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I seriously question the need for an introduction here – If you haven’t heard of the Modern Skirts or their music during your time here at UGA, then I suggest a Q-tip because too much ear wax does affect your hearing.
In the astronomically small chance that you have no idea who these guys are, I beseech you to download ‘Pasadena’ off this blog. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a free song to christen you into the pop nirvana that is the Modern Skirts.
With irresistable hooks and flawless harmony, this band had me at ‘Seventeen Dirty Magazines.’ But seeing as ‘Pasadena’ always seems to be the song concert-goers sing along loudest to, I decided to feature it on this week’s blog.
So whether you are a fellow fan, curious to know what inspired this crown jewel of a song, or a wide-eyed newbie, curious to know what all the fuss is about, here’s the scoop straight from lead singer Jay:
• What inspired the song?
The song was inspired by a feeling I had at one point in time when I contemplated moving to another location without telling any of my family or friends my whereabouts. At least, until I gained a better knowledge of myself…it was a very selfish idea.
• Why did you title it as “Pasadena”?
Pasadena is just a label for anywhere in the world I could’ve gone at the time.
• Why choose Pasadena and/or Catalina as the destination?
Pasadena and Catalina were both places I had never been before. They were the first locations that came to mind.
• Who is the song directed to? (i.e. who are you asking to go to Pasadena with you?)
The “let’s move to Pasadena” line is plural because it referred to my physical being and all the emotional baggage that was strapped to me at the time.
• Where did the line, “Maybe I should jump in the sink and swim right down the drain,” come from?
The line refers to being swept away from the surroundings that seem to choke you and getting some breathing room somewhere else.
• Is there really someone named Caroline?
There is no Caroline. Caroline symbolized the one person who seems to understand you best when in reality, he or she is just a floater giving you empty advice and false hope.
• Could you describe how you decided on the melody, the pace, the instruments for the song?
The song started with the verses. Then, I randomly played the guitar hook which inspired me to put words to that melody. I came up with the “then on to Catalina” part in my car while I was on my way to show the song off to the rest of the band.
• What do you want the listener to glean from “Pasadena” if anything?
I don’t know if there is anything to be “gleaned” from Pasadena. I just think the song reflects a similar human emotion that we all have had at one point or another.
Blogger’s Note: The only thing I share with Kim Jong Il is my ethnicity. Don’t let me dictate what goes on this blog. Post a song you’ve always wanted to know the meaning behind. I will hunt it down. And don’t tell me that you’ve never wondered how some songs came to be.
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