Artists are always searching for a breakthrough moment. That right turn of phrase. The first glimmer of a sticky melody. A chord progression that lands just so. The hope is that you’ll tap into a wellspring of creative ideas, but, really, the tiniest thread will do. Anything that can be latched onto, tugged at, followed into the wilderness like a breadcrumb trail. All you need is a flicker of inspiration; talent and persistence can take care of the rest.
Consider “Haunted,” the new single from singer-songwriter Alex Lotito. The languid and plaintive track provided the spark for his new EP, setting the thematic tone for the record. Recorded at Lotito’s home studio with the help of co-producer and lead guitarist Jospeh Faul, the song also highlights the collaborative nature of the sessions.
“This was the first song we recorded for the current EP and it helped me to start finding a sonic space for the current project,” Lotito says. “I initially started writing the song as part of a 3-week poetry and songwriting class I was teaching at the High School I used to work at. It was fun working with Joseph to layer electric guitar parts and later Paul Stevens (drums) and Alex Tramble (bass) to transform this song from just acoustic guitar to a full band sound.”
Vulnerable yet assured, “Haunted” strides forth with purpose and clarity. Lotito keeps his melodies simple and direct, their mellow soul tinge enhanced by Faul’s twinkling leads and the gentle wash of pedal steel. Outwardly, it’s a song about heartbreak and regret, but he takes care not to succumb directly to woe. Instead, the mood is somber and reflective, as he grapples with his past his forging his present: “It comes back to me time after time / And I’ll always be haunted.” Sure, it’s a bitter realization, but it’s also the very thing—the breakthrough moment—that allows you to move on.
Listen below.
More Info
Instagram: @titos_atl
SoundCloud: @alex-lotito
Spotify: Artist Page