Ratboys’ Julia Steiner has released a new album, ‘Singin’ to an Empty Chair’, which details her emotional journey through songwriting and therapy. Steiner, who will be performing with her bandmates at A&R Bar on June 16, shared how she used songwriting as a form of therapy to process her feelings during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Using Songwriting as Therapy

Steiner explained that she wrote a song during the pandemic that dealt with her anxiety and angst, but decided not to release it at the time. Instead, she took up actual therapy, which helped her to process her emotions and find comfort in speaking openly about her feelings.

One of the songs on the new album, ‘Just Want You to Know the Truth’, was influenced by Steiner’s therapy sessions. The song is a nearly nine-minute emotional centerpiece of the album, in which Steiner details her estrangement from a close loved one. Steiner’s bandmates provide warm and delicate instrumentation, which serves to steady and uplift the singer.

Performing and Recording

Steiner shared how she benefited from the instruction of producer Chris Walla, who helped her to focus on the emotion and timing of her vocals. The song was recorded near the end of the album process, and Steiner felt a sense of relief and accomplishment after completing it.

The album also features other songs, including ‘Anywhere’, ‘Late Night Mountains All That’, and ‘Burn It Down’, which was written in response to the reinvigorated Black Lives Matter movement. Steiner noted that the song’s resonance has continued to expand and deepen for her over time.

Original reporting: Matter News (Columbus) — read the source article.