Orange & Lemons wax poetic on new indie pop single “You Bring Out My Best”
Orange & Lemons have proven time and again, that they’re capable of writing infinitely hummable, indie-pop classics that maintain a distinct sensibility and effortlessness amidst shifting trends.
Their new single, “You Bring Out My Best” is among their most delightful work to date: a song that finds Clem waxing poetic on the intimate moments that he once shared with a fictional ex-lover.
According to Orange & Lemons’ chief songwriter and producer, Clem Castro, the song was intended as a pitch for a commercial project, but the band decided to release it as a stand-alone single. “We just love how the song turned out,” Clem reveals in a statement. “It’s the first time we sat down together working on a concept material, with no relevant inspiration for it. Just a play with words and melodic lines.”
The production packs a punch in a way that is seamlessly understated but compelling—never overdoing the process to gain attention or impress music fans. But it’s the songwriting that remains front and center to this massive release, a distinct mold whose appeal transcends generations of any kind.
“You Bring Out My
Best” was written, arranged, and demo-recorded last February 2020 at O&L’s
drummer studio from 4pm to 3am. The members of the band had to maximize their
time together because they live far from one another, with Clem already having
an approximate idea of a verse and chorus lines for the session. After jamming
with the band, they brainstormed on adding sections and parts to complete the
demo. “The resulting production has that trademark O&L sound, and much,
much more because of the contribution of our keyboard player, who after more
than a year of being an official member has immersed himself in indie-pop
stylings,” the Orange & Lemons frontman adds.
Four months after the demo was shelved, Orange & Lemons finally braved the
studio to resume recording of their new single “You Bring Out My Best.” Armed
with disinfectants and face masks, the award-winning band carefully observed
health and safety protocols to finish the material. Clem says, “We had to
remove our shoes when tracking, and only one person is allowed at a time to
record. The rest had to wait outside at the receiving area of Sonic State Audio
in Mandaluyong City.”
“You Bring Out My Best” is out today, September 11, 2020 (Friday), on all digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.