"Yellow Nights" is an elegant yet heartbreaking ballad that delves into the pain and toxicity lurking on the other side of love. Yellow Couch Music's latest single captures this raw emotion, with drummer/producer Layton Weedeman leading the way in its composition and production, drawing from an eclectic mix of influences.
“The groove for this song was inspired by the rhythmic complexity I was exploring. I went into the studio and laid down the drums, focusing on a chilled, groovy instrumental vibe,” Weedeman recalls. “It has a somber atmosphere and is in a 6/8 time signature—my favorite. There's something deeply hypnotic about playing in 3 or 6. One of my music teachers once described playing in 6 as feeling like a parallel dimension, and that idea really resonates with me.”
Once the groove was locked in, Weedeman knew the song needed a compelling voice to bring the lyrics to life and elevate it to new heights. Singer-songwriter Bradley Valentin was the perfect choice.
“I knew I wanted a male voice to sing over it. One evening, while sitting on my yellow couch and reflecting on the song, it suddenly hit me to reach out to Isai Florez, a drummer who worked with Bradley, for an introduction. Within minutes, I sent Bradley a text, shared a snippet of the track, and he responded immediately, eager to collaborate.”
Weedeman and Valentin met in person to record the vocals, sharing stories of their own relationship experiences. Valentin’s heartfelt lyrics about abuse and emotional scars gave “Yellow Nights” the emotional depth it needed. The track was further enriched by Pedro “AKN” Aquino’s soulful guitars and a deceptively simple bassline played by Grant Zubritzky (Brittany Howard, Tegan & Sara, Dua Lipa). Together, these elements create a unique fusion of R&B, jazz, and rock, making "Yellow Nights" a truly captivating experience. - John Morrison
Written by L.Weedeman, B. Valentin, G. Tesch, P. Aquino
Produced by LHW
Mixed by Jeff Berner
Mastered by Alex DeTurk
Recorded by Layton Weedeman, Jeff Berner & Pedro Aquino
Arranged by Layton Weedeman
Drums: Layton Weedeman
Bass: Grant Zubritsky
Keys & Synth: Grady Tesch
Guitar: Pedro Aquino
Vocals: Bradley Valentin
Artwork by Surambika Pradhan & Dovel Studios
Photos by Shen Williams-Cohen & Isaiah Vasquez