I Blame Myself

Last updated

"I Blame Myself"
Sky-Ferreira-I-Blame-Myself-Single.png
Single by Sky Ferreira
from the album Night Time, My Time
ReleasedJune 9, 2014 (2014-06-09)
Recorded2013
Studio White Bronco (Highland Park, California)
Genre
Length3:57
Label Capitol
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Ariel Rechtshaid
Sky Ferreira singles chronology
"You're Not the One"
(2013)		"I Blame Myself"
(2014)		"Downhill Lullaby"
(2019)
Music video
"I Blame Myself" on YouTube

"I Blame Myself" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her debut studio album, Night Time, My Time (2013). It was released in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2014, by Capitol Records as the second single from the record. [1] The song was written and produced by Ariel Rechtshaid and Justin Raisen, with additional songwriting provided by Ferreira, Daniel Nigro, and Jordan Benik. "I Blame Myself" is an electropop and synth-pop song, in which Ferreira acknowledges that she is responsible for her public image.

Contents

Contemporary music critics commended "I Blame Myself" in their reviews of Night Time, My Time, and placed particular praise on its production. An accompanying music video for the track was filmed in Compton, California, and directed by Grant Singer; it was premiered through Ssense on April 16, 2014. It depicts Ferreira as a gang leader, who is called in to settle a conflict between rivaling groups. She has performed the track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in April 2014.

Background

"I Blame Myself" was co-written by Ariel Rechtshaid (pictured), who additionally assisted with the songwriting and production of each track on Night Time, My Time. Ariel Rechtshaid studio picture.png
"I Blame Myself" was co-written by Ariel Rechtshaid (pictured), who additionally assisted with the songwriting and production of each track on Night Time, My Time.

In February 2014, it was reported that "Boys" would be serviced as the second single from Night Time, My Time , following its lead single "You're Not the One" which had been premiered in September 2013. [2] However, Capitol Records instead released the song as a free digital download in the United Kingdom on March 1, [3] preceding the launch of Night Time, My Time in the country. [4] "I Blame Myself" was confirmed as the official second single from the record in April, while Ferreira was filming its accompanying music video. [5]

"I Blame Myself" was written and produced by Ariel Rechtshaid and Justin Raisen, with additional songwriting provided by Ferreira, Daniel Nigro, and Jordan Benik. Rechtshaid and Raisen additionally collaborated for the drums. Individually, Rechshaid contributed vocal production, while Raisen was responsible for recording, Pro Tools engineering, additional vocals, synthesizers, and mixing. Mereki Beach provided additional vocals for the track, while Jeremiah Raisen assisted during its production. [6]

Ferreira commented that she had co-written the track during summer 2013; she sings "10 years old without a voice / I feel like nothing's really changed / Now I'm just a little older" during the second verse, which she revealed was inspired by a two-year period in which she did not speak because she felt like she had had nothing to offer. [7]

Composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"I Blame Myself"
A sample of "I Blame Myself" in which the chorus is heard.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Drawing from electropop [8] and synth-pop [9] music, "I Blame Myself" incorporates minimalist production elements [8] with styles commonly seen in new wave music. [10] Distinguished as the "poppiest" track from Night Time, My Time, [10] its lyrics see Ferreira accepting that her behavior contributes to the public image she is given by the media; [11] during the chorus, she states "I just want you to realize I blame myself for my reputation." [12] "I Blame Myself" was assumed to have been inspired by the "anthemic pop fizz" from her breakthrough single "Everything Is Embarrassing" from her second extended play Ghost (2012). [12] Jenn Pelly from Pitchfork implied that "I Blame Myself" referenced the struggles Ferreira faced while creating her long-delayed debut studio album; Pelly suggested that the track was inspired by her frequent conflicts with her record label during production of the project, and added that it "lays out the emotional core" of her process. [13] Jillian Mapes from the same publication assumed that Ferreira crafted the song in response to being labeled a "socialite [and] Forever 21 model" and receiving criticism after her drug arrest in September 2013, which she expected would highlight that her side projects "have nothing to do with the kind of songs Ferreira writes these days". [14] "I Blame Myself", in addition to the tracks "24 Hours" and "Love in Stereo", blend "tenderized vocal hooks [and] chiming synth melodies", which reminded Lauren Martin from Fact of 1980s music. [9] With his similar observation, Dan Keenan from Impact noted that the "chiming synths" that Martin recognized developed into the "undeniably cathartic" refrain. [11]

