milwright mourns “the thread coming undone/love it comes and goes” accompanied by a sympathetic string section; and ‘Disappear’ offers an introspective, ambivalent close to the album: “just give me a minute to gather my thoughts/disappear now”.
From an early age, and a childhood spent with, as Nick puts it, "the usual suspects" (The Beatles, Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell & Van Morrison) Nick knew that there was something drawing him to music, but it wasn't until his early twenties that he was to pursue it full time. In the meantime he tried following in the footsteps of his family – and joined the military. Soon realizing that this wasn't for him, he left to begin training full time in Ballet and contemporary dance at one of Australia’s top dance schools, the VCA. Finally, forced to rest for 6 months after an injury, he decided to open his mouth. "It was something like taking a plunge off this huge cliff, and I'd been too scared to confront it for so long,” he says. “In the end I had to accept that the desire would never leave, and the real regret would be to grow old and to have never given it a shot.”
After collectively finishing uni or working in badly paid jobs, Blackchords began to take shape in 2005, their name originating, says Nick, “down in the belly of a bluestone basement”. In 2006 they created quite a stir when, as an unsigned band, their video for ‘Broken Bones’ won first place at Melbourne’s prestigious St Kilda Film Festival. In 2008 the same song went on to become a double finalist in the ISC (International Songwriting Competition, for best rock song & video). “I really love working with filmmakers and artists to help create the Blackchords landscape,” says Nick.
In 2008 the band were signed to Dust Devil Music, and began work on their debut full-length album. "In the beginning we were almost an alt country band. Then we found ourselves trying to resemble instrumental rock bands like Explosions In The Sky. Now I feel like we've found our own feet and sound like Blackchords. I knew we were walking the right path after hearing the first notes of the cello on ‘Raise My Hands.’ The whole time when the string quartet was recording I just sat there. I had goose bumps down my spine.”
So, now that ‘Blackchords’ is complete and ready to be set free, what does the future hold for the band? "We're just eager to get out there and push it as far as it can go. Blackchords want to make music for the rest of our lives and get better and better as musicians. If we can do that we’ll be very happy."
Raise My Hands
Blackchords Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I raised my hands
In the middle of the high times
I felt the thread
Coming undone
Love it comes and goes
Love, this time
All of these beginnings
They always seem to end
Doesn’t it feel so cruel
That we’re still standing here
Coming undone
Love it comes and goes
But this time
I’m going to change the rules
Coming undone
Love comes and goes
Love, this time
I’m going to change the rules
The lyrics of Blackchords's song "Raise My Hands" highlight the chaotic yet hopeful journey of love. The first stanza talks about raising hands underneath the starlight during the highs of love. However, the second stanza highlights the fragility of love as it comes undone and ends. Despite the cruel reality of love, the singer is determined to change the rules and make it different this time. The song is relatable as it touches upon the experiences of many in the face of love.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful. The metaphor of coming undone is used to describe the crumbling of love. The thread symbolism is used as an association of a common thread that binds us, emotions. The last stanza of the song is repeated twice, emphasizing the desire to change the rules in love. The song's simplicity is what makes it stand out, as it speaks to the deepest desires of the heart, giving hope in the expectation of change.
Line by Line Meaning
Underneath the starlight
In the presence of the shining stars
I raised my hands
I lifted my arms as an expression of joy and surrender
In the middle of the high times
During the peak moments of life
I felt the thread
I sensed a delicate balance that could easily be disrupted
Coming undone
Falling apart
Love it comes and goes
Romantic love is transient
Love, this time
However, this time
I’m going to change the rules
I will establish new guidelines
All of these beginnings
Each new start
They always seem to end
Seems only to come to a halt
Doesn’t it feel so cruel
Isn't it painfully ironic
That we’re still standing here
That we're still holding on despite the odds
Coming undone
Breaking apart
Love it comes and goes
Love ebbs and flows
But this time
Nevertheless
I’m going to change the rules
I will do things differently
Coming undone
Unravelling
Love comes and goes
Romantic love fades and vanishes
Love, this time
But not now
I’m going to change the rules
I will enforce new laws
Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MsHuflungpoo
I have this on my Playlist & love how it brings me back to where I was & how I felt when I first heard it. I love this song so much.
Suzie Agnew
Unreal!love it!
nieobecna88
Poland i love you. suuuuper :)
ThatOneAwkwardLoser
I absolutly love this song. It's so amazing. You guys have talent, don't ever forget that. ^.^
Rallor05
I love this song! It's right up there with Sinking like Stone! I wish y'all the best of luck,y'all got talent,there's no denying that!
travelgrlxsf
This song is amazing. <3
Kelli Stoldt
Love this song guys!!! Great job!! :)
Blackchords
@TheTexasMama Thank you for taking the time to come and find us on YouTube. We appreciate the support
Blackchords
@MsHuflungpoo Thank you for your kind comment, we're really glad you like our music, thanks for the support. Nick, Damian, Nick & Tristan (Blackchords)
Emma Moscoso
Amazing song! ♥