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You know when a song makes you feel like you are wrapped inside of a warm blanket? First the instrumental melody lures you in. Then Rebecca Ferguson’s just barely raspy voice enters, echoing similarities to Amy McDonald at her finest. And in that moment you’re pretty sure this song will be on repeat - especially these winter months.
“Uncrazy” is a collaboration between LA based producer AFSHeeN (and his studio partner Josh Cumbee) and London based X Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson.
For both, the meaning is the same. “Uncrazy” is about that person who is there for you no matter what. Below AFSHeeN and Rebecca Ferguson talk about their collaboration and some of their favorite dance tracks.
How did the collaboration come about?
Afsheen: I met Rebecca in Los Angeles. She came over to work on her album and this was the first song we did together. It’s a very personal song.
Rebecca Ferguson: “Uncrazy” is about having that person that is there for you no matter what you’re feeling. Finding that Person that makes you feel safe even though you haven’t got it all together.
A: It’s a very personal song.
Why so?
A: I wrote the song with my production and co-writer Josh Cumbee. We have a dynamic relationship. He’s one of my best friends, and we’ve been making music together for five years. When there’s a lyric that says “the chemicals in my head are raging,” I deal with that a lot. It’s really about having that person that makes things smoother and more stable.
What is your process like in the studio?
A: Usually we start on the piano and start jamming. It really depends on the day, and who we’re working with, but for the most part it starts behind the piano.
How do you work on a remix versus and original?
A: When I’m reworking a track, or doing a cover it’s kind of like restructuring and putting a song in a different space. When I write a song from scratch it usually starts with a concept and melody. I really pull a lot from my personal life. And when it comes to remixing different songs, the emotions of the song have already been dictated.
What is it about dance music?
A: You’re really free to express how you want to express and present a song. With a dance song you can dress the song as you wish. I’ve always been really drawn to sound design, and the craft of electronic music and mastering.
Timeless tracks for the danceloor?
Lady by Mojo
Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia
R: Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters. Right now Struggle by Tinush is constantly on repeat in the house.
Will you tour the EP?
A: As of now we have no tour plans. I did play a few shows this year, my first - I played with Kygo for his second show at The Hollywood Bowl. The plan is to get the catalog out there first and build a core fan base before I do live shows. My focus is not to to do live shows until the demand is there and people want to hear my music live.
What’s the last book you read?
A: I’m in the process of finishing Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance.
R: The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life: An Edited Transcript of the Flower of Life Workshop Presented Live to Mother Earth from 1985 to 1994. vol. 1. When I was younger I had a strict upbringing, so I was quite close minded. And I found myself just wanting to learn and know more.
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