‘New Single’ is where a band or artist answers a couple of quick questions about their latest Single release. Up next is Sam Fowles, who has just released new single Butterfly Baby.

What the song is about lyrically?
‘Butterfly Baby’ lyrically portrays love as a butterfly in flight—delicate, wild, free, and beautiful. It suggests that when you grasp at it, it slips away, but when held tenderly and appreciated for all it is, it dances in your hand. Essentially, the song explores the idea that authentic love is rooted in freedom.

Who produced/recorded it? Did the track come together in the studio, or at home?
The track was co-produced by Barnaby Weir and myself. Working with Barnaby was an incredible experience. We clicked straight away and developed a solid workflow. I learned so much about the record-making process from him. I was like a sponge soaking up all that knowledge and it helped me develop my process through that experience.

Beginning with a rough demo that I created at home, we then took it to the studio, using the demo as a foundation to explore sonic possibilities. There was a lot of experimentation with parts, arrangement, and tones, all of which came together in the studio. The recording took place at Massey Studios in Pōneke | Wellington, with Jonas Persson and myself overseeing the process. I’d also like to add a special thanks to Ryan Prebble for his invaluable assistance along the way.

Were there any gear or effects that you used in the mix to get the sound you were after?
The track was mixed by Lee Prebble at Surgery Studios, who undoubtedly utilised a few of his many sonic instruments to add some mojo to the mix. I was after a psychedelic vibe for the track and Lee nailed it through his use of phasers, delays, reverse reverb, auto-panning, and reverse guitars.

Is this a stand-alone track or part of an upcoming album or EP?
‘Butterfly Baby’ serves as the first single from my upcoming album ‘After Dark,’ set for release later this year.