Critical reception

"I Blame Myself" received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. Writing for The A.V. Club , Annie Zaleski called the track the "most stunning song" from Night Time, My Time; she commended Ferreira's "confident" vocal delivery and the "strident tone" of the recording, which Zaleski felt was "deeply affecting." [8] Dan Keenan from Impact felt that its lyrics showcased that pop music is not always equivalent with insincerity. [11] Writing for Pitchfork, Carrie Battan felt that "I Blame Myself" sounded like "an uptempo beast" that deserved to be successful. [12] Jordan Sargent from Spin felt that "I Blame Myself" positively exemplified a "darkness" among the stand-out tracks from the record, which he credited to having her adolescence "drained away by airplane flights, photo shoots, and useless recording sessions". [10] The New York Times ' Jon Caramanica was unsure why Ferreira "[painted] such a dark picture of herself" with the lyrics, and felt that the self-punishment was unnecessary given the strength of "I Blame Myself" and Night Time, My Time overall. [15] John Preston from Polari believed that the track was a worthy substitute for fans that "mourn the overall departure" of the mainstream pop sound of Ferreira's 2010 single "One", and raved that it was an example of "airy and gleaming brilliance". [16]

Two critics from Pitchfork reviewed "I Blame Myself" separately from Night Time, My Time. Jenn Pelly ranked the track as the twelfth-best song released in 2013. She spoke favorably of its lyrical content, commending the chorus lyrics "How could you know what it feels like to fight the hounds of hell?" and "You think you know me so well" for painting Ferreira as an exemplar for "bullied high school weirdos", and appreciating that the lines "I know it's not your fault / That you don't understand / I blame myself" for acknowledging her own wrongdoings with the intention of starting anew. [13] Jillian Mapes complimented the "bluntness" that was delivered throughout the song, and suggested that the track had "anthem potential". She praised the verses for verbalizing self-confidence issues that are often associated with young women, with particular acclaim being placed on the lines "I'm just a face without a choice / Trust you'd never like to guess what I think above the shoulders." She concluded her review by noting that the song should be recognized as a "declaration of force [and] a song about the power of vulnerability" rather than confusing it for an "admission of weakness". [14]

Music video

Ferreira (center) performing with background dancers in the music video for "I Blame Myself" SkyFerreiraIBlameMyselfScreenshot.png
Ferreira (center) performing with background dancers in the music video for "I Blame Myself"

An accompanying music video for "I Blame Myself" was filmed in Compton, California, and directed by Grant Singer. [17] During an interview with Idolator, Ferreira commented that "I can't really give too many details about it yet, but I shot it in L.A. with Grant Singer, who does all my other videos. And my family's in it." [18] A 15-second preview of the project was released on April 14, 2014, [19] while the final product was premiered through the online retailer Ssense on April 16, 2014. [17] [20] It was the first of several "shoppable" music videos released through the retailer, in partnership with London magazine System. [21] The clip was inspired by the visuals for 1990s hip hop music and the catalog of Michael Jackson, which Ferreira revealed "inspire me and played a big part of my childhood." [22]

"Would you feel more at ease if I danced with a bunch [of] blond white boys at a mall? Should I consciously only cast white dancers for now on? If I'm racist does that mean you're pro-segregation?! I'm from LA & shot the video there. I referenced 90s hip-hop videos and Michael Jackson because both of those things inspire me & played a big part of my childhood."

— Ferreira responding to the allegations of racism for the music video of "I Blame Myself". [22]

The video depicts an ongoing conflict between gangs, which Ferreira attempts to remedy upon her arrival; she is eventually taken in for questioning by law enforcement, [22] although she resists her arrest and later escapes from jail. [23] She commented that its concept was inspired by real events, and elaborated that "people always ask me questions about certain things, and it's kind of like my response." Jeremy Gordon from Pitchfork interpreted Ferreira's commentary to be referencing her arrest in September 2013, [24] in which she was charged with possession of ecstasy. [25] Ferreira was criticized on social media networks for allegedly objectifying African-American people in the music video, with whom she was seen dancing with during several scenes interspersed throughout the clip. On her Facebook account, Ferreira commented that "I never have and never will look at any human being as a prop" and criticized false assumptions of the "rich little white girl exploiting the black people and the ghetto". [22]

