Now that we’ve released Heights of Space it is magical to look back on the road that got us here. Listening to the song it brings back memories of all of the love, energy, and time that went into the track. So what did it take to create Heights?
It started long before I joined the band. Back in the days before Dara, Ben was playing with a myriad of other people. At some point then the inspiration for Heights struck and the song was written in some form or another. During this time, the song was in it’s infancy. The only recognizable part was the feel of it, everything else was just a seed.
I remember the first time that I played Heights. It was before Jasie had left the band, before Kevin had joined the band, and before we had moved into the band space. We were practicing in my basement at the time. Ben fired up the the opening riff, and Dave (our bassist at the time) started to slap a bouncy new bass line. I immediately knew what kind of feel to play for the song and began to bang away. There was no doubt in my mind that this song was GOLD.
The time that the song really began to take shape when we landed in the studio. It was the 11th song on the album and we were ecstatic to get it tracked out. Recording, like anything, is a process. We went through the steps, and began to grow the song into a more fully formed idea. The thing that really blasted off in the studio, was the bass line.
Kevin kills it on everything he does. The bass line for Heights was no different. Each section of the song is riding on the bass line, and the bass line gives it a hell of a ride! What makes the studio version so much more beefy though, is the ability to record a section at a time.
On the guitar, Heights is tuned to “Drop D.” Don’t ask me about the technical aspects of this because I’m the drummer… I don’t do notes. Essentially this means that the guitar goes lower. To play in key with this, Kevin just adjusted what he was playing. However, in the studio we were able to record certain parts in drop D on the bass as well. This gives the song the beefy low qualities that solidify the groove into an undeniable rocket ship.
Heights of Space has been through a million transformations since it was originally conceived. It is incredible to see where it is currently, and inspiring to know that it is a process. This release is only the first step, and the song will continue to evolve.
Sending love from Dara,
Chris
Love you guys!!!