A conversation with Robbie Fitzsimmons about “The Mountain That Turned Upside Down”
Q: Hi! What inspired you to write ‘The Mountain That Turned Upside Down’? Can you share any personal experiences or emotions that drove the creation of this song?”
A: This song is inspired by the curveballs of life that are thrown at us. When we’re faced with change we can either run away out of fear or move powerfully through it, living in the acceptance of how we’re constantly evolving. I’m a different person every day I wake up. I am very familiar with this having dealt with bipolar disorder my whole adult life.
Q: Having co-written with Lana Del Rey, how did this collaboration influence the style or direction of ‘The Mountain That Turned Upside Down’? Did it impact your approach to songwriting in any specific way?
A: I was really honored to have an opportunity to work with such a talented artist. She’s a poet and I’d say our collaboration definitely influenced the ways I speak openly about my inner turmoil and I hope it can help others.
Q: Your song has been described as an ’emotional roller coaster.’ How do you hope listeners will connect with or interpret the emotions conveyed in the track?
A: I hope listeners find a piece of themselves in the song, a mirror to their own emotional journey. It’s crafted to not just tell my story, but to echo the ups and downs everyone experiences, making it a personal experience for each listener.
Q: You’ve performed at various festivals and attracted a significant fanbase. How do you think your music, especially with this latest song, has evolved since you began performing?
A: My music has matured significanly, gaining depth and complexity over the years. ‘The Mountain That Turned Upside Down’ reflects this evolution, showing a more nuanced understanding of life’s intricacies compared to my earlier work.
Q: The song is noted for its memorable melodies and classical build-ups. What was your process for crafting these elements, and why did you choose this particular style for the song?
A: The melodies and build-ups were born out of a desire to mirror life’s crescendos and decrescendos. The process involved a lot of introspection and experimentation, aiming to create a sound that’s both timeless and reflective of the song’s emotional landscape.
Q: How does performing ‘The Mountain That Turned Upside Down’ live differ from your studio experience? What elements do you emphasize in live performances?
A: Performing live adds an electrifying layer of raw emotion and spontaneity. I emphasize the dynamics, letting the energy of the audience guide the intensity and flow of the performance.
Q: With hundreds of thousands of fans attending your performances, what has been the most memorable fan reaction to ‘The Mountain That Turned Upside Down’?
A: The most memorable reaction was seeing a fan in tears, later sharing that the song helped them through a tough personal transformation. Knowing my music can touch lives in such a profound way is incredibly humbling and gratifying.
Q: Can you walk us through your creative process when composing a song like ‘The Mountain That Turned Upside Down’? How do you begin, and what steps do you take to complete a track?
A: The process starts with a seed of emotion or experience, which I then nurture with melodies and lyrics. It’s a journey of exploration, trial and error, and refinement, often involving late nights at the piano until every note feels like it’s in the right place.
Q: Looking back on your journey and the success of this song, what advice would you give to emerging artists who aspire to create impactful and emotionally resonant music?
A: Stay true to your emotions and experiences. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable in your music. It’s this authenticity that resonates with people and creates a lasting impact.
