Concerning the lyrics, “Hookups, Hangovers, & Heartbreak” was created from a whirlwind of life changes and relationships, and all the different versions of myself I experienced through the course of the last 2 years. In regards to the soundscape and sonic stylization, I have been honing my pop sound since the fallout of my Sony-Kemosabe record deal with numerous singles and EP releases over the last 6 years. This record is the culmination of those efforts and ultimately a pause and reflection point in my journey as an artist.
This is the first time I’ve released this many songs on my own. I wrote, recorded, and produced nearly all of the content myself. It feels very honest, especially the sad songs. They helped me get through some tough breakups and allowed me to compartmentalize my pain. Music has always been an outlet for my emotions, whether positive or negative, and this record provided me with an escape from my inner turmoil.
Throughout the process of creating my album “Hookups, Hangovers & Heartbreak,” I went through many different versions of myself. Despite the wide variety of vibes and moods present in each song, they all seem to fit together nicely under the album’s title.
Christian Burghardt Creative Process
When I write a song, I typically begin with the chords. Finding chord structures that lead to melodic inspiration and freedom is the spark I’m searching for. Once I have the chords or progression I like, I then start to figure out the rest of the song, such as the tempo, drums, instrumentation, vibe, and melodies. The order in which these elements come together can vary and often changes throughout the process.
Sometimes I’ll write a few chords, a hook with melody and lyrics, and then set it aside for months. When I return to it later, I’ll feel new inspiration and end up writing an entire song around those parts. Overall, my creative process varies, but I usually start with the chords.
Messages From the Album
The tracks on “Hookups, Hangovers, & Heartbreak” will resonate with those currently going through or who have experienced tough breakups. My vocal performances and lyrics showcase genuine pain and emotional turmoil. Listeners will connect with the sentiments because they were authentic for me, and I held nothing back in conveying my emotions. The album also features upbeat, seductive tracks like “Blow My Mind” and “Wet Dream,” which evoke distinct emotions. Additionally, songs like “Fall” capture the euphoric feelings of infatuation and the honeymoon phase of a relationship. Listening to my finished product, I am very pleased with the diverse range of emotions and production styles present on this record.
Choosing which songs to include on “Hookups, Hangovers, & Heartbreak” was a challenging process. With over 20 songs to consider, I carefully selected those that best fit the album’s theme and my overall vision. I was also looking for a certain level of polish in terms of production, recording quality, and vocal delivery. Unfortunately, some tracks didn’t meet these standards and had to be cut. However, I plan to release some of these songs in future projects where they are a better fit thematically.
Favorite Album Songs
My favorite songs on “Hookups, Hangovers, & Heartbreak” are constantly changing. Initially, “My Head” was my top pick because of its emotional rawness. However, as I processed my breakup, my affinity for that song waned. Currently, I’m really loving “Fall.” The slow, pulsating tempo and breathy, whisper-like vocals perfectly capture the feelings of new love. I believe that it will resonate well with my fans.