Deep Dive: Sally Dige – Sow the Path

We are big fans of Berlin-based Sally Dige who, ahead of her new album, has treated us to a new single, Sow the Path.

Longstanding fans of singer/songwriter/producer will note the more organic sound of the song, but it is still Sally Dige at her best, every note and nuance laden with passion and meaning, with the focus always on the craft of songwriting itself.

A big thank you to Sally Dige for taking part in our ongoing Deep Dive series.

Genesis of the song and lyrics

I had this idea with the album to focus each song around one or two “star instruments.” For Sow the Path, I chose the strings (violin and cello) as my star instruments. The original concept was to make it a fragile and emotive track with a piano base, building strings, harp plucks, and layered vocals.

While recording and editing the song, I played it against a click drum beat. I liked the stripped-down version, it felt very intimate and emotional, but hearing that beat made me curious to hear a more traditional “pop” version with drums. So, this version of Sow the Path is that, or maybe instead of “pop,” it’s more of a post-punk version (laughs).

While writing the lyrics, I was really into haiku poetry, though I’m not sure if that influence is noticeable in the final version. I also wanted to continue in the lyrical direction of I Will Be the Sun for You, of exploring the theme of our inner strength and the power we can draw on, even during difficult times.

Instrumentation and recording

Most of the recording was done in my home kitchen studio. The vocals were a bit of a challenge as I recorded them while I had COVID (laughs).

This track was one of the songs on the album where I felt the need to bring in a co-producer, as I was starting to burn out working on both versions – the original version and this more “pop” version. Recording and editing all those layers of guitars, strings, vocals, and other instruments just became overwhelming.

Eventually, I brought in Ådne Meisfjord to co-produce the song with me. He also mixed one of my earlier tracks, It’s You I’m Thinking Of. The instrumentation includes electric guitar, 12-string guitar, live drums combined with electronic drums and percussion, live cello, live violin, synth pads, and other string elements.

With this track I had the honour of working with some amazing musicians: Martha Rose on violin, Sebastian Selke (Brueder Selke, CEEYS) on cello, Tobias Humble (Gang of Four, Sean McCartney) on live drums, and Kari Jahnsen (Farao, Ultraflex) on backing vocals alongside me and a local Berlin choir.

A stripped-down version of the song will also appear on the upcoming album as Sow the Path (Strings Version).

Making the video

I love making music videos! The video for Sow the Path was shot during the Christmas holidays in North Vancouver, Canada, at the theatre of my old high school. It was so special, funny and weird to shoot in my old school theatre because it was the school that my brother got kicked out of, and that I transferred out of l because of having a hard time fitting in the mainstream school system.

My brother Max Train, who’s a filmmaker, did the shooting and cinematography. It’s a very DIY music video, with family members and old friends helping out. During the nights prior to the shoot, I was painting waves props and hunting gear and extra props for the shoot. 

Where does this particular track fit within your wider body of work?

I think Sow the Path continues in the same direction as It’s You I’m Thinking Of and I Will be the Sun for You. It introduces new organic sounds but also takes a bit of distance from the earlier electronic sound.

What are you up to in the coming months?

The full album is coming out on July 11th – woohoo! This will be the very first physical release on my own label, Dige Records, and it will be available on three different vinyl colour options, as well as on limited cassette and CD. I’m also working on building a live setup, hopefully with additional live musicians. I’m really looking forward to playing shows again!

Sow the Path can be streamed on Bandcamp and Spotify. For album news, be sure to follow Sally Dige on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.