Talkline Releases Powerful New Single "Stuck Here" and Connects with Us to Reveal the Story Behind the Song
- STAFF
- Aug 18
- 8 min read
By: Staff
“Stuck Here” is a captivating blend of raw emotion and unforgettable melodies that will stay with you.
In a world where melodies collide with raw emotion, the band Talkline unveils their haunting new single, "Stuck Here." With a sound that defies easy categorization, this track digs deep into the complexities of self-doubt, memories that linger, and the struggle to break free from the past. When we spoke with Amy and Will, the masterminds behind the project, it was clear this song isn’t just a piece of music; it’s an emotional journey. The contrast between the upbeat, driving piano riff and lyrics steeped in vulnerability creates a tension that pulls you in from the very first note.
But "Stuck Here" isn’t just about a song, it’s about a moment. From the intimate recording process at The Boathouse Studio to the undeniable chemistry that brought Talkline together, the band shares how this track marks a pivotal turning point in their artistic evolution. Through candid conversations, they revealed how their diverse musical backgrounds and deep trust in one another have paved the way for a bold new direction.
Ready to discover the story behind the song? The journey continues as Talkline opens up about their creative process, the impact of their shared history, and what fans can expect next. Dive into the full interview below now to hear more about the making of “Stuck Here.”
Begin Interview:
Hello Talkline, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. "Stuck Here" hits with such emotional depth. Can you walk us through the story behind the song? What was the moment or experience that sparked this track?
A. Ah well I think everyone has been there when it comes to dwelling on the past. It was easy to write lyrics about this, and the inspiration for this song was inspired by not only my own memories but many of my friend’s experiences! (Once the overthinking strikes it’s hard to get yourself out of that downwards spiral, daydreaming is much easier than acknowledging the reality of a situation).
(Amy)
Q. The mix of genres in "Stuck Here" is so unique. Were there any unexpected musical influences that ended up shaping the sound, or did it just naturally come together?
A. Thanks! I think once we had the first piano motif, the music came together quite naturally from there. But I would say an influence for this track in particular was Lucy Rose’s latest album, ‘This Ain’t the Way You Go Out’!
(Will)
Q. With "Stuck Here" showcasing a different side of your artistry, how would you say this track marks a turning point in your band's journey?
A. Much like the single cover, we have gotten bolder! A few months after releasing our first EP, we were already excited to try some new ideas, whether that was with production, the melody or the arrangements.
Particularly with the lyrics it’s been refreshing to write words that are true to myself, sometimes silly and sometimes vulnerable!
It’s much easier to make risks and experiment when you have your bands trust. This single is really just a result of the confidence we have grown in the first year of Talkline.
(Amy)
Q. Talkline has such a cool dynamic. How did you and Will first realize that you had a chemistry strong enough to turn into a band?
A. We have always had similar taste in music, and it was always so easy performing together! However we had never written any music until we were offered a gig that could only be original music!
Within half an hour we had figured out our first song, and it wasn’t awful! After that we got the bug for it, and here we are releasing music from our second EP!
As time passes on we learn more and improve our writing process together. (Honesty is n0.1 when collaborating, which is why it’s amazing we are still such good friends!)
(Amy)
Q. How has your shared history of musical adventures shaped the sound of Talkline? Is there a specific moment where you two knew the band was going to happen?
A. Two shared environments spring to mind that helped shape our sound. Firstly, me and Amy met at the Essex Youth Percussion Ensemble aged 14, where we played a lot of minimalist music by composers like Steve Reich (so it’s no surprise I love writing piano motifs)! Secondly, the Guildhall School of Music is where we both completed our degrees in Jazz performance. As well as the amazing tuition, it was during this time that we began writing music together, and where we met Rory, Anmol and Harry who are the other musicians featured on our music!
A specific moment where I knew the band was going to happen would probably be the day me and Amy wrote our debut single ‘Song for a Sign’. For me that’s the tune that helped us define the sound/direction for Talkline.
(Will)
Q. When you were working with Adam Bowers, how did he help bring your vision to life while keeping that raw, live energy in the track?
A. Ads (Adam Bowers) instantly understood the sound we were after and how best to capture it! We knew we wanted to keep the foundation of the recording as live as possible, with us all playing together as a band like we would on a gig. From there we built up, re-recording/overdubbing some parts, and balancing that live sound with the more produced, atmospheric moments and vocal layering. (Fun fact - you can also hear Ads singing backing vocals on the track too, as well as me and Amy!)
