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."
These Lights
Blackchords Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm still blinded
I'm shaking at the knees
And I can't stand straight
I'm frightened I'll do something wrong
Without thinking
All this love
Standing at the bottom of the stairs
Looking back up at us
How did we come to this
I never thought it would happen this way
I know I've done something wrong
I was not thinking
All this love
I can't do anything tonight.
The lyrics of Blackchords' song 'These Lights' suggest a protagonist who is consumed with anxiety and indecisiveness. The character is overwhelmed by the brightness of their surroundings, which causes them to tremble and stagger on their feet. The lyrics talk about the fear of making mistakes, of not being able to control oneself in the face of overwhelming emotion.
Furthermore, the character is introspective, reflecting on their situation and questioning how they arrived there. They are filled with regret for having done something wrong - although it is not clear what that is. The lyrics express a sense of helplessness, a feeling of being trapped in a situation beyond their control.
The song's intense lyrics are complimented by the haunting melody and somber guitar riffs. The composition's stark and melancholic sound captures the feelings of frustration and hopelessness perfectly. Overall, 'These Lights' is a beautiful, emotive piece of music that portrays the agony of indecision, regret, and missed opportunities.
Line by Line Meaning
All the lights that shine
There are many bright lights around me
I'm still blinded
I am still unable to see clearly
I'm shaking at the knees
I am trembling and scared
And I can't stand straight
I am unstable and unbalanced
I'm frightened I'll do something wrong
I am afraid that I might make a mistake
Without thinking
Acting impulsively
All this love
The feeling of affection and care
I can't do anything tonight
I am incapable of doing anything productive or helpful
Standing at the bottom of the stairs
Positioned at the lower end of a set of stairs
Looking back up at us
Turning to face upwards where we are
How did we come to this
How did we arrive at this unexpected situation
I never thought it would happen this way
I was not expecting things to turn out like this
I know I've done something wrong
I am aware that I have made a mistake
I was not thinking
I acted without considering the consequences
Contributed by Joshua D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Blackchords
Glad you found us! and very happy that you dig the music... You can find us on the old Facebook if you want to find more info. Thank you X Blackchords
Louise Bajada
saw you guys at my local. very impressed! Look forward to seeing the non-acoustic set sometime soon!
bonesintube
I've been checking out your sounds since I heard your tune on OITNB. Sharing this on social media today. Great work, I wish I had found your music back in 2009.
Blackchords
We agree, very thankful to RSOps for including us in their show, really helps in reaching out to new people. Shall have a new song and video up on youtube very soon.
Blackchords
Thanks Matthew, we like that one as well :) We'll have some new music for everyone soon.
firefly92581
I fell in love with this song. Beautiful music beautiful lyrics. Definitely gonna check more songs out
S M
Hi guys. I heard an instrumental version of this song in the movie "Love Is All You Need?" and I fell in love with it... looked everywhere for it. I realize it's this song, but there's no instrumental version for release... perhaps you could put one out? It would be so wonderful. Thank you. <3
Emma Moscoso
Amazing. I love all your songs! ♥
Jodie Paddon
I love this song! You guys are so talented!
TrebyZ
Thanks to RSOps for putting this music in their show. A beautifull song!