Live performances

Having appeared as the musical guest that evening, Ferreira performed "I Blame Myself" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on April 5, 2014. She was dressed in a sequined blazer, a white shirt, black shorts, a black tie, and sunglasses. Ferreira stood in place while singing the track; the onstage visuals consisted of several blue and red strobe lights. Having taken place before the music video was made publicly available, she revealed that the visuals for the song had been filmed and would be released shortly. [7]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Night Time, My Time. [6]

Recording

Personnel

  • Sky Ferreira – vocals
  • Ariel Rechtshaid – production, drums
  • Justin Raisen – co-production, recording, Pro Tools engineering, additional vocals, bass, keyboards, drums, synthesizer, mixing
  • Jeremiah Raisen – Pro Tools engineering assistance
  • Daniel Nigro – Pro Tools engineering assistance, additional vocals, keyboards, editing
  • Mereki Beach – additional vocals
  • Chris Kasych – Pro Tools engineering
  • Mark Santangelo – Pro Tools engineering assistance
  • Emily Lazar – mastering
  • Rich Morales – mastering assistance

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zola Jesus</span> American singer-songwriter

Nika Roza Danilova, known professionally by her stage name Zola Jesus, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her music has been noted for combining elements of electronic, industrial, classical, and goth. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, she spent her formative years in northern Wisconsin, where she began writing and recording music independently while attending college. During her second year of studies, she released two singles through the independent label Sacred Bones, followed by two EPs. Her debut album, The Spoils, was released in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Ferreira</span> American singer, songwriter, model, and actress

Sky Tonia Ferreira is an American singer, songwriter, model, and actress. As a teenager, Ferreira began uploading videos on Myspace of herself singing songs she had written, which led to her discovery by producers Bloodshy & Avant and a recording contract with Parlophone in 2009. She released her first extended play, As If!, in 2011, which combined elements of electropop and dance music. Ferreira's second EP Ghost (2012), however, incorporated pop with more stripped-down song structures and featured collaborations with Jon Brion and Shirley Manson, as well as the critically acclaimed track "Everything Is Embarrassing", which she composed with Dev Hynes.

<i>As If!</i> (EP) 2011 EP by Sky Ferreira

As If! is the debut extended play (EP) by American singer and songwriter Sky Ferreira. It was released on March 22, 2011 by Capitol Records, in place of her frequently delayed debut studio album, which eventually became Night Time, My Time (2013). Its lead single "Sex Rules" was released on March 1, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sex Rules</span> 2011 single by Sky Ferreira

"Sex Rules" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her debut extended play (EP), As If! (2011). It was released on March 1, 2011, by Capitol Records as the lead single from the EP. The song was written by Ferreira, Greg Kurstin, Billy Steinberg, and Daniel Lutrell, while production was handled by Kurstin. Looking to transition from the disco music elements seen in her earlier single "17", Ferreira explored electropop and synth-pop styles with "Sex Rules". In the track, Ferreira frankly declares her infatuation for sexual intercourse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charli XCX</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1992)

Charlotte Emma Aitchison, known professionally as Charli XCX, is an English singer and songwriter. Born in Cambridge and raised in Start Hill, Essex, she began posting songs on Myspace in 2008, which led to her discovery by a promoter who invited her to perform at warehouse raves. In 2010, she signed a recording contract with Asylum Records, releasing a series of singles and mixtapes throughout 2011 and 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuclear Seasons</span> 2011 single by Charli XCX

"Nuclear Seasons" is a song by British singer and songwriter Charli XCX taken from her debut extended play (EP), You're the One (2012), and was later included on her debut studio album, True Romance (2013). It was released as the EP's second single on 21 October 2011 through This Is Music, Atlantic, and Warner Music UK. "Nuclear Seasons" was written by Charli, Justin Raisen, and Ariel Rechtshaid, while the latter produced the song.

<i>Ghost</i> (Sky Ferreira EP) 2012 EP by Sky Ferreira

Ghost is the second extended play (EP) by American singer Sky Ferreira. It was released on October 16, 2012, by Capitol Records. It was made available in place of her frequently delayed debut studio album, which eventually became Night Time, My Time (2013). Ghost represents a musical departure from Ferreira's earlier work, which explored more prominent elements of dance-pop. She collaborated with producers including Ariel Rechtshaid, Greg Kurstin, Jon Brion, Dev Hynes, and Blake Mills to achieve her desired sound. Their efforts resulted in a primarily synth-pop record, although it differs from her earlier work in that it sees additional influences from acoustic, indie pop and new wave music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything Is Embarrassing</span> 2013 single by Sky Ferreira

