East Coast folk-rock group Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade release the new single “Snakes and Ladders”. Listen here. “Snakes and Ladders” is about the struggle – taking one step forward and two steps back, rolling the dice, trying to get ahead in the game hoping for a light to shine on your music in this wonderful and crazy business,” says Rhaye. “During a quiet period in my music career, the lyrics for this song came to me. Everyone has these lulls, whether you are an artist or not; and it felt like the right time to share my perspective.”
When it came to putting the song together everything happened quite quickly. “I had the melody and some lyrics started when I presented it to members of The Ramshackle Parade; together, we finished the lyrics and worked on the arrangement.” Rhaye continues, “We were working on pre-production remotely with Dale Murray (producer), who helped to finesse the arrangement.“
The song settled into an eclectic folk feel, similar to Mary Hopkin’s “Those Were the Days” and various songs from Bob Dylan’s Time Out of Mind sessions, a vibe that they had picked up on when they were wrapping up their own Dylan project – Just Like a Woman: Songs of Bob Dylan.
The single is accompanied by a video from Rhaye’s go-to director Jordan Mattie. Watch here. Filmed in one continuous shot in Jessica’s home rehearsal studio with The Ramshackle Parade doing what they do together the best, singing and performing music. Videography, production, and editing by Jordan Mattie. Concept and co-production by Jessica Rhaye.
“Snakes and Ladders” follows the previously released singles “I Won’t Break”, “Come A Little Closer” and lead title track “Sunshine Baby”. Stay tuned for more new music and an upcoming tour announcement!
“Snakes and Ladders” Single Credits
Written by Jessica Rhaye, Bill Preeper, Sandy MacKay, and Clinton Charlton
Produced by Dale Murray with Jessica Rhaye and The Ramshackle Parade
Jessica Rhaye: singing
Bill Preeper: singing, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, accordion
Sandy MacKay: singing, electric & upright bass
Chris Braydon: electric baritone guitar
Jordi Comstock: drums & percussion
Clinton Charlton: Pre-production drums & percussion arrangements
