CURTIS MILLEN – SMALL STUFF

“SMALL STUFF” by Curtis Millen gets its meaning from the small things which can upset an otherwise ordinary day. It highlights how difficult it is to leave your daily worries behind and serves as a timely reminder that minor setbacks don’t merit unlimited attention. The message is simple yet something that can be identified with, as it reflects the common experience of letting small inconveniences follow us home and promotes a more positive attitude towards the everyday demands of life.

An improvised vocal performance creates a personal connection with the subject, conveying the emotion at the heart of its central idea. Instead of dwelling on the everyday pressures, “SMALL STUFF” encourages one to let them go. The connection between the message of the song and its energetic approach gives the release a definite character, enabling its theme to stay understandable without becoming too serious or complicated.

SMALL STUFF is based on retro soul and funk and takes its inspiration from the intense energy linked with James Brown, at the same time pursuing a new creative approach. The fact that it was developed during an initial session in Belfast and then finished in Amsterdam shows various phases of the recording process. The final track demonstrates the collaborative aspect of how it was created while still keeping the vibrant spirit which gives it its musical character.

‘SMALL STUFF’ had already been carried out in the Benelux and Lithuania prior to its official release; it thus had an experience beyond that of the recording studio. The fact that it was included in Curtis Millen’s summer live set enabled the song to evolve as a result of repeated performances and the responses of the audiences. Since it was designed to appeal to both the stage and the dancefloor, the single fuses a common everyday theme with the lively spirit of funk and leaves listeners with a simple yet important idea, that at times moving forward means deciding not to carry the troubles of yesterday into tomorrow.