Songwriting is a means of expression, a way to connect with others, a salve for the soul, and an all-encompassing lifestyle. Our latest guest, Walkney, is passionate about his craft in a way that embodies all those traits. He's a seasoned musician and vocalist with the ability to add the right amount of honest vulnerability to each song he brings into the world. It's especially fitting that he chose to premier an acoustic version of his song, “Emotion”. In this episode, he breaks down the lyrics and gives us a glimpse into his songwriting process.

His Life’s Work

Walkney took an interest in writing poetry and playing guitar at a young age, influenced by the "emo" scene of the late 2000s and early 2010s. He and his best friends started a band together, and he got to live his dreams as a touring artist from the age of 16. He managed the ebbs and flows of the music industry until the pandemic years brought everything to a halt. He describes it as a time of reinvention for himself and his music. Walkney was able to enjoy songwriting for the love of it, feeling grateful for his opportunities and creating a balanced approach. Now, he has plans to release more singles, an album slated for fall, and to reunite with his original bandmates to kick off the start of his touring season.

The Emotional Soul

His influences may come to a surprise to some listeners. Walkney cites Amy Winehouse, Muddy Waters, and Michael Bolton as his inspirations. Why? Blues and soul express pain and deep introspection that connects with people in a genuine way. This connection is something he values, and he sees how these genres reflect similar themes as the "emo" music he grew up on. His audience expressed that his vocal tone has a kind of "pain" in it that lends itself well to a more bluesy delivery. He writes songs in a variety of genres, blending the grit and soulfulness into music that's truly his own.

Songwriting Stewardship

Songwriting can be a more traditional exercise when it needs to be. But Walkney's favorite sessions are ones that sometimes feel “like magic”. Other artists featured on Eighty Unplugged, like Alyssa Hankey, express a similar phenomenon. He says he is sometimes in awe of how songs come to him, almost as if they come through him. Walkney is the songwriter, but he's also aware that there's more to it than just him and his abilities. He sees being lucky enough to be a kind of "vessel" as a way to stay humble and grateful.

“Emotion”

From instrumental to final production, Walkney says the process of songwriting can have you "falling in love with the song as you write it." This makes sharing it all the more intense. His acoustic performance of "Emotion" reflects a similar intensity. It explores themes of unrequited love, giving your all to someone, and acknowledging mistakes made in relationships. He wrote the lyrics process-of-thought style. It starts with a bird's eye view of the pain we all experience, slowly zooming in on the emotional distress of a romantic relationship. He believes, over time, songs like this become more about the life lesson than the situation. He says "growth happens in the valleys," and "Emotion" takes us through the growth in the most satisfying way.

Written by Walkney
Verse 1:
Was it cold out there away from me
The world’s unfair
We all needs
Everybody stares
Everybody sees
Everybody’s scared
Everybody bleeds
Chorus:
Enough emotion
The love’s not there
We both raised voices
What you’re owed is out there

Verse 2:
Did I buy you time
Was it make believe
And I know you’re fine
What about me
You had me on a line
I thought that you cared
When I needed mine
It was not there

Chorus:
Enough emotion
The love’s not there
We both raised voices
What you’re owed is out there
It’s out there
Outro:
Please don’t waste my time