Fresh from packing out his Northcote Social Club single launch for the whimsical Always Knew, Melbourne / Naarm songwriter and musician Nick Keogh is proud to reveal his beautiful new ballad, Messina – a vulnerable and honest expression of simply being in love.
With its waltzing acoustics and delicately delivered vocals, Messina embraces the tender moments that define a relationship, from driving hours through the countryside to getting your tongue stuck on an icy pole. The track unfolds gracefully, each detailed lyric revealing another layer, before reaching the powerful third act, where Keogh’s emotions spill in a magnificent, cathartic release.
“This song is really special to me. I don’t usually write a lot of love songs,” Nick confesses. “I find it hard to take myself too seriously and be earnest but with this song I tried blending the silly-goofy parts of being in love with the sincere and honest parts of being in a relationship.”
Recorded, produced and mixed with James Seymour at Melrose Place in Melbourne, Messina takes Keogh’s loveable goofball energy and channels it into something genuinely vulnerable. When the soundscape is raw and Keogh’s lyrics are given their moment to shine, it is hard not to be completely engrossed in every single line he sings.
“These lyrics are really personal to me. My favourite thing I’ve ever written is the 2nd verse and it was inspired by a trip to my cousin’s wedding out near the farm where I grew up. My partner, who is vegan, was excited to see all the sheep but didn’t know why they were all standing around this big factory. She genuinely wanted to know where they were going, so I said they were on their way to Coles,” laughs Nick.
The song’s repeated closing line, “trust me, I’m trying” is an honest acknowledgment that, despite his feelings, Keogh doesn’t always get it right. It’s his way of owning up to his imperfections while showing his dedication to becoming better for the person he loves. The outro serves as a fitting reward for listeners who’ve stayed with Keogh on this journey, with its stirring instrumentation proving more satisfying than a lemon gelato on a warm Melbourne day.
With Messina, Keogh serves up a track that is heartfelt and utterly authentic – and luckily available in more than one scoop.
With thanks to Habit Music
