Track By Tracks: Ylisia - Underneath (2024)

1. Pain:

A raw, emotional exploration of the physical and mental toll of chronic illness. This song delves into the depths of suffering and the constant struggle to find relief. It gained an extra dimension when George composed the music with this actual theme in mind. The lyrics just flowed naturally, as if they were always meant for that song.

2. Underneath:

A celebration of a deep and transformative love. This song explores the power of understanding and acceptance, even in the face of flaws and imperfections. It's a journey of self-discovery and healing, and hopefully, a message that even with all the emotional baggage and wounds, you can still find someone who loves you for who you are. As I did.

3. Free:

A heartfelt tribute to a loved one lost too soon. This song confronts the overwhelming pain of grief and the struggle to find peace. It's particularly diGicult as I wrote it for my brother, who was only 44 when he died in a base-jumping accident. It's a cathartic expression of loss and the feeling of never-ending emptiness. At the same time, it depicts that he was always a free spirit who can now, in death, be one with “source” and in a sense, "fly free, being one with the sky."

4. Tell Me:

A reflection on the frustration and confusion of unresolved issues in toxic relationships. This song delves into longing for closure and understanding, as well as the patterns of destructive relationships. George laid the groundwork for this song, and when I added my personal touch to the lyrics, we discussed the why and how of it. We had a lot of similarities in past experiences, so this song resonated deeply with me, making it easy to rewrite it slightly to sing it from my heart, while also honoring George's original intention.

5. Hourglass:

A poignant exploration of the pain of losing an infant. This song reflects on the enduring impact of grief on my family, as my parents lost a child, leaving deep wounds that they were never able to fully heal. I've written songs about this in the past, but never from the perspective of my parents. Tuning into that kind of pain, as a mother myself, was truly devastating. The first time I recorded this song, I couldn't sing it without crying.

6. September:

A reflection on recurring negative behaviors and the cycle of self-sabotage. This song highlights the importance of recognizing and breaking free from harmful patterns, and the journey towards personal growth and self-improvement. Hopefully, one day I'll be able to celebrate that achievement by finally setting some healthy boundaries.

7. Labyrinth:

An exploration of the emotional and physical demands of motherhood and the pressures of modern society. At certain points in my life, I struggled with depression. The song kind of tells the story of time flying by whilst I was busy being depressed and holding on for dear life. My child grew up quickly, no longer needing me as much as she once did.

8. You:

A scathing critique of narcissistic behavior and the impact of toxic relationships on mental and emotional health. This song offers a hopeful message about the eventual justice that comes to those who harm others. When I wrote the song, I had a specific person in mind, but there are probably a handful of people who think it's about them, which is fine.

9. Catch My Breath:

A reflection on a decade of challenges and setbacks. I faced one setback after another, to the point where I wondered what I had done to deserve it all. I simply didn't have time to catch my breath. When I wrote it, I thought the stars had finally aligned for me to get a break, but then my brother died, and I had to come to terms with some health changes that impacted my life and my family. Writing this song was therapeutic, like most of the songs on this album to be honest ;) While each song stands alone with its unique story and emotion, there's an overarching theme of resilience, healing, survival, and personal growth that connects them all. The album title "Underneath" was chosen because, for the first time in my life when it comes to songwriting, I'm 100% authentic. I'm allowing a glimpse beneath the mask I usually wear in my daily life, a life filled with pain and struggles. It also suggests that you can't always see what’s going on inside a person who appears to be a happy, free-spirited individual.