A dynamic upheaval of feverish indie rock, bigfatbig’s “Don’t Wanna Be Sad” is an unapologetic explosion of raw, impassioned energy ready to energize, invigorate, and light a fire within.
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Stream: “Don’t Wanna Be Sad” – bigfatbig
They were total newcomers to the music scene when the pandemic first hit; now over a year later, North East England’s bigfatbig have established themselves as an up-and-coming tour de force, all without ever embarking on a physical “tour.” The trio’s first three singles quickly set them apart from their peers, and their fourth release might be their most exhilarating offer yet: A dynamic upheaval of feverish indie rock, “Don’t Wanna Be Sad” is an unapologetic explosion of raw, impassioned energy ready to energize, invigorate, and light a fire within.
I tell myself over again
That this won’t last forever
Maybe I’ve got the time to put it right
But me and my stupid mind could never
Even try to see tomorrow past tonight
And I’m fine with that
I promise you it’s cool
You don’t need to say you’re sorry
And I don’t need to say me too
And you’re fine with that
You promise me it’s cool
I don’t need to say I love you
And you don’t need to say me too
Independently released March 25, 2021, “Don’t Wanna Be Sad” is just the fourth release from North East’s bigfatbig. The trio of vocalist Robyn Walker, guitarist Katie Ryall, and bassist Chaz Hall, bigfatbig introduced their defiant, “slacker girl band” sound in late 2019 with the unabating drive and percussive pulse of debut single “Science.” Since then they have received a slew of accolades from online and radio tastemakers, including BBC’s Radio 1 and Radio 6. Dramatic in the very best of ways, bigfatbig’s 2020 songs “So Bored” and “Milk and Vinegar” continued to boast a big sound characterized by aggressive guitars, relentless drums, and vocals full of both energy and attitude.
Based on the above description, “Don’t Wanna Be Sad” is quintessential bigfatbig: A massive overhaul of emotion set to an explosive, turbulent soundtrack brimming with passion and intense release.
The song’s title echoes its chorus line’s fervent request – an exasperated outcry familiar to too many:
Like a kid with a boring story
I just wanna say, say, say
I don’t wanna wanna wanna
Be sad anymore
I don’t wanna wanna wanna
Be sad…
“When talking about this song, it’s hard to avoid some really heavy topics, because the inspiration for it came from a place of true vulnerability and a willingness to be open about that,” bigfatbig tell Atwood Magazine. “For a time, the chorus lyric “I don’t wanna be sad anymore” became something of a mantra for all of us. The monotony of feeling so consistently low struck a chord in recognising that just acknowledging a difficult time is not enough to do something about it, but it’s definitely the first step. This song is the voice of that turning point, it’s the voice of a time of realisation that changing your life takes a tangible and persistent effort. We don’t think it’s going to be hard for listeners to relate to this – we’ve all been through something, we’re all processing, we’re all collectively striving for a better existence, and that can be really hard sometimes.”
“Even though the main lyric of the track is straightforward, the reality of the whole piece is so much more complex than just ‘we wrote a really sad song because we feel really sad’. We didn’t want to bring people down with this conversation, because even though we wrote this song because we were sad, we were also frustrated, and optimistic, and doubtful, and inspired, which entirely influenced the direction of the music. We felt this juxtaposition of the warm, dense instrumentation against the heavy content of the lyrics, would keep the mood of the song more upbeat, hopefully leaving the listener comforted and energised.”
What’s the point in explaining to you
That I didn’t wash my hair for weeks
Because the outcomes always the same
We’ll spend a day playing the game
And then we’ll wave goodbye
And go our separate ways
As if any of these things matter
When all that I can think is
I don’t wanna wanna wanna
Be sad anymore
I don’t wanna wanna wanna
Be sad
Out of their own darkness, bigfatbig found light – creating a cathartic outpouring of indie rock ready to channel all our pain, anxiety, sadness, and frustration. It’s that special kind of release whose relief comes like a shock to the senses when we find ourselves lighter and less burdened than when we started. That’s the beauty of “Don’t Wanna Be Sad,” and the magic of bigfatbig: A band we can all look forward to hearing more of in the very near future, and hopefully seeing onstage sooner rather than later. The band are currently looking forward to playing a vast series of rescheduled shows that will hopefully go on this spring, summer, and fall.
For now, get lost in the singular throes of “Don’t Wanna Be Sad,” a riotous and welcome addition to 2021. It’s just the kind of sonic turmoil this year so desperately needs after the sh*tshow that was 2020.
Of course I can waste away my days
But what if I’ve got a speaker and a stage?
Will I still be a coward for asking the way?
When all I’ve got is my voice
I’ll ask you to stay
Obviously, literally
It’s easier said than done
But I’m the one who’s done
With being undone
Easier said than done
I don’t wanna wanna wanna
Be sad anymore
I don’t wanna wanna wanna
Be sad
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Stream: “Don’t Wanna Be Sad” – bigfatbig
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