see you. - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Justin and Vanessa of see you.. We discussed their new song “Algorithm & Blues”, lyrical inspiration, plans for more music, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
J: Thanks so much. We really appreciate your support and interest in our little project.
V: Yeah, thanks! It’s been fun workin’ on this stuff.
I saw when you shared that you were in the studio working on your new single “Algorithm & Blues” earlier in the year. Can you tell me about the recording process?
J: Yep, it’s out May 2nd. It’s somehow been like 7 months since we put out our first single “Doom Or Bloom” last September and we planned to have this one out a while ago. We had gone back and worked with Dave Piatek (No Pressure, Light Years) for this in early January and honestly had just been waiting for the mix back since then.
In the studio, Dave pretty much had us totally re-write the song because the original version was kind of short and unconventionally structured, which we dug because it was unique, but he didn’t really get it. What we ended up with is cool too though. Just wish we could have gotten it out a few months sooner.
V: Like Justin said. Our first track “Doom” was textbook in and out, this process required a bit more fleshing out. I still love the original we came in with, but it didn’t translate well due to me just straight up ignoring a click track for some of my instruments; I don’t think it sounds weird but I noticed quickly that we weren’t going to be able to translate it perfectly.. so it went from this really short, sub 2 min noodly mess of a bop (still loved it) to a more streamlined, almost Northstar like track. I think it turned out pretty great albeit different from our initial expectations.
That’s a pretty interesting song title. Who came up with it and could you tell us a bit about the meaning?
J: “Algorithm & Blues”, a play on Rhythm & Blues, I randomly thought of a while ago to possibly use as a song title. Vanessa already had names for the first batch of instrumentals she wrote before I added vocals to them. I feel bad changing the titles to vibe more with the lyrics, so know what I come up with better be good.
V: Justin should feel bad, my tracks had banger names! I still call them the originals when I refer to them, but this is a collaborative process and I’ve sat on these bad boys for years. Justin’s given me the opportunity and confidence to finally release them in a new way. Only half of the tracks or so I sent had vocals, and in this project we’ve chosen to rewrite the lyrics; it’s only fair Justin gets a chance to collaborate there too. I’m sure there’s a track or two that will keep their titles.
This song has a slightly different vibe than your previous song. Stylistically, what were you going for with the song?
J: So far each of the songs we’ve written kind of have their own vibe. Probably because Vanessa and I both have a broad range of influences, even if mostly under the punk and emo umbrella. Our first single was fast paced and more punk rock, so we thought it would be cool to put out our more “Midwest emo” song next to show a little of our range right out of the gate.
V: Agreed, we just want to write tracks that resonate with us. This track was a bit more punky before and kind of mellowed out in the process, but we traded a short punch for a wall of sound and kept the twinkly guitars. We know the base sound we want for our project, but we’re more than happy to try new things from something traditional, out of genre, or just straight abstract. I don’t think you’d be surprised if you heard these tracks on the same record had we gone that route.
I really like the lyrics a lot. What were your lyrical inspirations?
J: The first verse is about disassociating and a fantasy of feeling freedom from the existential dread, regret, frustration and societal pressures that plague us.
The second verse is about getting to a place where we could finally be proud of ourselves and feel a sense of accomplishment or validation. The choruses, in contrast, are about my wife driving us around on the weekends (because she gets motion sickness when I drive), like going thrifting and out to eat and living in the moment trying to enjoy life. I always try to sprinkle in something uplifting along with the purge of inner turmoil. Of course the beauty of lyrics though is different ways they could be interpreted.
V: I also get motion sick when Justin drives. I leave the lyrics mostly to Justin and I’ll toss some occasional ideas or suggestions, but I think we come from a lived perspective, and we sing about what comes after the growing up. We’re adults, both married people, so really it feels like our topics are gonna have a wide breadth and hit on. This track in particular also reminds me of my wife; she’s my best friend and she can take me anywhere she wants to, I’m cool with whatever ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Do you have a favorite lyric or musical moment from the song? Why?
J: Probably the little guitar part and “Woo!” before the last chorus. Never underestimate the power of a well-placed “Woo!”.
V: Never underestimate the woo. I also love the little ahhs you’ll hear in the pre-choruses behind the “take me take me” part.
What’s coming up for the band for the remainder of 2025? Are you planning more releases? If so, what can you tell us so far?
J: We’re planning on releasing more music, and more consistently. Maybe put out an EP or something instead of just singles. We’d love to get a full live band together and play some shows soon.
V: This is what we discussed over tacos! Between demos and new tracks, we have plenty to choose from.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?
J: Just that we really appreciate this, and if you dig us to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop with what we’ve got cooking.
V: Thanks for the platform! We hope everyone will be patient with us as we release new music, and we hope to churn it out a bit faster for y’all!
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