We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

about

The lead single, “Sound & Light,” was written almost a decade ago, in 2016. It started, as so many of the duo’s songs do, as a poem written by Rachel. The poem was an account of a formative and traumatic loss that Rachel experienced when she was 18. She handed the poem to Thu who translated it into a narrative song, with the guitar mimicking the beat of a train, and the chorus incorporating a sense of time standing still. As the duo relentlessly toured the US playing intimate house concerts, “Sound & Light” became a staple of their show, often serving as the emotional anchor to share vulnerably about grief and personal loss. As a result, so many folks often approach after the show to share about significant losses in their own lives, and feeling a resonance and connection to this song. With the release of this song into the world, it also feels like a cathartic emotional release for Rachel, allowing for another chapter of this grief process to come to a close.

The song and album were recorded at New Monkey Studio, formerly the late Elliott Smith’s studio, and tracked with one of the remaining original vintage 1970's Trident Triad A-Range consoles.

lyrics

The Union Pacific was travelling Northbound
Near midnight when it struck you

In my room I’m awakened by the godawful sound
Of the telephone ring
A sound that’s still lingering

I imagine the sound and light overwhelmed you right away
And how the brakeman must have realized, “Goddammit” just a little too late
And how your father cried and your friends all tried to pray
How they’ve never changed

You are sound and light
You are sound and light

There I was beside myself, it’s a quarter to three
And I’m clawing at the carpet on my knees
Trying to catch my breath

Mine was the last loyal face you ever saw
But I don’t remember yours
How did I forget?

I imagine the sound and light overwhelmed you right away
And how the brakeman must have realized, “Goddammit” just a little too late
And how your father cried and your friends all tried to pray
How they’ve never changed

You are sound and light
You are sound and light
You are sound and light
You are sound and light

credits

released April 19, 2024
Producer: Nick Luca
Engineer: Greg Cortez
Mastering: JJ Golden
Lead and Background Vocals: Rachel Garcia
Guitar: Thu Tran
Additional Musicians: Andrew Maguire (Percussion), Nick Luca (Bass), Jenna Moynihan (Violin)

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

The Singer and The Songwriter image

The Singer and The Songwriter Oakland, California

Rachel Garcia's rich, warm vocal delivery and Thu Tran's dynamic guitar arrangements provide the backbone for original songs that blend swinging jazz, soulful blues, heartfelt folk and modern, honest songwriting to create a unique and compelling sound. Since 2012, they have released 2 critically acclaimed albums, charted on the CMJ Top 40 Radio charts, and toured nationally. ... more

contact / help

Contact The Singer and The Songwriter

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like The Singer and The Songwriter, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now