[INTERVIEW] Portuguese Singer-Songwriter Cristóvam Talks "Golden Days"

Born in Portugal, award-winning singer-songwriter Cristóvam is delivering authentic and raw music to listeners around the globe, but with a delectably modern twist.

Finding his greatest inspiration in wildly original and organic singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Ray Lamontagne, as well as indie-folk artists like Angus & Julia Stone and Bon Iver, the talented artist infuses an alluring rawness into his compositions that immediately captivates his fans and provokes the spirit to fly high above the clouds.

Cristóvam’s single “Golden Days” is just the track to have on any proper summer playlist, channeling the rejuvenating warmth of the sun and the spontaneity, energy, and desire for freedom that only youth can cause to bubble beneath the surface of our skin. Penned at his home on Terceira Island, the song captures exactly what its title suggests: the magic of one’s “Golden Days.”

Cristóvam recently sat down with Musical Notes Global to reveal more about this glowing anthem and what it represents for him. Check out the full interview below.

Musical Notes Global: What was "Golden Days" inspired by?

Cristóvam: It was an early morning on a beautiful day, and the sunlight had this very specific tonality that reminded me of an old photo I have from an incredible summer when I was 19. I remember that summer in a very nostalgic way because it was the last one before embarking on adult life. So, there was also this strong feeling in the air of reaching the twilight of your youth...

I happened to be playing guitar while being invaded by this strong feeling of nostalgia, and as I stumbled upon this melody, the words just sort of popped out of nowhere. I think I wrote almost everything there and then finished the chorus later while working on the rest of the record.

MNG: What does the song represent for you?

Cristóvam: To me, this song feels like the soundtrack of a very specific time in my life. When you write songs, if you’re going through a certain feeling while writing, every time you hear that song afterwards, you can’t help but to go back to the mood you were when you first wrote it, even if just for a little. I guess it would be comparable to the way songs sometimes feel like time staples to any listener. I believe everyone has a song that is their own emotional trigger to a specific moment in their life.

Music wise, it also represents the beginning of a new chapter for me as an artist. It was the first song of the record to come out because it very well represents a shift in my sound that I was hoping this record would achieve. Me and Tim Hart (producer) wanted to make something as natural sounding as possible on this one, we didn’t want to over polish anything, and we wanted the songs to work without many distractions.

MNG: What do you hope your fans take away from the song after listening?

Cristóvam: I hope they can embark on their own little trip down memory lane and remember some of their own golden days. It’s a nostalgic song and If they can do that while listening, then hopefully they can relate to what I was feeling when I wrote It, and as a songwriter that is the best feeling of all.

MNG: What are you looking forward to next?

Cristóvam: I’m really looking forward to releasing this record. I’m very happy and proud with the work we’ve done, and I just can’t wait to take these songs out on the road and play them live for as many people as I possibly can.

Stream “Golden Days” below.