Business Dinners

Album: Sucker Punch (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Back in 2017, Sigrid had a songwriting session booked in Stockholm with Patrik Berger (Robyn, Icona Pop), Noonie Bao (Charli XCX, Camila Cabello) and producer Martin Stilling. She told them she wanted to write an ode to the Studio Ghibli, the Japanese film company that did Spirited Away. Sigrid explained to Billboard: "They have a lot of weird soundtracks that are amazing. I've always been inspired by that."

    Sigrid asked Berger how they could do it, and they came up with this glitchy, bouncy number. "I don't even know how he made that one squiggly synth sound," she said.

    Sigrid added that the song is virtually the original demo production and vocals. "It's been polished and mixed, but I didn't re-record anything, it was all very on the spot."
  • Lyrically the song is about the pressure that Sigrid puts on herself and also the pressure that comes from elsewhere. It almost acts like a sequel to "Don't Kill My Vibe."

    Business dinners
    You just want me to be
    Pictures, numbers, figures, yeah
    Deeper, smarter
    And I'll just try to be me


    "'Business Dinners' is more general, how it was a bit overwhelming in the beginning with everything happening. This is a song that was written quite early on," she explained to MTV News. "It's a bit of a sassy track."
  • The Independent asked Sigrid if "Business Dinners" is indicative of her experience in the corporate side of the music industry. "Of course I've had really nice business dinners too," she replied, "but the industry sometimes is a bit tough."

    Sigrid elaborated: "I've got to admit the toughest part is actually saying no to stuff. Because I'm very ambitious, and I want to work all the time, and I have so much I want to do and I just always love coming back to the studio."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues

Justin Hayward of The Moody BluesSongwriter Interviews

Justin wrote the classic "Nights In White Satin," but his fondest musical memories are from a different decade.

Eric Burdon

Eric BurdonSongwriter Interviews

The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.