“Somebody Like You” is the latest single from Toronto based singer, songwriter and producer, BRDGS.
Guided by a guitar loop, this upbeat track captures a love at first sight scenario and its element of social awkwardness.
The single comes on the heels of his previous release, “Dancing Without Music,” which has garnered over 2 million streams across platforms.
We chatted with BRDGS about the single, songwriting and his upcoming EP in 2021.
How did you first get interested in music?
My interest in music started when I was in high school, me and a couple friends decided to start a band, I was originally a drummer but fell in love with songwriting almost immediately!
Where did the name BRDGS come from?
The name BRDGS is a reference to one of my favourite spots in Toronto. It’s near my house and there’s this big bridge that if you walk to the middle there’s an awesome view of the city skyline. I found that view really encouraging when I first made the move into the city.
How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as heartfelt, fun, and charming. I really enjoy trying to express my personality through my music and lyrics and those are three things that I try and emulate every day.
Who did you listen to growing up and are there elements that inspire your music today?
Definitely! The first band I remember loving was Relient K, and you can for sure hear their influence in my songwriting style I think. I love bands that have clever lyrics but also write about honest and sometimes very complicated feelings and situations.
What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “Somebody Like You”?
“Somebody Like You” started as a guitar loop I made, and in my head I was exploring a story of being at a party and seeing someone and just instantly falling for them. I’m pretty socially awkward so I have never been good at capitalizing on things like that, so I wanted to write something around that story and how I’d awkwardly respond were that to happen to me! Haha.
What was the writing process like?
The writing process for this song was pretty quick! Once I found a progression and groove I really liked, a lot of the song came really fast and natural. I always spend a lot of time editing lyrics and melodies before recording a final vocal, but this song came together in probably about an hour in my bedroom.
What usually comes first for you: melody or lyrics?
For me I find it’s usually simultaneous! Sometimes I’ll start with a title idea or central lyric, but often I just play chords and a hook with lyrics and melody will pop into my head. From there I’ll build the rest of the song around it.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to “Somebody Like You,” what do you imagine it looking like?
I think the perfect environment to listen to this song is walking down the street with your headphones in on a sunny day. When the bass kicks in in the first chorus I always feel like dancing and I’m pretty unabashed about dancing in the street when I’m listening to something I really like.
What can fans look forward to next?
Next up I’ve got a couple more singles from this EP which will be arriving in the next few months, and then a new softer/acoustic-y EP I’m just about finished that’ll be released in the new year! Really excited to release all the new music
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
My favourite quote right now is from Shakespeare’s Othello: “How poor are they who have not patience”. I read that recently and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. In every single aspect of life, having patience is such an unbelievable game changer. I try and remind myself of that as often as possible!
Listen to “Somebody Like You” here.