Behind The Tracks: Emma Peridot - Could've Been (Single) (2022)

I wrote Could’ve Been way back in 2018 or 2019. It started the same way most of my songs do, just playing some chords on my acoustic guitar and humming random melodies until I found one I liked, then writing lyrics to it. Lyrically, the song is about wondering what could have been between you and a lover if the circumstances would’ve allowed you to pursue your relationship. I think a lot of us have been in a situation where we really liked someone but it was just the wrong place, wrong time, etc. But instead of writing a sad song about it, I wanted the song to have a happy vibe. Because in my situation, I was so glad I got to spend time with that person, even if it was short-lived.

At that point I took the song to my producer and we started building out a full track. I wasn’t totally sure what direction I wanted to take it sonically at the time, so I actually shelved it for a couple years. Then right at the start of 2020 when Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia album came out, I listened to that album on repeat for a few months, and it occurred to me that I should revisit Could’ve Been and add that disco/80s flare to it. I went back to my producer and we tracked real guitar, real bass, used live drum samples, and changed up some of the synths and vocal chops. Making those changes totally took the track to another level! I have also been having a lot of fun collaborating with other artists lately. I showed my good friend Fifth Lucky Dragon the track and he was super stoked about hopping on as a feature, which added another super cool element to it.

Overall, I’m so happy with how the song turned out. I’m really glad that I took the time and was meticulous with all the elements that the song needed to be the best it possibly could be. I hope you enjoy it!