Photo by Sam Gehrke
The forthcoming EP release from Good Witch is filled with double entendre. Songwriter Rose Shawhan and producer Raymond Richards comprise the local duo, who make smoky dream pop. Today, we have the privilege to premiere the lead single off Double Life EP, “Tough Love,” ahead of the band’s free show at The Satellite on October 31.
The idea of tough love for friends and family suggests a coldness in demeanor with good intentions. Shawhan has reimagined the phrase for her own purpose. After some reflection, she realized that she winds up in relationships that are dramatic and, well, difficult. She even conjures steamier images with lines like, “I like it rough, love”; it’s all in good fun, choosing to celebrate the tumult rather than wallow in an emotional aftermath. Shawhan describes the song’s origin and meaning in her own words:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#FF78FF” class=”fistclass” size=”15″]”My boss at the pizza place I worked at in college told me once, ‘If a girl isn’t trying to burn your house down, it isn’t love.’ I thought that was so insane, but honestly, everyone I’ve ever met who said they hate drama was lying. I was brought up believing that men only want you if you make it hard for them, but it turns out I’m kind of that way too. I originally envisioned Tough Love as a chillwave song, but in recording it turned out a bit differently. Raymond added this little synth riff that makes me wanna dance every time I hear it.”[/perfectpullquote]
The new EP has some ambiguous ideas, too. It is called Double Life to reflect Shawhan’s birthchart (she’s a Gemini of course), but it implies that she has many facets that aren’t related to astrology—“the contrast between my public and private faces, what people think of me, and who I actually am.” Then there’s the misnomer of “Tough Love” and the curious implication of “What It Feels Like,” which covers all of the bases. It describes amorous sensations, but more frequently comments on simply being familiar with the experience, and the strength that can come from it.
Good Witch will perform at the Satellite on Halloween and the show is free; more info. Pre-order Double Life EP here. Follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
