Nathaniel Bellows Returns with ‘Works for Me’

New York Americana artist Nathaniel Bellows is back with his first new single in nearly five years — the upbeat “Works For Me.”

“In this era of personal wellness, terms like ‘selfcare,’ ‘vulnerability’ and ‘boundaries’ have become aspirational notions of living authentically,” shares Bellows on the new single. “‘Works for Me’ is a song about defining one’s own territory (both mentally and physically) despite potential consequences — socially, romantically, professionally. It’s a song for anyone who has come to define — through experience and introspection — the conditions for a safe, sane, functional existence.”

Not only a musician but a widely published poet, novelist and visual artist as well, Bellows began writing music as companion pieces to his other disciplines until he recorded his debut album, The Old Illusions, which turns 10 this year.

 

 

“Works For Me” follows the release of his third album Three in 2020 and finds Bellows more confident than ever in the recording studio as he delivers this upbeat new single that aims to turn loneliness into an empowered state.

Rock & Roll Globe had the privilege to speak to Mr. Bellows about the new single and more in this exclusive chat.

For more information on Mr. Bellows, find him on IG.

 

 

How did you come up with the concept for “Works For Me” as a song?

“Works for Me” arose from reflecting upon the importance of self-knowledge. I realize that sounds lofty and/or pretentious, but over the years, I’ve come to understand what aspects of life make me feel grounded and sane. These revelations might also be a response to some societal trends toward simplification and streamlining—or even the trend toward uncluttering. “Works for Me” became a kind of statement advocating for the elements of life that we can deliberately choose, and which have emerged from time, experience, and introspection.

 

Thematically, the song tackles issues of loneliness pertinent to today’s social climate. Was there a particular instance or situation that inspired the lyrics?

The song takes the notion of loneliness and upends its traditional association and meaning. The line is: “Lonely / Is it lonely / if you’re safe?”— the line repeats at the end of the song and the word “safe” changes to “sane.” The idea here is that: If safety and sanity are an outcome of loneliness… is loneliness a bad thing? Perhaps it shows that periods of solitude or separateness are an asset, because they allow us a greater sense of peace. “Works for Me” wrestles with these ideas and comes out the other side saying: Solitude is valuable; what might have been considered loneliness can instead be viewed as autonomy and independence.

 

Is “Works for Me” a one-off single or are you working on a new album?

“Works for Me” is one of a series of thematically-linked songs I’ve been working on this year. This mini song-cycle explores contrasting notions of protection and autonomy, defensiveness and isolation.

How does songwriting compare or contrast to your other writings in poetry and fiction?

Although I’m a stickler that my lyrics appear/function like a poem on the physical page, writing song lyrics and writing poetry are very different processes for me. The lyrics emerge from a melodic prompt that comes from what I discover on the guitar. From there, the song evolves based on how the music changes, repeats, and refracts. It takes me a long time to write a song—mostly because I’m constantly trying to figure out what the song is actually about. Poems take me a long time, too, but that’s because they are created in silence, rising from a memory, an image, a story, or a fragment. Even though I write narrative poetry, like song lyrics, the germ of the poem often comes from a moment of emotional abstraction. (Fiction is its own thing entirely: I tend to write a lot of prose and then I chop it down — again and again — until it’s a manageable size and I can start to see a beginning, middle and end. At this point, I fine tune and sharpen, knowing that the story — its pacing, economy, arc, and sense of realism — is what’s most important.)

 

What are your thoughts on the state of poetry here in America?

I’ve been heartened and impressed to see so many online poetry communities where people share poems they love and sometimes the poems they write. It’s also encouraging to go into bookstores and see the Poetry sections growing or expanding or being featured, like for National Poetry Month (April). The market for publishing poetry in the US is notoriously difficult, but there are many hardworking, small presses, poetry organizations, and poetry-focused bookstores (like the Grolier Poetry Bookshop in Cambridge, MA) that are devoted to the craft and should be celebrated.

 

Are you concerned about the state of free expression in the United States?

There have been times in recent years where it feels like the freedom of expression is under threat. But in these cases, I try remind myself that the freedom of speech — for better or worse — is explicitly protected by the First Amendment in the Constitution, the bedrock, foundational document that guides our country.

 

Are there any plans to tour?

I’m always thinking about this, as I really love playing this music live. It’s a little tricky to plan a tour given all the things I have going on, but I’d love to organize something on a smaller scale to get out to see more of the country.

 

VIDEO: Nathaniel Bellows “Works For Me”