Troye Sivan, an award-winning Australian singer-songwriter, shares the creative journey behind his hit, "One of Your Girls." He delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the influences of queerness and identity in his music. With candid reflections on songwriting struggles and triumphs, Troye discusses collaborating with Leland and Oscar Görres while infusing personal anecdotes. He also highlights the emotional depths explored in the song, making it a relatable anthem for many.
Troye Sivan explores the complexities of queer identity through anecdotes about navigating flirtation and longing amidst masculine norms.
His collaboration with Leland and Oscar Görres highlights how personal experiences and humor can shape a rich songwriting process.
Deep dives
Navigating Queer Identity and Relationships
The song 'One of Your Girls' reflects the nuanced experiences of navigating queer identity, especially in contexts where it intersects with masculinity. Troye Sivan shares anecdotes about his interactions with men who flirt with him while being unsure about their sexuality. The narrative highlights the complexities of these situations, describing some men as 'too cool to be straight' and how this can lead to a longing and melancholy feeling when their true emotions remain unexpressed. Sivan emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for these men while also confronting his own feelings of isolation in the process.
Collaborative Songwriting Process
Troye Sivan's collaboration with longtime friends and producers Leland and Oscar Gores showcases a rich songwriting process fueled by personal experiences. The creative environment in the studio led to the development of a melancholy loop that became foundational for the song. Sivan describes how their discussions and shared experiences sparked ideas, with influences ranging from Adele to Swedish pop culture. This collaborative effort allowed for an organic blending of emotions and sounds, ultimately shaping the chorus and verses into a cohesive piece.
Embracing Humor and Emotion in Music
Sivan demonstrates the successful integration of humor into his music while conveying deep emotional themes. He incorporates playful elements, such as references to queer culture and witty lyrics that resonate with his experiences and community. Moments of levity are blended seamlessly with more poignant reflections, giving the song its unique character. Sivan’s excitement about collaborating with his friends also brings light to the importance of fun in the creative process, making the song relatable and authentic to listeners.
Troye Sivan is a singer and songwriter from Australia. He’s been nominated for a Golden Globe, two Grammys, and he’s won four of Australia’s ARIA awards. His song “My My My!” was a #1 hit on the Billboard Dance Chart, and his third album, Something to Give Each Other, was one of Billboard’s picks for the best albums of 2023. Troye’s also an actor; he was in the HBO series The Idol, which figures into the story that he tells about this song. Troye came to the studio and we talked about how he made one of his big hits, the song “One of Your Girls.” For that song, he worked with two of his longtime collaborators: his frequent songwriting partner, Leland, and producer Oscar Görres.