The human condition is varied and ever-changing. Paradoxically, it is when stories validate the changing nature of life that audiences find stability in their circumstances. Augustine captures the highs and the lows in his songwriting and live music. With an acoustic rendition of “She’s Only Sleeping When it’s Raining,” he handles the difficult topic of depression with grace and empathy in this episode of Eighty Unplugged. Augustine delves into what makes this song so meaningful to his listeners, and why he’s excited to share new music with his community.

Origins

Vince Russo, who performs by his middle name, Augustine, has always loved singing and music. His foray into songwriting as a high schooler laid a strong foundation for what was to come. After taking a break in early adulthood, Augustine found himself back in the scene as a member of a cover band. He enjoyed how live music connected him to the audience. But he had a strong desire to revisit the idea of telling his own stories. This led to the beginning of his solo project. Augustine feels the most alive and in tune with himself when he’s performing. That’s why music is a passion to him more than a business. He’s intentional in a way that breathes care and empathy into each song, each performance, and how he presents himself and his collaborators.

Inspiration

Augustine draws inspiration from life experiences, even ones that aren’t his own. Similar to a previous guest on the podcast, Alyssa Malvoisin, he says he tries to notice meaningful moments and stories that aren’t always at the forefront of popular music. His own catalog is a living document of sorts. Augustine reworked some songs, like “Buy You a Rose,” and “Early Grave,” to reflect both his development as an artist and his understanding of the human condition. It all comes down to a deep love for humanity. Augustine’s ability to uplift others shines brightly in his music and through volunteer work in his Pittsburgh area hometown, Bethel Park.

Style

Weaving themes, stories, and lived moments together, Augustine is an artful lyricist and a talented singer. Some of his favorite musicians include James Taylor, Tyler Childers, and John Denver, and it shows in his ability to capture warmth and life in the same way they have. The themes Augustine explores in his lyrics shape the way he approaches arrangement and mood in his final tracks. He also has a deep appreciation for his fellow musicians. His upcoming studio album, Horizon, incorporates the gifts of vocalists and instrumentalists he genuinely admires and supports. Augustine moves between pop, country, folk, and rock seamlessly and effortlessly.

“She’s Only Sleeping When it’s Raining”

A turning point in Augustine’s life came when he experienced and overcame a deep bout of depression and anxiety. Having known people in his personal life who’d gone through it as well, he wanted to write a track that honestly portrayed what it’s like to be in the throes of darkness. The song is from the perspective of a different person, a character who’s a combination of his own experience and that of someone he knows. Stepping outside of himself allowed him to gain clarity and write lyrics that capture the nebulous space that depression often exists in. While different from his usual approach to word choice, he’s able to successfully use abstraction and imagery to show how mental health is not always straightforward. like drops on the window pane, “She’s Only Sleeping When it’s Raining” is a subtle but powerful song about the storm before the sunlight.

Written by Augustine
Verse 1:
She’s only sleeping when it’s raining
Can’t find the peace in the sunshine
It ain’t worth no explainin’
It’s been this way for quite some time
She’s only sleeping when it’s raining
The rolling thunder she pays no mind
Everyday tasks they are so draining
Wishes she could sit and rest awhile
Chorus:
No one can remember when it all began
But there’s a feeling of desperation,
they don’t want to lose a friend
Everyone thinks that they know how to help
But they never really listen,
never let her be herself

Verse 2:
So she’s only sleeping when it’s raining
Can’t feel the pain when you’re asleep
She’s only sleeping when it’s raining
It’s all she can do, she’s in too deep
Chorus:
No one can remember when it all began
But there’s a feeling of desperation,
they don’t want to lose a friend
Everyone thinks that they know how to help
But they never really listen,
never let her be herself
Outro:
She’s only sleeping when it’s raining
Helps turn the page to the next day
She’s only sleeping when it’s raining
So afraid it’ll always be this way