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Better Days

by Dakota Mill

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    8
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about

Dakota Mill kicks off summer 2021 with the release of their newest single “Better Days”. The seasonally appropriate song is the first of a series of singles to be released from their upcoming full-length record “Earthlicker”. “Better Days” is a song that has had a few different incarnations over the years. The original version was written in 2017 though it remained in songwriter Bradon Dougherty’s song vault until it was rewritten and reworked in order to find it’s final composition in the fall of 2020. Lyrically the song is about departure and the mental conflict between settling into a place that feels comfortable but ultimately doesn’t provide the right kind of happiness, and leaving everything and everyone you’ve known behind. “Better Days” was given additional life when it was brought to musical collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Joey den Butter. In the following months, Dougherty and den Butter would go on to co-produce “Better Days” as well as the remainder of the songs from the “Earthlicker” record. The majority of the production and recording of “Better Days” was completed in Dougherty and den Butter’s home studio in Hamilton. The final tracking and mixing was done at David Partridge's Helm Recording Studios in Haliburton, Ontario and was mastered by Joao Carvahlo at Joao Carvalho Mastering in Toronto. The song begins with a laid back rhythm surrounded by some ever-calming background vocals. The verses are driven by the bass and drum groove and are accompanied by a call and response type lead guitar part that provides a smooth back and forth with the lead vocals. This back and forth can also be heard in the second verse with the guitar part being replaced by a Rhodes keyboard. The choruses open up when the synthesizes and additional background vocals are introduced, providing the listener with an uplifting experience even though the lead vocals remain sombre.

lyrics

I’ve been looking for an excuse to leave and I think I found it today
It seems that nothing is what it used to mean so I guess it’s time for a change
I can’t describe what it is in my mind that is driving me away
Something inside isn’t satisfied maybe I just need some space

But am I running out of time to see a different side of life
Oh I don’t wanna fall behind but I don’t wanna fall in line

I want better days

So here’s goodbye to the woman I love, to my family, and my friends
I think it’s time that we close our eyes and reflect on where we all have been
I for one am thankful for all the support you give
Through thick and thin you’ve held my hand and helped shape the man I am

But am I running out of time to see a different side of life
Oh I don’t wanna fall behind but I don’t wanna fall in line

I want better days
I want better days

So tell me, are you with me for the long haul
Cause I don’t wanna leave if it means what we have will be all gone
So tell me, are you with me for the long haul
Cause I don’t wanna leave if it means what we have will be all gone

But am I running out of time to see a different side of life
Oh I don’t wanna fall behind but I don’t wanna fall in line
Oh am I running out of time to see a different side of life
Oh I don’t wanna fall behind but I don’t wanna fall in line

I want better days
I want better days
I want better days
I want better days

credits

released July 20, 2021
Written by Bradon Dougherty
Compositions by Bradon Dougherty & Joey den Butter
Arrangements by Bradon Dougherty & Joey den Butter
Produced by Bradon Dougherty & Joey den Butter
Engineered by Joey den Butter
Mixed by David Partridge at Helm Recording
Mastered by Joao Carvalho at Joao Carvalho Mastering

Performed by Bradon Dougherty, Joey den Butter, & David Partridge

Artwork by Jill den Butter & Matt Bell
Photography by Matt Guarrasi

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Dakota Mill Hamilton, Ontario

Music is a reflection of society and life within it. Without exception Dakota Mill reflects a wide array of experiences cultivated from personal and social awareness. The Hamilton based indie-folk collective founded and fronted by Bradon Dougherty has been relentlessly writing, recording, and touring since emerging with their 2018 debut EP “Ages”. ... more

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