Each Measure Feature: Rebecca Anderson
FEATURE
Rebecca Anderson describes her art as driven by “a desire to create music that offers hope and encouragement in challenging times.” Her most recent single, “Lay It All Down,” exemplifies this mission beautifully. It’s a powerful hymn of vulnerability and conviction tired together by an expressive and hypnotic soundscape.
This track, which was released on May 9th of this year, follows Anderson’s previous single, the heartfelt “In the Beginning.” In keeping with the rest of Anderson’s catalogue, “Lay It All Down” is an achingly soulful ballad inspired by the singer’s unwavering faith.
Both musically and lyrically, “Lay It All Down” is a song of hope. It describes the freedom that comes with surrendering ourselves to our faith in God and accepting what we can’t control, no matter how frightening they may seem. According to the singer, “In the processes of writing ‘Lay It All Down,’ I was in a wrestle with the truth that while we have a certain amount of influence on our circumstances, there are so many things that simply require us to release our grip, give it to God and simply trust. It’s in the act of surrender that we can truly find the peace to navigate life’s journey, no matter what we may fact.”
With a soaring vocal melody, steady rhythm, and passionate backing choir, Anderson draws upon the established traditions of soul and gospel music. However, her use of electronic instruments and production techniques adds an ethereal atmosphere that makes the song feel more modern while taking nothing away from the raw power of Anderson’s vocals.
Overall, “Lay It All Down” feels like a lullaby for the soul. Anderon’s songwriting is poignant reminder of how music can be used as a tool of healing in times of suffering, and “Lay It All Down” is a “listen more than once” kind of song. While Anderson continues to work on her upcoming debut album, “Citizen of Heaven,” we’ll be turning to her music as a reminder to seek wisdom and acceptance in the chaos of daily life.
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