Bucky Cromwell Presents a Unique Valentine
By Keir Nicoll
In a time when intimacy seems blocked by a cold and uncaring world, full of disease and disinformation, Bucky Cromwell is releasing a track based on the intimacy of intentionality and referencing the importance of love in our lives. The song, “Valentine,” is full of romantic piano and crooning airy vocals. It suggests a wistful appreciation of one's lover, in a world where such things are not taken as seriously as they could be. Because we are distracted by other necessities.
The song is full of contemporary, keening vocals, driven by a steady piano pulse. The spacing of the piano notes is effectively swooning with love over his significant other. It is about the importance of each other and people being together. The importance of presence and absence and the feel of a yearning or pining heart. The melodies and arrangement are compelling, though simple.
Bucky Cromwell answered a few questions for Citrus Magazine, for the release of this track on the eve of Valentine's Day. Asked how he feels that he has a relevant cultural-musical connection or representation during this strange time, he says that he is “just trying to save the world!” A worthy goal, for any musician or performer, who is struggling to maintain contact with the outside, the external world, now. He motions to the obstacles of Propaganda and Climate Change that inhibit or impact democratic culture. Motivated by these issues, he says he is a believer in science, stating, “know that Covid is real and killing people [but] I don't think it's society's biggest threat.”
“Valentine” is not about the purpose of love itself but a belief in the purpose and goal of human's being “to love.” This is made challenging it a time when live performance is essentially forbidden because it calls into question his reality. Making a life together, for Cromwell is to beg of anyone to love him, to forgive, not to judge too harshly and to have a sense of humour. Asked what the best Valentine's present or gift ever would be, Bucky says that he likes the question but that it's tough. “I think surprising people is cool. Showing someone love when they least expect it.” Doing something you don't really want to for someone with a smile. He is anti-commercial in his gift choices.
Regarding the romantic effect of the piano in the song, this writer wondered about his vein or genre. Cromwell says, “from a songwriter/producer's perspective, if you're only gonna have one instrument as opposed to a band, it's gotta be acoustic guitar or piano. The piano is a very full sound with plenty of dynamics.” He is not referential to any influences, except the gift of love. There is a very sparse yet full sound to the song. Cromwell seems to mark time by referencing his lover, maybe more so lately. He says he is appreciating what he has. Sometimes he imagines what life would be like without someone in it and is also inspired by the people he can't be with during Covid. About the fulfilment from a lover and the lack during their absence, and about how they complete you, he says this is absolutely true but “our connection with all people fulfils us and humanity.”
Asked about his positioning as an activist, he repeats his reserves or fear of propaganda, which exists mostly for profit and power. Hence the name of his album, LIE$. He refers to what's happening in the US. He says, “so I continue to use my small voice in music and on social media and to anyone who will listen. And I hope my voice will become bigger so I can reach more people!” He is obviously very inspired by the realities of today and intent upon adding his voice to concurrent changes.
As a final question, Citrus asked how our world is wayward now. In response, Cromwell says, “We are destroying our planet. Many countries are run by corrupt people. Misinformation, disinformation, propaganda and lIE$ have become very effective political tools, are past a critical level and threatening democracy.” These are all common and current concerns for people who are in any way aware of and about the state of the world. He also points to racial injustice and economic disparity, in particular to how “1% of Americans have 40% of all the money [whereas] 80% have 7%. Those are staggering numbers to me!”
As an “activist, underdog, one-man revolution,” Bucky Cromwell believes most clearly in the challenge of raising love above the disparities of modern-day realities. He is propelling a lover's dream with his song, “Valentine,” just in time for all of us to remember how important it is to have another.
Listen to Valentine here.