Sleepless by Sui Zhen
Sui Zhen’s ‘Sleepless’ is a song about grief and persevering through it. The track was first conceived in 2018, as a stream-of-consciousness response to her mother’s passing. The catharsis of musical improvisation served as a refuge, a way to navigate the fog of sleepless nights and immense pain. Since then, the track has evolved gradually, transforming through reiteration and further losses – particularly the tragic death of her newborn son in 2021.
At 13 minutes, the piece stretches out like a horizon, more a landscape than a song, mirroring the way grief warps our perception of time. Influences like Sheila Chandra’s ‘Out on My Own’, Can’s ‘Tago Mago’ and Durutti Column’s ‘Fidelity’ have made their presence felt in the recording. Spoken word incantations and melodic hooks weave into pulsing synths, distortion and a mix of live and electronic percussion embracing Sui Zhen’s signature raw emotion and vulnerability.
In the artist’s words: “I could use my voice against the backdrop of beats and bass without needing it to take the shape of words. I would let my sorrow take centrestage”. The self-reflexive lyrics traverse the experience of loss and healing, offering solace to others facing grief, both personal or collective.
Tracklist
| 1. | Sleepless | 13:01 |
Credits
Written, composed, performed and produced by Becky Sui Zhen on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Wadawurrung and Gadubanud Country.
Becky Sui Zhen: Voice, lyrics, Juno-60, Korg-M1, electric guitar, production and arrangement. Casey Hartnett: Yamaha CS1, Therevox synths. Liv Jansz: Bass guitar.
Jay Blynn: Bass guitar & effects. Andrew Noble: electronic drums, Korg Minilogue.
Phil Stroud: Live kit drums.
Mixing, additional production & arrangement by Nao Anzai at Rolling Stock Recording Rooms. Other recording took place in Airey’s Inlet in 2020, Brunswick East 2021 to 2022 and Fall Back Studios in 2019 with Haima Marriott.
Many thanks to all the players who helped to evolve the piece into what it is today; Casey, Andrew, Jay, Liv & Phil - the many jams I have had with you have meant so much to me. Thanks also to the audiences at live shows - you inspired something new in the piece each time you engaged with it, thank you for listening.
License
All rights reserved.
Sui Zhen examines loss on multiple levels, from the death of loved ones to the widespread societal tendency to disappear within the 1’s and 0’s of modern life's tech-driven rush. Her latest track 'Sleepless' was written between the death of her mother and the death of her first born son. Despite the weight it carries, it is a testament of emotional liberation in the face of adversity.