This song showcases Ryder-Jones’ ability to turn a simple turn of phrase into something loaded with pathos and profundity. The simplistic yet moving phrase of ‘If Tomorrow Starts Without Me’ is something that’s been rattling around in Ryder Jones’ head for decades waiting for the right moment to be released. Echoes of Eurotrash: Bill Ryder-Jones unravels the origins of 'If Tomorrow Starts Without Me'“It contains probably the oldest lyric I've ever written,” he says. “Which comes from when I was about 15 watching Eurotrash. There was a Thai sex-worker reading from a diary and she just read the words: “What if tomorrow starts without me?” I just loved it. It's always stuck with me.” Emotional weight in simplicity: a closer look at the profound lyricism shaping Ryder-Jones' latest trackHowever, it takes on a whole new meaning and level of emotional weight in the context here. Contemplating what the next day may be like if he were no longer here to experience it, Ryder-Jones delivers heartbreaking line after heartbreaking line. “As I’m fading into blue, let’s just hope that somehow I’m with you” he sings over music that radiates a buoyancy and gentle breeziness that plucks hope from torment. 'Iechyd Da' unveiled: insights into the upcoming album's ambitious soundscape and thematic exploration'Iechyd Da' is a record that is rooted in love, loss, pain, heartache and often a deep darkness, but also one that frequently ends up in places of profound beauty, hope and joy. “I love this album,” says Bill, “I haven't been this proud of a record since A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart.” Hope amidst darkness: Bill Ryder-Jones reflects on infusing positivity into his music and the significance of 'Iechyd Da'His first new record in five years, 'Iechyd Da' is also his most ambitious LP to date. Beautifully produced, rich in scope, at times joyous, grand and sweeping, at others heartbreaking, intimate and tender. “It’s my most produced record,” adds Ryder-Jones, who from his Yawn studios in West Kirby has recently been producing the likes of Mick Head, Gerry Love and Saint Saviour. “It’s basically me carrying on with myself again, but this time around I’m a bit more competent as a producer.” Lyrically, Ryder-Jones is also in potent form. At times he celebrates directness, being more open and honest than ever, while other moments are more complex and multi-faceted. He’s always able to seamlessly balance sadness with stunning beauty, and sly self-deprecation with palpable gentleness. Musical tapestry: from wide-screen production to diverse influences, a glimpse into the creative process behind the albumDue to Ryder-Jones’ deeply wide-screen approach to making 'Iechyd Da' - one that has Mick Head reading Ulysses over an instrumental one moment (“...And the Sea…”) to sampling the Brazilian singer Gal Costa (“I Know That It’s Like This (Baby)”) - Bill even got children involved. “I just thought I'd throw the kitchen sink in and get some kids as well,” he says. A personal evolution: Bill Ryder-Jones shares thoughts on growth as a producer and lyricist, marking a new chapter in his musical journey“Over the years my music has lost a bit of its hope I reckon,” contemplates Bill Ryder-Jones. “It were important for me to make a record that had more hope in it. Even by my standards the last few years have been rocky, but I’ve chosen to soundtrack it with more positive music, you know?” In the lead-up to the release of 'Iechyd Da,' Bill Ryder-Jones immerses us in a poignant odyssey. From the emotive depths of 'If Tomorrow Starts Without Me' to the expansive richness of the album, Ryder-Jones crafts a musical narrative that transcends, offering a heartfelt exploration of love, loss and enduring hope. Video: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'If Tomorrow Starts Without Me'. 
Hanan I travel the world to find unexpected stories. CREDITS Hanan: text Marieke Macklon: photo YouTube Bill Ryder-Jones @bryderjones V2 Records: press release 4 December 2023 Comments are closed.
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