JJ Shiplett releases his most-honest song yet with his latest single “Bad Feelings”
On November 6, fresh off a run of US tour dates with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, singer-songwriter JJ Shiplett shared his new single “Bad Feelings” via Red Buffalo Records, under the exclusive license of Jayward Artist Group (distributed by The Orchard). It’s a gut-wrenching sad song that Shiplett wrote for one of his very close friends and produced by Jay Stewart.
In May 2019, Shiplett said that he would never write another sad song again. He now shares,
“And then I wrote “Bad Feelings.” It’s a song as honest as they get, a dark cloud, unfulfilled promises and the clock on the wall that constantly feels like it’s speeding up. I wrote “Bad Feelings” for a very close friend. Together for months on end, we sat on a beach in Tofino, BC, both working through those clouds of the mind while looking at the stars and playing songs while the waves lapped. It is music that has been the light that breaks through for me.
It came to me in pieces – first the chorus melody, then once the lyrics began to make themselves known, the verses came into focus, and lastly, the meaning of it all became crystal clear – there’s a battle many of us have wrestled in the past, are facing today or will be confronted with tomorrow. And it can catch you with your head down.
Together, Jay Stewart, Jeremy Friesen and I decided to try something different.
Something light for the production. So, a Rumba feel was given to the rhythm section, a major lift for a bridge and a returning key change as it falls apart – all to mimic the juxtaposition that life is.
Our best moments can have dark clouds and yet our worst moments can breathe new life. I guess sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. A sad song that’s not so sad after all.”
Stream or download “Bad Feelings” here.