My solo project has been an opportunity for me to explore what I can do on my own, but it also has been the vehicle for me to revisit older unfinished ideas. "Arrive" was started back in 2017, while I was in Peeling Grey. Unfortunately, it along with two other tunes, "Over the Moon" and "The Sea of Strange" were abandoned, as the group broke up in early 2018. The other songs were recorded as demos, but "Arrive" had a lot of work to be done on it, thus never reached the demo stage. I believe our third album that never (ahem) "arrived' would have been something good.
The final version of "Arrive" was finished on the same old iMac it was started on years ago. Over time, I occasionally tinkered with the song, but was unsure of a few things. You have to go with where the wind takes you when it comes to creating something. I didn't want my work to be forced, thus "Arrive" remained in stasis, sitting on the assembly line, but far from being road worthy. The outcome is a culmination of takes throughout the years.
If I ever wrote an open love letter to New Order / Joy Division, I believe its right here in the song. I tend to be very self aware when I think I'm being too derivative, however in this case I've just let go of certain inhibitions and allowed the song to be whatever it wanted, regardless of extra time in the oven and all else that wasn't really ideal for me. As cliche as this is, I still feel it's not finished. With that said, I'm still happy with it overall and excited to finally see this one through and share it.
Lyrically, I wanted to write about America's polarization and the rise of Trumpism, which was relevant back in 2017. I struggled with the notion of striking while the iron was hot, as the political and social climate would surely change. I was afraid that the song would lose its meaning and people would move on.....I couldn't have been more incorrect, as seven years later, we're still here. Despite the ongoing grim outlook, not just here at home in the U.S., but around the world, deep down I hope we can still 'arrive' to a better place.
lyrics
I am gonna sleep past the sunrise.
hope that the world is changed
When I arrive
Slowly in time
I have prayed for the last time
and long for days
before this divide
Lonely, I cry
The weather is changing, currents are rising
If only this is why
people were fighting
Don't tell me everything's fine
How can you sleep past the sunrise?
What's the side of change when we arrive?
I've got hopes on the horizon
Isn't that key for survival?
How ya gonna know who's wrong or right?
if you remain in shadows all night?
I've got hopes on the horizon
Isn't that the key to survival?
I am gonna sleep past the sunrise.
hope that the world is changed
When I arrive
Slowly in time
A demagogue in a red tie
Preaching false doctrines
was his crime
Lonely, I sigh
Are you swimming in the floods of time or lost
in the riptides?
Don't tell me we're fine
How can you sleep past the sunrise?
What's the side of change when we arrive?
I've got hopes on the horizon
Isn't that key for survival?
How ya gonna know who's wrong or right?
Skeptics streams moderate minds
Second guess the flow and riptides
Scared we won't arrive
credits
released March 22, 2024
Written, Performed and Produced by Andy K. Smith
Mastered by Tom Rogers at Atomix Media
Cover Photographed by Tori Moca Photography
Special Thanks to Ben Jarvis, Naren Renz, James Hazley, Dave & Jenn Bats, Tori Moca and all those that listen.
Recorded in Monrovia, CA
Released March 22, 2024
Copyright 2024 Khanada
Khanada is the solo project of Andy K. Smith, formerly of Peeling Grey. Khanada is a continuation of previous direction, while breaking new ground. New songs will be released on a singles platform, and regularly.
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