"Everything Is Embarrassing" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her second extended play (EP), Ghost (2012). It was first premiered online on August 30, 2012, and was later released as a single on April 16, 2013, by Capitol Records in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The song was written by Ferreira, Ariel Rechtshaid, and Dev Hynes, while the latter two produced the track. An accompanying music video for "Everything Is Embarrassing" was directed by Grant Singer with no budget; it was premiered through Pitchfork on October 1, 2012, and sees Ferreira singing in various locations throughout Los Angeles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're Not the One</span> 2013 single by Sky Ferreira

"You're Not the One" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her debut studio album, Night Time, My Time (2013). The song was written and produced by Ariel Rechtshaid and Justin Raisen, with additional songwriting provided by Ferreira and Daniel Nigro. It was released as the album's lead single on September 24, 2013, by Capitol Records.

<i>Night Time, My Time</i> Debut studio album by Sky Ferreira

Night Time, My Time is the debut studio album by American singer Sky Ferreira, released on October 29, 2013, by Capitol Records. The album was originally set to be released in 2011, following the singles "17", "One", and "Obsession". However, they became commercial failures and caused her label to postpone the album repeatedly. As a result, many recording sessions were held for the album; some of which went towards two extended plays (EP), As If! (2011) and Ghost (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Lips (song)</span> 2012 single by Sky Ferreira

"Red Lips" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira from her second extended play (EP), Ghost (2012). It was released on July 17, 2012, by Capitol Records. The song was written and produced by Greg Kurstin, with additional songwriting provided by Shirley Manson. "Red Lips" is a pop rock song that describes the emotional deterioration of an individual that Ferreira disliked. It differs from the previous electropop styles displayed in her earlier works; this was deliberately done to prevent Ferreira from being branded in a similar fashion as Britney Spears, which she felt that Capitol Records had intended to do.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys (Sky Ferreira song)</span> 2014 promotional single by Sky Ferreira

"Boys" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira for her debut studio album, Night Time, My Time (2013). It was released on March 1, 2014, by Capitol Records as a free digital download from the album preceding its launch in the United Kingdom. It was written by Ferreira, Ariel Rechtshaid, and Justin Raisen, while it was produced by Rechtshaid and co-produced by Raisen. "Boys" is a pop, grunge, and new wave song that discusses Ferreira's happiness in having found her ideal boyfriend. The track received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics, who complimented its overall production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Ferreira discography</span>

American singer and songwriter Sky Ferreira has released one studio album, three extended plays, 10 singles, three promotional singles, and 15 music videos. She signed a recording contract with Parlophone in 2009, and released the song "One" through the label in 2010. It was written by Ferreira, Bloodshy & Avant, Magnus Lidehäll, and Marit Bergman, and peaked at number 64 on the UK Singles Chart. It was followed by "Obsession" later that year, which was written by Ferreira, Jerrod Bettis, Justin Franks, and Ryan Tedder. It reached number 37 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. During this time, much of her lyrical content incorporated themes of rebellion and teenage romance.

<i>Sucker</i> (album) 2014 studio album by Charli XCX

Sucker is the second studio album by English singer Charli XCX, released on 15 December 2014 by Asylum and Atlantic Records. The album was met with positive reviews from critics, praising its throwback style, and ended up being included on many year-end lists for best albums of 2014. Sucker spawned the singles "Boom Clap", "Break the Rules", "Doing It" and "Famous".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downhill Lullaby</span> 2019 single by Sky Ferreira

"Downhill Lullaby" is a song by American singer Sky Ferreira, released on March 27, 2019, as the lead single from her upcoming second studio album, Masochism. It also was featured on the soundtrack for Promising Young Woman. It is her first original material and single since 2014's "I Blame Myself".

Masochism is the upcoming second studio album by American singer-songwriter Sky Ferreira. Following the release of her long-delayed debut album, Night Time, My Time (2013), Ferreira announced its follow-up, titled Masochism, shortly thereafter. The album's release has been frequently delayed, with intended releases in 2015, 2016 and 2018, with the most recent comments from Ferreira and her mother stating it would be released in 2022. To promote the record, Ferreira released the first single "Downhill Lullaby" in March 2019, and the second single "Don't Forget" in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evil Twin (song)</span> 2019 song by Meghan Trainor

"Evil Twin" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor for her third major-label studio album Treat Myself (2020). It was written by Trainor, Joshua Kear, Ethan Snoreck and Tyler Johnson, and produced by Johnson and Andrew Wells. The track was released on December 13, 2019, as the third promotional single from the album. Backed by electropop production, the '60s-inspired song has lyrics about the wild side of Trainor, that makes bad decisions on her part. "Evil Twin" received critical acclaim upon release, with some critics highlighting it as a standout track on Treat Myself and praising its bold lyrics and disco-influenced production.

