Lottery Winners' Thom Rylance Breaks Down Over 'Struggling' in Emotional Studio Session
On April 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- Emotional Depth: The Making of "Struggling"
- The Power of Performance: On-Stage Transformations
- The Bond of Brotherhood: More Than Just Bandmates
- Implications for the Music Industry
- The Road Ahead for Lottery Winners
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Thom Rylance, frontman of indie rock band Lottery Winners, revealed that the band's new song "Struggling" evoked such powerful emotions during recording that he cried in the booth.
- The song is part of their upcoming album, KOKO, which features candid storytelling about the band members' personal journeys.
- Rylance shared insights about the complexities of performing emotional tracks live and the unique bond among band members.
Introduction
Imagine stepping into a recording booth, fully prepared to pour your heart out through your music, only to find that the emotions are so overwhelming that you can barely get through a single take. For Thom Rylance, the frontman of the indie rock band Lottery Winners, this was the reality while recording their latest track, "Struggling." Upon hearing the album's emotional depths and reflective storytelling, it is clear that KOKO, set for release on March 21, 2025, is more than just a collection of songs; it is a candid exploration of vulnerability and personal struggles. This article delves into the making of "Struggling," the emotional implications for the band, and what this reveals about their artistry and connections.
Emotional Depth: The Making of "Struggling"
During a recent interview, Rylance opened up about the trauma associated with the song “Struggling” and explained how he couldn’t help but cry in the booth while recording. This confession adds significant weight to the notion that art often channels genuine feelings.
"I couldn’t even – literally in the middle eight in the booth, you can hear that I’m crying. I couldn’t get a take without crying on that one, so I think that we’ll never be able to do that one live," he said.
This reaction signals that "Struggling" is not merely a song; it is a piece of raw and intense expression reflecting the band’s journey. Rylance’s assertion that it might never be playable live underscores the emotional heft attached to their creative processes.
The Importance of Authenticity in Music
Rylance’s discomfort when performing emotionally charged songs like "Struggling," and his previous track "Overthink Everything," amplifies a crucial characteristic of the Lottery Winners: authenticity. He lamented the prevalence of disingenuous songwriting, emphasizing that true connection comes from lived experiences. For Rylance and his bandmates, each song encapsulates personal tales that resonate with both the band and their audience.
"The worst thing for me is a disingenuous song. I think you can just really hear it, you can hear right through it," Rylance stated.
By focusing on genuine experiences, the band crafts music that serves as a balm for both themselves and their fans. Their dedication to storytelling over superficiality sets them apart in today’s musical landscape.
The Power of Performance: On-Stage Transformations
Rylance described a fascinating dichotomy present in musicians—a different persona that emerges when they step onto the stage. This transformation helps them navigate the complexities of live performances, especially when confronting deeper emotional currents in their music.
This duality was especially stark for Rylance during a recent performance in Bournemouth. Feeling disconnected, he described a moment of vulnerability:
"I came off stage that night...and I was like, 'I’m so sorry. It was awful, wasn’t it? I didn’t know what to say...’ And they all just gave me a hug."
His bandmates provided support, showing that the camaraderie among the Lottery Winners runs deeper than mere friendship. This unique bond, developed over years of shared highs and lows, enhances their collective performances, offering a safety net that allows for emotional exploration.
The Bond of Brotherhood: More Than Just Bandmates
The emotional landscapes inherent in their songwriting and performances foster strong ties within the band. Rylance describes their relationship as exceeding friendship, revealing a familial bond built through mutual respect and shared experiences.
"It’s a really unique kind of bond that you have with your bandmates, especially when you’ve been in the band for so long," he noted.
This connection is essential for a band that draws so heavily on personal experiences to create music. The emotional investment in their songs carries as much weight as their music itself, allowing for authentic narratives to flourish.
Celebrating the Journey Together
Rylance believes that everything—both good and bad—affects all band members equally. This shared experience becomes a thread that weaves through the fabric of their music, allowing them to connect with audiences on an intimate level.
"They really are my best, it’s more than friends, it’s more than family even. I can’t describe the bond that we have," he explained.
The Lottery Winners’ commitment to authenticity and cooperation certainly elevates their storytelling. As they prepare for the release of KOKO, fans can expect an album filled with sincerity, amplified by the enduring connection they've built over the years.
Implications for the Music Industry
The success of the Lottery Winners may signify a broader trend in the music industry toward raw, emotional authenticity in songwriting. As listeners become increasingly disenchanted with formulaic pop constructs, bands like the Lottery Winners carve out space for relatable human experiences within their music.
Engaging Audiences through Vulnerability
Music listeners are drawn to stories that resonate with their own experiences. Songs like "Struggling" or "Overthink Everything" offer a window into real emotions, allowing fans to engage more deeply with the artists. The concept of vulnerability has proven powerful, not only in connecting with audiences but also in altering performance expectations.
Cultivating Community through Music
The camaraderie shown by Rylance and his fellow band members emphasizes the importance of community and support within the music industry. Their practices, support systems, and emotional engagements reflect a desire for connection that transcends traditional performance boundaries.
The Road Ahead for Lottery Winners
Looking forward to the release of KOKO, the Lottery Winners are poised for a new chapter that promises to deliver emotionally rich content. As artists, they continue to develop their unique voice—rooted in their authentic experiences.
Planning for Live Performances
While Rylance anticipates challenges regarding performing certain songs, there's an excitement for the journey ahead. The upcoming album and its themes of resilience will undoubtedly provide fertile ground for live performances, even if some songs like "Struggling" remain on studio shelves.
FAQ
What is the upcoming album by Lottery Winners?
The band’s upcoming album is titled KOKO, set to be released on March 21, 2025.
What is the song "Struggling" about?
"Struggling" reflects deep personal emotions and experiences faced by the band, encapsulating themes of vulnerability and authenticity.
Why does Thom Rylance find it difficult to perform "Struggling" live?
Rylance cites the emotional connection to the song as overwhelming, stating he has trouble getting through performances without crying, which makes it likely that they will not perform it live.
How has the dynamic within Lottery Winners contributed to their music?
The strong bond among the band members—rooted in shared experiences, support, and friendship—enables them to explore authentic storytelling in their songwriting.
What themes manifest in the band's music?
The Lottery Winners focus on themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and shared human experiences, creating songs that connect deeply with their audience.
As we gear up for the release of KOKO, the Lottery Winners are not just a band releasing songs—they are artists chronicling the human experience. Their commitment to emotional honesty stands not only as a testament to their integrity but also as an invitation for listeners to join them on their shared journey.
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