Through her latest single, “If It’s Not Me,” Chicago, IL
artist, V.V. Lightbody, the stage name of Vivian McConnell, is presenting
listeners with a tune that promotes serenity, rationality, and mature
selflessness. And despite being only the first track off her forthcoming
sophomore album, Make a Shrine or Burn It (arriving May 5 via Acrophase
Records), the track fits quite well with the overarching story of how
V.V. Lightbody and her distinct sound came to be. It makes the perfect song for
any newcomers to jump on board with.
Seeing as V.V. Lightbody and her signature style of “nap rock” was born from a
trip to Spain and McConnell’s passion for Brazilian music, “If It’s Not Me”
comes across like an ideal introduction to, and beautiful blending of, both
inspirations. A lengthy track of five minutes that moves forward at a leisurely
tempo, “If It’s Not Me” has a beginning that offers a sparse but cozy aesthetic
apt for right before an afternoon siesta. Lightbody sings the opening line with
a vocally reserved a capella. Then a gently strummed acoustic guitar adds
support until the 30 second mark. From there, delicately accentuating
percussion slides in over the next half minute, followed by softly plucked bass,
surf-style electric rhythm guitar, and the smooth flow of Rhodes keys, before
the full arrangement has emerged after the chorus and Lightbody’s selfless
narrative makes itself known.
What’s her name?
Does she even have a face?
What does she do?
Maybe an actress in L.A.?
Jealous guy
and I am breathing smoke
Suffocating on the fire, getting mileage on desire
the air makes you choke
I am not afraid of her
she doesn’t know me
I am not in danger
I consider myself free
Videos by American Songwriter
Lightbody’s lyrical direction
injects a whole different, but still very relatable, layer of tranquility – one
that connects with mental and emotional peace toward a very specific situation
in life.
“’If It’s Not Me,’ is my anti-jealousy anthem about
not hating the future partner of your current partner. Feeling happy for an ex,
although not always easy, feels healthy and mature to me, especially when you
aren’t ready to commit — there’s no need to be possessive,” says Lightbody.
While the sonic style of “If It’s Not Me” stays the laid-back course and
doesn’t take a sudden turn into country music territory, Lightbody’s resonance
with one famous country tune and its well respected artist, make for a sensible
comparison.
“I recently listened to the Dolly Parton’s America podcast where they break
down “Jolene” as the opposite of the typical ‘other woman’ or
‘cheating song’,” Lightbody says. “While I can’t hold a candle to Dolly, I’d
like to think that “If It’s Not Me” sits in a similar category that “Jolene”
does, attempting to view the “other woman” with respect and dignity, an
important step for healing and one’s sanity.”
Given how easily negativity can fly about thanks to social media and the speed
of the internet, it’s certainly refreshing to hear a song that speaks to
looking inward at oneself and choosing to embrace self-confidence over
insecurity and to celebrate the idea of not taking the easy route of resenting
someone you don’t know.
If it’s not me, I’m happy for you
If it’s not me I hope she’s happy too
I never wanna hate another woman
Just because she’s out there livin’
See V.V. Lightbody on tour,
which includes performing at SXSW 2020.
Dates below:
March 15 – St Louis, MO @ House show
March 16 – Memphis, TN @ Hi Tone Cafe
March 18-21 – Austin, TX @ SXSW
March 22 – Hot Springs, AR @ Valley of the Vapors Festival
April 1 – Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
April 2 – Madison, WI @ Communication
April 3 – Ashland, WI @ Ashland Folk Festival
May 7 – Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary
May 8 – Toronto, ON @ Burdock Music Hall
May 9 – Montreal, QC @ Case del Popolo
May 10 – Burlington, VT @ The Lamp Shop
May 13 – New York, NY @ Trans Pecos
May 16 – Washington, DC @ Vinyl Lounge
May 17 – Raleigh, NC @ Neptune’s Parlour
May 18 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
May 19 – Nashville, TN @ Drkmttr
May 21 – Bloomington, IN @ The Blockhouse
May 22 – Champaign, IL @ Rose Bowl
May 23 – Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village
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