Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single and video from indie rock band, Burr Oak, called “No Time To Dream.” This is the second single off the band’s EP, Annabelle, that will be released on September 20th via Easy Does It Records. Burr Oak explains, “This track outlines and emphasis how Annabelle spirals down into a deep, dark depression after she gives birth to her baby. Otherwise known as a serious postpartum depression. As the lyrics go, She has ‘no time to read, no time to sleep, and no time to dream.’ All of her time is taken up by taking care of her newborn without any help. She feels lost and hopeless. She contemplates what life would be like if she ended things. The only thing keeping her going is the will to survive for her baby.” If you’re enjoying the new video from Burr Oak, please consider supporting this artist here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.
What was the inspiration when you were writing “No Time To Dream”?
The inspiration behind writing “No Time To Dream” came from a place of deep empathy for Annabelle’s experience during the postpartum depression period. The song is a heartfelt exploration of her overwhelming emotions and challenges after giving birth and becoming a single mother. As I wrote the lyrics, I aimed to capture the profound despair and hopelessness Annabelle felt during her postpartum depression. The song delves into her sense of isolation and exhaustion, portraying her struggle to cope with the constant demands of caring for a newborn alone. I wanted to convey her loss of identity and the disconnection she feels from herself, as well as her fleeting thoughts of desperation as she battled through the darkness.
What do you hope listeners take away from Annabelle?
From Annabelle, I hope listeners take away an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and women like her, who navigate complex and difficult circumstances in their life. When writing this EP, our goal as a band was to tell a poignant story of resilience, from the initial struggles and hardships Annabelle endures to her eventual triumph and newfound hope. Through each track, I hope listeners can connect with Annabelle’s emotional journey on a personal level, whether they have experienced similar hardships themselves or are simply gaining insight into these issues. I aim for the music to resonate emotionally, capturing the highs and lows of Annabelle’s life with authenticity and sincerity. Ultimately, I hope this EP leaves listeners with a message of hope and perseverance. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity and finding light in even the darkest moments. I hope the EP inspires compassion and support for those facing similar challenges.
Your new EP is coming out 9/20, tell us about the creation of Annabelle.
It all began with the idea of exploring a narrative-driven concept for this EP, focusing on the character of Annabelle and telling her story through our music—a fictional story inspired by the chilling and very real overturning of Roe v. Wade. It is a narrative-driven EP that speaks to the genuine struggle of so many women today that are being deprived of their fundamental human right, the right to bodily autonomy. ‘Annabelle’ encapsulates the universal experiences of women in America today, overcoming adversity and finding hope amidst life’s challenges. Each track on the EP delves into different chapters of Annabelle’s life, from the intense emotional turmoil of her relationship and unexpected pregnancy in “Rainclouds,” to the overwhelming challenges of single motherhood and postpartum depression in “No Time To Dream,” and finally to the hopeful resolution and newfound love in “Like a dream.” The creation process involved meticulous attention to detail in both lyrics and music to authentically portray Annabelle’s journey. We wanted each song to resonate emotionally and narratively, capturing the essence of her struggles and triumphs with sincerity and depth. Tony and I spent a lot of time crafting melodies and arrangements that complemented the lyrical themes, aiming to evoke a range of emotions from listeners. Overall, the creation of “Annabelle” was a labor of love and empathy. We hope that when the EP releases on 9/20, listeners will connect with Annabelle’s story on a personal level, finding solace, inspiration, and perhaps a renewed sense of compassion for the challenges faced by individuals like her.
What about music makes you feel passionate?
Music, for me, is a boundless canvas of emotions and stories waiting to be expressed and shared. I began using songwriting and music as a creative outlet when I was 14. What makes me feel passionate about music is its ability to evoke deep emotions, connect people across cultures and experiences, and transcend language barriers.