SYNES Talks “Who Will Save Us?” The Inspiration, Sound, & More

In this interview, SYNES discusses his fearless approach to music, tackling the raw realities of today’s society. His new single, “Who Will Save Us?” blends dark electronic sounds with deep verses. A must-read for anyone who appreciates music with meaning.

1. The song “Who Will Save Us?” appears to challenge listeners to face uncomfortable societal truths. Was there a particular event or experience that inspired this urgent call for awareness?

This song was actually in response to the first Trump presidency. And it was a work in progress. I was disgusted by what I was seeing online and in the media. “Silent on the frontlines, spies in our own minds, hurting all of mankind as we hide behind a screen.”

Social media, while a necessity, really became a scary place for misinformation and bullying, and still very much is.

2. The title itself raises a big question. Do you see it as rhetorical, or does the song offer an answer to “Who Will Save Us?

It definitely is a big question. I thought about my own salvation and the world. And also, how in religion, we see that theme a lot.

I know sometimes, as artists, we are our own worst enemies. Our inner saboteurs are loud and take over. I think the song paints the picture of what has gone wrong enough to warrant our salvation.

I don’t think the song really addresses who, but how and if. “The clock I hear is broken, it’s left us with a token, and an apology unspoken for all our inner beasts.” Time is such a funny thing, and it moves in a linear way.

There’s no way to manipulate it. Though we are all mad at its passing.

3. How would you define the track’s electronic melodies?

Hmmm… Dark, emotive, but with a sense of hope. I wanted it to be in a minor key when I wrote it, but the chord progression seemed to just be sad. I wanted there to be a slight chance of hope.

4. This single seems to mark a shift toward darker themes compared to your Billboard hit “Something’s Got To Give.” How has your artistic vision evolved since then?

This is actually a very funny question to me because I grew up listening to bands like Depeche Mode, VNV Nation, Apoptygma Berzerk, Nitzer Ebb… I was always definitely more on the darker side of things.

I also believe truly that artists need to be products of their environments. And seeing that I am a millennial who has lived through wars, recessions, and 9/11, a pandemic, and this bogus administration, doing art that is just happy seems disingenuous.

5. What was the most challenging aspect of translating your observations about societal wounds into musical form?

Honestly, I think the most challenging aspect, at least with writing lyrics about societal wounds, is playing with hyperbole and metaphors. On one hand, you want it to resonate with your audience, but it can’t be too heavy handed and wordy, but it has to fit a meter, and it has to make sense melodically.

6. Which part of the song revealed itself first, and how did it shape the direction of the rest of the lyrics?

Actually, funny you should ask that. The original lyrics have a preamble or a pre-song poem that I wrote first. It’s actually never been shared, so you guys are lucky!

“Oh, look, another active shooter situation
Thoughts and prayers?
Gimme a break.
The only thing you THINK about is how many people will like your post on Instagram, and the only PRAYER you recite is your own name, and then it started “who will save me from myself…”

7. How do you hope listeners will respond to this song?

I hope it resonates with them and activates them to make a change they want to see in the world. Berolt Brecht said it best: “Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”

8. With your EP on the horizon, does “Who Will Save Us?” set the thematic tone for what’s to come, or will we see different facets of your creative identity?

I have an EP coming out with 6 tracks so far. It’s a musical journey of sorts, definitely paying homage to all of my influences.

Some writing collaboration with House legend Michael M of M13 Music and some collaboration with the amazing Giuseppe D. You’ll have to stay tuned!

9. Do you have plans to drop a music video for “Who Will Save Us?

Yes! It’s in the story boarding stages currently.

10. Are you open to having “Who Will Save Us?” remixed by other artists? If so, what styles would you love to see reinterpret the track?

Absolutely! I would love to hear a Techno mix and a dark House mix. Maybe even a Drum and Bass mix. I’m also a DJ, so the more markets I can break into, the better! Ha!

CONNECT WITH SYNES

Spotify | Facebook | Instagram