Someone You Knew

»-— exclusive content page -—«

The Story

I was backstage, excitedly waiting to be the first one to hug him after the biggest performance of his life at the Lollapalooza music festival. I couldn’t be a prouder girlfriend. I’d flown all the way to Chicago, knowing nobody else but him, to be there and support his band by taking photos and videos, helping style him, and making him as comfortable and calm as possible before the big show.

It was show time. I cheered from the crowd, standing there front row, singing all of the lyrics to his songs. I knew the set list. I knew which song was my cue to head backstage to be the first one to congratulate him. They started playing their last song. Pushing my way through the thick sea of people, I made it backstage just in time.

He thanked the crowd and headed backstage. Running straight to me, the crowd roared behind him. I outstretched my arms, waiting for him to collapse right in them. He looked past me, and I was confused. There was nobody else back there but me. He flew right past me, bumping my shoulder on his way to greet his fans.

Stunned, I stood there paralyzed. Alone. My heart dropped into my stomach and I felt a lump in my throat. I have never felt more invisible; more forgotten. I thought this was my boyfriend… The same guy who would so assuredly tell me he wants to marry me. It was that moment that I realized I was just someone he knew.

✎ How It Was Written & Recorded ♬

I felt like nobody would ever understand what I went through… It was such a specific moment. So I turned to writing. I played a couple chords on my piano and started recording whatever melodies and lyrics needed to be let out.

Looking for some self validation and clarity, I found it there alone in my bedroom, with my notebook and microphone.

After writing through to the second verse, I brought in a couple writer friends of mine to help me finish the song. At my dad’s house, where I was living at the time, we ran through the song for hours. I played it on piano, then switched to guitar. We carved away at the lyrics and melodies until it was just right.

After they left, I recorded my vocals, and produced out the song.

It didn’t feel finished though. I was missing guitars and a few other elements. So I took it to Jordan Sherman, my go to guy, and we nailed it!

I’m so happy with how it sounds and how the production turned out. Other than my “Stripped” EP, “Someone You Knew” is a song I’m particularly proud of because of how far I was able to produce it out myself!

Lastly, I took it to my mix engineer, who put the finishing touches on it to get it ready for distribution.

I feel like I keep saying this with each release (and it’s a great problem to have), but this is my favorite song I’ve ever written.

photos from the artwork photoshoot

Voice Notes

Below are a few imperfect voice recordings of “Someone You Knew” as it was being written. Just a little sneak peek into what it might be like to be there while I’m writing a song :)

Someone You Knew

Recorded At Poema Studios

── ⋆⋅The Credits⋅⋆ ──

Written by Madi Rindge, Sasha Clementine, and Rachel Bochner

Produced by Madi Rindge + Jordan Sherman

Mixed by Jordan Sherman + Jaime Estalella

Mastered by Jaime Estalella