Beth Snapp’s new single “Don’t Apologize” is available June 25 from NewSong Recordings.
Beth Snapp, a sharp-witted and soulful songwriter from Kingsport, TN, is releasing her new EP, Don’t Apologize, on NewSong Recordings August 31. The first single and title track of the EP is out today on Spotify and iTunes. Pre-order the full EP on iTunes, and receive the single as an instant gratification download. Don’t Apologize is a collection of soothing and supple melodies, underscored by a bracing backing band. The songwriting strikes deep, as the musician shares universal messages of love and acceptance from a well of personal experience.
Snapp was a semifinalist in the NewSong songwriting competition in 2017. That experience led her to meet NewSong founder Gar Ragland and eventually record her forthcoming EP with NewSong Recordings. The EP was produced and mixed by Ragland, engineered by Grammy winner Julian Dreyer, and recorded at Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, North Carolina.
“I feel like my career is just beginning,” says Snapp. “I’ve laid some groundwork, but now I’m at a jumping off point, and it’s time to jump.”
We asked Snapp some questions about her forthcoming EP, Don’t Apologize.
I’d love it if you could speak to the EP name, “Don’t Apologize.” What does it mean to you, and what was the inspiration behind it?
“Don’t Apologize” is the name of the title track; however, it really became the overarching theme of both this project as well as my current place in life. I think thanks to certain millennial stereotypes, there is plenty of coverage regarding the entitled, and yes that is an issue. However, I think far on the other side of that spectrum, is a place we often find ourselves in where we begin apologizing for things we have no business apologizing for. We get insecure, we listen to the voices in our head (or sometimes the voices around us) and suddenly we aren’t just ashamed of our character flaws – we become ashamed of our character. We become ashamed of trying new things, putting ourselves out there, being vulnerable…and that has to stop. SO. Don’t apologize – ever — for loving yourself, loving your neighbors, and trying to pour some of that love into this broken world.
What was your songwriting process like for the album?
Relatively quick, actually! All the songs were written at a time when I was sort of on the other side of a storm. I was really starting to enjoy life again, and I was finding new purpose. This new chapter for me was also coinciding with a period of time when our country and its people were stressed, fearful, and at times attacking one another. It’s silly, not only to let fear grip your entire life, but to also risk relationships with one heated moment in time. That time will pass, but the friendship gap might not. So, as I was waking up, I just wanted other people to wake up as well! I wanted to send a message that we are all OK. I think I wanted it so badly the theme for the EP, the content, and the lyrics just poured out. And within no time at all, I was ready to record!
What was your experience recording at Echo Mountain Studios?
Gar’s production was vital to this project – his patience, ease of communication, and direction led the EP down the road it needed to be on. He understood the message, and how to portray that message in the style and arrangement of the music. Also, being able to record at Echo Mountain Studios was basically a dream come true. The equipment, aesthetics, and staff were incomparable.
Are there any songs in particular you are excited about?
I suppose my favorite song is “the Princess Dream.” It’s a personal story – how I grew into myself, and learned to accept and love myself despite growing pains. What I love the most is the more we played the song live, the more women who have come to me to tell me it’s their story too. It feels connected, and if the song was as healing for them as it was me, I’ve done something worthwhile.
If there is one thing your fans should know about this album, what is it?
It’s the message. Don’t Apologize! This is a reminder – be kind to yourself, love yourself, love the folks around you. If we all spread that love, one soul at a time, think what we could do for this hurting world! We often feel so powerless, but this is a small but important way to gain the power and help our communities. Whatever that means to you is fine because we all have different ideas of what that means. It doesn’t matter. Just do it. And remember it all starts with accepting and loving yourself as the perfectly imperfect soul that you are.
Do you feel this work is a departure or continuation of your previous work? How so?
It’s a departure in that the content is a bit more uplifting than past projects – BUT – it’s a continuation of my personal journey, and therein lies the connection. Life is a little different, my perspective has shifted, I’ve got a few more miles under my belt, and I want to share that.
Learn more about Beth and stay up to date with her performance schedule at bethsnapp.com.
