I Found A Monster by Seth Schaeffer is like a thunderclap in a silent room, it pulls you into its cinematic, raw world with the first note. Having worked as a filmmaker and composer in his hometown of Nashville, Schaeffer brings his narrative skills to this first single to create a sound that is both eerie and empowering. The song is a personal epiphany, as the orchestral swells are contrasted with gritty, murmured guitars to create an atmosphere of tension that I could not get out of my mind long after the song had finished.
His voice is the core of the matter- intense, emotional, and completely believable as it makes its way through the depths of the song. There is a weakness in his voice that reflects the theme of fighting inner demons and accepting yourself which makes it seem like he is singing to the part of you that has been waiting to come out.
The instrumentation takes it to another level: brass horns accentuate the drama as a film score, and the strings are also eclectic, but still fit together. It has a smooth production that is clear as a bell and pulls you further into its dark and yet energizing atmosphere.
The most impressive thing to me is how Schaeffer takes inspiration in such composers as Hans Zimmer with his epic emotions and Trent Reznor with his textural edge and makes it his own. Other collaborators such as Emily Hatch provide haunting layers with her vocals and the string and trumpet parts add a sense of vibrancy or primitivism.
This is not only music, it is a call to personal empowerment, to take off the masks and live courageously. Amidst a world of generic songs, I Found A Monster is a song that is not easily forgotten and gives you that inner fire that we all need to get going. It is the type of song that makes me understand why I love music so much- it is transformative, genuine, and so human.
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