Shine On, Dexter Freebish’s first full length album in over six years, explores new sonic territory and builds on the hook laden songs of previous releases. While creating Shine On, the band was inspired by 808 drum machines, beat up synths, and their I-phone apps. Produced by The Singularity, the album ranges from the dance, heavy beat influenced “Wide Awake,” to the rock anthem “Do You Want To.” They also collaborated with Greg Wells (Katy Perry, One Republic) on the song “Save the Last Dance.”
Dexter Freebish acknowledges the power of predestination and how it had a hand in them becoming a band. “I was just looking in the Austin Chronicle and had never been in a band or called an ad,” recalls lead singer Kyle. “At the time I wasn’t really a singer except for in school chorus, though I kept notebooks of lyrics. I saw an ad that read: “Singer Wanted. Influences Bono and Sting,” and I said, “what the heck and called, and because of reading the ad I met Chris Lowe (bass, keyboards, programming) and Scott Romig (guitars, programming) and Rob Schilz (drums.) It was the first ad I ever called and it’s still the only band I’ve ever been in.”
Their determination led to “Leaving Town,” Dexter Freebish’s 1999 John Lennon Songwriting Contest Song of the Year (picked from 27,000 entries), which led to a record deal with Capitol Records for the band’s 2000 full-length debut A Life of Saturdays. After exuberantly received radio play (for “Leaving Town” and “My Madonna”), heavy video play on VH1 and MTV2, and enthusiastic tours both domestic and abroad, Dexter Freebish and Capitol Records experienced a regime change that would not allow the band to obtain the attention they deserved and both parties decided to part ways.
This set-back proved to strengthen Dexter Freebish’s resolve, and the believed this was fate’s way of telling them to independently release their 2004 sophomore album, Tripped Into Divine. Pressed by producer Matthew Wilder (No Doubt) Tripped Into Divine bridged the gap between the wide-eyed wonder of unbridled youth and the contemplative fortitude of experience. The single on this album was the fan-favorite, “Prozak,” which went on to win Rock Song of the Year in 2004 in the John Lennon Songwriting contest.
After touring the world to promote Tripped Into Divine, the band decided to go on permanent hiatus in 2005. “We all needed to do other things for a while,” says Lowe. He adds, “We never officially broke up and have all remained friends. But I can honestly say, there was never any hint that we would ever put out another Dexter Freebish record. We were pretty much done.”
In early 2008, the band decided, on a whim, to play a couple of shows throughout Texas. “It just felt right playing together again,” says Romig. “Soon after that, we started writing and recording some new songs.” One of those new songs captured the attention of Electronic Arts, garnering the band’s song “The Other Side,” a spot in the Sims 3 video game.
Steve Schnur, President of Electronic Art’s Publishing Company, Artwerk, comments, “I was in awe of the talent that Dexter Freebish exemplified when I first signed them to a record deal and these feelings have not changed. Ten years ago, I signed them to Capitol Records because of their incredible songwriting and performance abilities and ten years later I’m still working with them for the exact same reasons. The songs that they write are timeless.”
Lowe comments, “It’s crazy to look back to the days when we were on Capitol and how much money the labels would waste to record albums. With modern technology, it is so much easier and cheaper to record an album these days.” Romig adds, “We laugh because recording and mixing this new album cost less than 1/2% of our budget for the albums we made on Capitol. This is a great thing for independent artists and brings power to the people.”
What I Need
Dexter Freebish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mind is blurred by all the things that people say
I dream of bliss, I dream of heaven here on earth
Won't you please set me free
Cause I need love and I need light, I need to keep my faith in sight
But what I need seems so far away
Cause I need you here, cause I need to breath your air
Another night another day a brand new way
Just open up my heart and give me words to say
I wasted so much time hiding from the truth
Won't you please set me free
Cause I need love and I need light, I need to keep my faith in sight
But what I need seems so far away
Cause I need you here, cause I need to breath your air
But what I need seems so far away
Well I'm on my knees again... in the middle of the road
I've waited for days and nights alone
I won't let you down again
No, time's not on my side
I'm trying my best just to stay alive
I need a year, a month, a minute of your time
I need to sink into your infinite sunrise
I need to know the universe was made for me
Won't you please set me free
Cause I need love and I need light, I need to keep my faith in sight
What I need seems so far away
Cause I need you here, cause I need to breathe your air
But what I need seems so far away
The song "What I Need" by Dexter Freebish speaks about the singer's search for love, light, and faith in a world where he feels lost and bewildered. He finds himself unable to focus or find direction because of the criticism and negativity he encounters from others. However, he longs for a blissful existence where he can be free and happy. He believes that love, light, and faith are the things he needs to keep his life on track, but they seem so far out of his reach. He pleads with the person he loves to give him the time and space he needs to become whole again.
The lyrics reveal that the singer has been avoiding the truth and wasting his time for a long time. He has reached a point where he is ready to open up his heart and speak his mind. He is on his knees, begging for a chance to be with the person he loves, to breathe the air they breathe, and to feel their presence in his life. But time is not on his side, and he realizes that he has to act quickly to save himself.
In summary, "What I Need" is a song that expresses the feelings of someone who is lost and searching for direction in their life. It speaks of the need for love, light, and faith, and the importance of having someone to share your life with.
Line by Line Meaning
I cannot focus here, I cannot find my way
I am feeling lost and unable to concentrate on anything due to the constant distractions and opinions of others.
My mind is blurred by all the things that people say
I am feeling overwhelmed by the criticisms and judgments of those around me that are clouding my thoughts.
I dream of bliss, I dream of heaven here on earth
I long for a state of perfect happiness and peace, a world that is idyllic and free from pain and suffering.
Won't you please set me free
I am pleading for someone or something to release me from this mental and emotional torment.
Cause I need love and I need light, I need to keep my faith in sight
Love and guidance are necessary for me to maintain my spiritual and emotional wellbeing, to remember what is important to me.
But what I need seems so far away
Despite my efforts, the things that I need to feel fulfilled and complete seem out of reach or unattainable.
Cause I need you here, cause I need to breath your air
The presence of someone I care about and their support is essential for me to feel grounded and alive.
Another night another day a brand new way
Each new day is a chance for me to make progress and try to find new paths towards my goals and happiness.
Just open up my heart and give me words to say
I am hoping for inspiration or guidance that will help me unlock my emotions and express myself.
I wasted so much time hiding from the truth
I have been dishonest with myself and others about my needs and desires, and now realize that this has held me back significantly.
Well I'm on my knees again... in the middle of the road
I am feeling defeated and alone, stuck in a difficult position and unsure of how to move forward.
I've waited for days and nights alone
I have been searching and waiting for a long time, and it has taken a toll on me emotionally and mentally.
I won't let you down again
I am making a promise to someone important to me that I will not disappoint them again.
No, time's not on my side
I am aware that I am running out of time to achieve my desired outcome, and this is causing me stress and anxiety.
I'm trying my best just to stay alive
I am struggling and fighting to keep going and not give up, despite the obstacles and challenges I face.
I need a year, a month, a minute of your time
I am asking for someone's attention and care, no matter how brief or long, as it would mean the world to me.
I need to sink into your infinite sunrise
I want to bask in someone's love and positivity, and feel like I am absorbing their essence and energy.
I need to know the universe was made for me
I seek validation of my worth and purpose in the world; that my existence has meaning and value.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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