(Will)
Q. We love how personal "The Boathouse Studio" seems to be. What is it about that space that makes it feel like the perfect place for Talkline to record?
A. I think we were all thrilled about the cats that lived in the studio haha!
The Boathouse really is an amazing place, and that’s due to Ads who creates that calm and warm environment.
Yet there is something about being away from the noise and distraction of London. Just by being somewhere with clearer air and more trees, you really can focus more and enjoy that productive time.
(Amy)
Q. What was the vibe like during the recording of "Stuck Here"? Did you go into it with a clear vision, or did the track evolve more organically in the studio?
A. We’d been workshopping the song in various stages on gigs, so going into the studio I think we had quite a clear idea of what we wanted, but we also made sure to leave room to experiment. The atmospheric guitar lines and the stacked vocal harmonies in particular were all things that evolved during the recording. I had this idea of layering some accordion on the track too but it just wasn’t needed, so we scrapped that in the end! I’m glad we had the chance to play around with different ideas though ! (Will)
Q. The lyrics and music of "Stuck Here" have such a powerful sense of being stuck. How did you translate that feeling of emotional stagnation into both the structure of the song and the instrumentation?
A. The piano riff does a wonderful job at portraying the deception within the song. Everything sounds really optimistic and fun, however the lyrics are actually quite concerning. Much like this circling piano groove, the character in the song can’t escape her spinning thoughts!
(Amy)
Q. The repeating motifs in the track are so compelling. How do you see those elements mirroring the themes of being unable to move on or break free?
A. Ah thanks! I think it’s the relentlessness of the main motif, it never really gets the chance to resolve and just keeps going in circles, reflecting the themes of feeling stuck and unable to move forward. Even during the chorus where there’s a key change and the music is slightly more hopeful, the rhythm is similar to what’s come before so it never feels like it’s fully escaped from the main motif, just like the theme of being unable to break free.
(Will)
Q. Your release event at The Water Rats must have been epic! Can you share what it was like performing in such a legendary venue, especially knowing the rich history behind it, with artists like Bob Dylan and Oasis having had their first UK/London shows there? How did that feel for you as a band?
A. Gigging this music with some of my closest friends is one of my favourite things so I had the best time! I think knowing the history of the venue was a little daunting before arriving, but there was such a friendly atmosphere from the whole Water Rats team and the audience that it didn’t feel intimating thinking of all the acts we admire that have also played there! Additionally, it was Talkline’s first gig where we were able to feature a support act, which was lovely to share the stage with a fantastic songwriter called Arun Thava! Wholesome vibes all round!
(Will)
Q. What’s the one thing you want fans to feel or take away from "Stuck Here" when they hear it?
A. That we have all been there. (But it’s really hard to know you’re “there” when you ARE there).
(Amy)
Q. How does it compare performing a track like "Stuck Here" live versus hearing it recorded? Is there a moment on stage that changes how you connect with the song?
A. One of the things I love about playing Talkline songs live is that every gig is different. So when we perform ‘Stuck Here’, there might be an extended intro, or an improvised solo, or other variations that feel right in the moment! I think from our background in jazz we’re very open to exploring and embracing those moments on stage, whilst retaining the core of the song, and it’s these unexpected parts that keeps me reconnecting with the music.
(Will)
Q. Now that your fans have had a chance to learn more about your project, we want to dive into something that’s just as important, your name. Your fans are sure to become deeply invested in this amazing music, and they’ll be curious about the meaning behind everything that makes up your artistic journey. So, when it comes to your band’s name, how does it connect with the music you’re creating? What’s the story behind it, and what does it represent to you and to the fans who are just starting to discover Talkline?
A. I love this question! All of our music comes from conversation.
The music particularly in our first EP covers everything we were experiencing in 2024.
The music now sounds to me like reassurance for our younger selves.
And our name really means that, two people having a conversation!
(Amy)
Q. And finally, what’s next for Talkline? Any exciting projects, collaborations, or new directions you can tease for us? We’re eager for the scoop!
A. Our 2nd EP is on its way, so over the next few months we’ll be building up to that! If you like the vibe of ‘Stuck Here’ I hope you’re going to enjoy the other 4 tracks that are coming! And keep an eye out for our EP launch gig later on in the year, we’ve got something exciting in mind to mark the occasion!
(Will)
Talkline, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Talkline’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
