Big Sigh Explained
Big Sigh is the fourth studio album by English musician Marika Hackman. It was released on 12 January 2024 through Chrysalis Records.
Background and singles
Following a tough period of time in lockdown, Hackman was left wondering if she would ever write again.[1] After a journey back from a "creative dry spell", Hackman would start producing a new record alongside Sam Petts-Davies and long-term collaborator Charlie Andrew. The musician would also play every instrument except for brass and strings.[2] Compared to its predecessor Any Human Friend (2019), Big Sigh took a wholly different approach on songwriting about themes like "love and sex". Instead of celebrating "sexy fun and visceral, rank hotness", the album talks about the topic in a more "sensitive" and "thoughtful" way.[3] Big Sigh took a "long time to make", an experience she described as "not easy" and had to have it "sit in its own space" after she finished it.[4] Referring to it as the "hardest album" she had to write, it tackles topics including love and loss, mental health and the attempt at finding balance.[5]
The lead single "No Caffeine" was released on 8 September 2023, a song that finds Hackman "in fetal position" struggling with "anxiety" likened to an "abusive partner" while trying to prevent a panic attack.[6] "Hanging" was released as the second single alongside the album announcement on 11 October. The song reflects on a "past relationship" and a subsequent situation that leaves you unable to move "into the next stage of your life".[7]
Personnel
Musicians
- Marika Hackman – vocals, guitar (tracks 1–5, 7–10); synthesizer (1–5, 7–9), piano (1, 2, 4–9), strings (1, 2, 7), programming (1, 5), percussion (2–5, 7–9), bass guitar (2–5, 8), drums (2, 3, 5, 8), recorder (4), arrangement (5, 7, 9)
- Sam Petts-Davies – synthesizer (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7), drums (5), arrangement (9)
- Richard Watkins – French horn (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 9)
- Andy Wood – trombone (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 9)
- Dan Newell – trumpet (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 9)
- Bruce White – viola (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Rachel Robson – viola (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Ali Dods – violin (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Lucy Wilkins – violin (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Richard George – violin (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Rick Koster – violin (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Ian Burdge – cello (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Sally Herbert – brass (tracks 1, 2), arrangement (5)
- Alfie Johnson – cello (track 3)
Technical
- Marika Hackman – production
- Charlie Andrew – production, mixing (all tracks); engineering (tracks 1, 3, 6, 8, 10)
- Sam Petts-Davies – production (tracks 1–5, 7–10), engineering (3, 4, 8)
- Emma Marks – engineering (tracks 1, 2)
Notes and References
- Web site: Marika Hackman Announces New Album Big Sigh & Shares New Single. Major. Michael. BroadwayWorld. 11 October 2023. 21 November 2023.
- Web site: Marika Hackman announces new album Big Sigh, shares "Hanging". Pearis. Bill. BrooklynVegan. 11 October 2023. 21 November 2023.
- Web site: Marika Hackman releases her new single "Slime" in anticipation of her new album Big Sigh. Toohey. Ali. Hot Press. 8 November 2023. 21 November 2023.
- Web site: Marika Hackman Announces New Album Big Sigh, Shares "Hanging". LaPierre. Megan. Exclaim!. 11 October 2023. 21 November 2023.
- Web site: Marika Hackman Announces New Album Big Sigh. Murray. Robin. Clash. 11 October 2023. 21 November 2023.
- Web site: Marika Hackman Shares Video for New Song "No Caffeine". Redfern. Mark. Under the Radar. 8 September 2023. 21 November 2023.
- Web site: Marika Hackman – "Hanging". Breihan. Tom. Stereogum. 11 October 2023. 21 November 2023.