<i>Crash</i> (Charli XCX album) 2022 studio album by Charli XCX

Crash is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Charli XCX, released on 18 March 2022. It was her last album to be released under her record contract with Atlantic Records. Charli announced the album title, release date, and artwork on 4 November 2021. Her website was also updated with information about the album's 2022 tour. The album was preceded by the four singles "Good Ones", "New Shapes" featuring Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek, "Beg for You" featuring Rina Sawayama, "Baby" and two promotional singles, "Every Rule" and "Used to Know Me", the latter released as the fifth single in April 2022.

Mereki Rose Beach, better known by her stage name Mereki, is an Australian born UK based pop singer.

References

  1. ↑ "Sky Ferreira Announces New Single 'I Blame Myself' Released In The UK 9th June 2014". Contactmusic.com . April 23, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  2. ↑ Wass, Mike (February 26, 2014). "Sky Ferreira Taps "Boys" As The Next Single From 'Night Time, My Time'". Idolator . Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  3. ↑ Ferreira, Sky (March 4, 2014). "UK // Get Boys on Amazon" . Retrieved April 19, 2014– via Tumblr.
  4. ↑ "Night Time, My Time". Amazon. United Kingdom. March 17, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Sky Ferreira teases 'I Blame Myself' music video – watch". NME . April 15, 2014. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Night Time, My Time (liner notes). Sky Ferreira. Capitol Records. 2013. B001872402.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. 1 2 "Sky Ferreira performs 'I Blame Myself' on 'The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon' – watch". NME. April 6, 2014. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 Zaleski, Annie (October 29, 2013). "Sky Ferreira: Night Time, My Time". The A.V. Club . Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  9. 1 2 Martin, Lauren (October 22, 2013). "Night Time, My Time". Fact . Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  10. 1 2 3 Sargent, Jordan (November 1, 2013). "Sky Ferreira Revels in Her Own Chaos and Exhaustion on Debut Album 'Night Time, My Time'". Spin . Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  11. 1 2 3 Keenan, Dan (March 24, 2014). "Album Review: Sky Ferreira – 'Night Time, My Time'". Impact. Archived from the original on September 18, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 Battan, Carrie (October 29, 2013). "Sky Ferreira: Night Time, My Time". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  13. 1 2 Pelly, Jenn. "The Top 100 Tracks of 2013". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  14. 1 2 Mapes, Jillian (December 5, 2013). "Sky Ferreira's "I Blame Myself" and the Power of Vulnerability". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  15. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (October 30, 2013). "A Singer Is Tough on Herself". The New York Times . Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  16. ↑ Preston, John (October 29, 2013). "Night Time, My Time". Polari. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
  17. 1 2 Ehrlich, Brenna; Midgarden, Cory (April 16, 2014). "Thugged-Out Sky Ferreira Breaks Out Of Jail In 'I Blame Myself' Video". MTV News . Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  18. ↑ Daw, Robbie (April 11, 2014). "Sky Ferreira Reflects On Making Her Album, Talks Miley Cyrus, Nirvana & Instagram: Idolator Interview". Idolator. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  19. ↑ Daw, Robbie (April 14, 2014). "Sky Ferreira's "I Blame Myself" Video: Watch A Preview". Idolator. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Sky Ferreira – I Blame Myself". Ssense. April 16, 2014. Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  21. ↑ Krentcil, Faran (April 14, 2014). "Sky Ferreira's New Music Video Is Shoppable". Elle . Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (April 17, 2014). "Sky Ferreira attacked for 'racist' I Blame Myself video". The Guardian . Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  23. ↑ Ehrlich, Brenna (April 16, 2014). "Thugged-Out Sky Ferreira Breaks Out Of Jail In 'I Blame Myself' Video". MTV News. Retrieved May 1, 2014.
  24. ↑ Gordon, Jeremy (April 17, 2014). "Sky Ferreira Defends Herself Against Accusations of Racism in "I Blame Myself" Video". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 19, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Sky Ferreira Arrested For Drug Possession". The Huffington Post . September 17, 2013. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.