The Script on Crafting ‘Satellites’: A Deep Dive into Their Creative Process
Photography: Jordan Rossi
We caught up with The Script to discuss the creative process behind their latest album, Satellites. With the new single “At Your Feet” capturing the essence of the band’s unique ability to blend powerful emotions with soaring melodies, we delve into the stories and inspirations that shape their music.
You mentioned that the idea for ‘At Your Feet’ came from a football pundit’s comment. Can you describe the moment when you realised you could turn that phrase into a song, and how you transformed it into a powerful lyric?
The Script: I sat there at the TV and realised I heard something that could be made into a very emotional song about giving back to the people who help us through life. So I used the phrase as the last line in the chorus and then worked my way back from there to set up the story. It was all really natural.
Was there a change in your creative process this release when compared to your previous records?
The Script: No, I went about it the same way as always. Wait for the inspiration to hit, then try to nurture it until the idea is finished. I always try to write the words that go around and around in my head over the course of a year and emotionally try to leave it all on the recording both melodically, lyrically, and musically.
The chorus for ‘At Your Feet’ was penned in five minutes. Are you regimented with your songwriting, or do you prefer to wait for inspiration to strike?
The Script: I write every day, sometimes good, sometimes bad. It just depends on what I have going on in my life. I find the best things are normally uncovering a truth in a moment of desperation, so I normally have to have things going on in my life in order to create a piece of work that really has meaning on every level.
You’ve been honoured with a BRITs Billion Award for a billion domestic streams. Is that a number of listens you’re able to comprehend or do you prefer not to?
The Script: We’ve been nominated for 4 BRITs and they never gave us one, so I feel like this award was handed to us by the people that matter, the public. Without them, we’d be nothing. That number of people listening to your music is very humbling and extraordinary at the same time. I prefer not to think about it and just move on to the next song.
You’ve been on a world tour as special guests to P!nk and have an upcoming tour. How does performing live influence your songwriting and recording processes?
The Script: It’s great to see the effect your songs have on an audience and you can really tailor melodies for a crowd. For the first time, I was inspired by crowd melodies. I’ve heard big, easy melodies soar and sound great with hundreds of people singing them at gigs or football matches. It’s so inspiring.
What would you say was the most challenging song to write on this record and why?
The Script: “Gone” was the hardest as it’s about Mark. Even talking about it is still hard. Getting down on paper—your emotions about how you deal with grief is so hard, but I feel I’ve said a lot of what he meant to me. I hope everyone else appreciates it as a window into the heart when something like this happens.
What would you say has been the most challenging aspect of your creative journey to overcome?
The Script: Being sure about what you’re saying, enough to put music to it and present it to the world. I had a team to help with that with Mark, etc., so now it’s just me calling the shots and picking the singles, etc. There was safety in numbers before, but now it’s a lot harder as every decision falls back on you and you alone, lol.
What is one message you hope to convey with this album?
The Script: The message I want to convey changes from song to song, but overall it’s about staying positive in a world full of negativity. We’ve always looked on the bright side of life and will always. Optimism in the face of tragedy. It’s the only way to live and make sense of any of it.
What is your FAULT?
The Script: I care too much, lol. Joking—I’m a perfectionist and don’t really want to release anything until I’ve messed with it a zillion times. I love reimagining productions and go through a phase where I second-guess everything. It’s very frustrating for those around me, but at the end of the day, you have to make yourself happy.