“How Lola Young transformed two acoustic guitar chords into an entire song”
Lola Young’s chart-topping hit “Messy” may sound complex and full of energy, but in reality, the song stemmed from just two simple acoustic guitar chords. The worldwide hit that dominated the UK singles chart and made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 was born out of the straightforward musical structure of moving a C shape up the neck, as Young reveals in a recent video from Mix with the Masters.
Despite its seemingly basic origins, “Messy” evolved into a multi-layered production that incorporated elements from renowned synths like Yamaha, Korg, and Roland. The track’s journey from acoustic simplicity to intricate arrangement took shape in the studio, where Young collaborated with producer Jared Solomon, drummer William Brown, and co-writer Conor Dickinson. The initial slow, folky concept of the song was transformed into a high-energy anthem by adjusting the tempo and adding ’70s-style drums.
As the team neared the end of their recording session, with other songs failing to meet their expectations, they turned to “Messy” as a last-minute endeavor. Despite initial concerns about the increased tempo affecting the delivery of the wordy lyrics, the group’s spontaneous decision to speed up the track led to a breakthrough. The energy and vibe captured in those final studio takes, even though Young was fatigued and losing her voice, conveyed a raw and authentic sound that resonated with listeners.
Young’s desire for “Messy” to have a live, imperfect quality led the team to record the track in a more traditional manner, avoiding excessive looping of parts. This approach allowed for spontaneous moments and unique nuances to shine through in the final mix, enhancing the song’s overall character. The use of a two-chord pattern in “Messy” required a keen focus on dynamics to maintain listener interest, bolstered by the addition of ear-catching synth textures and guitar embellishments.
With nods to iconic synths and guitars like the Yamaha CS-60, Korg MS-20, and the incorporation of spring reverb effects to mimic guitar swells, “Messy” blends electronic and organic elements seamlessly. Despite the track’s intricate production, Young and her collaborators aimed to preserve its authenticity by embracing imperfections and spontaneous musical touches throughout the recording process.
Ultimately, Lola Young’s phenomenal success with “Messy” serves as a testament to the power of simplicity in songwriting and the transformative impact of creative collaboration in the studio. The evolution of a humble acoustic guitar composition into a global smash hit highlights the magic that can unfold when artists infuse their music with passion, innovation, and a willingness to push boundaries.