No. 017 - Krill's "Theme from Krill" changed my life
Michael Sansevere on touring, cathartic release, and the friend who introduced him to his rallying cry
This Song Changed My Life is an independent music publication featuring essays from people all around the world about the songs that mean the most to them. Created by Grace Lilly, supported by readers.
• 4 min read •
I’d never listened to Krill when my ambitious, eccentric friend Tim gifted me his copy of their 2013 record Lucky Leaves. He gave an elevator pitch about why he thought I’d like the band. “I think his record will be worth something someday.”
We spent so much time that past year talking music, making music, and goofing off; I knew the music would be in my Q-zone.
When I’m really excited about a record, I wait for the perfect moment to listen: when I have nothing to do and can be immersed in the music. Lucky Leaves, given to me framed, was propped atop my record shelf for months. The figure on the cover - memorable and mysterious - watched over me; a constant reminder to listen.
I will shamefully admit that my first playthrough of Lucky Leaves wasn’t the record Tim gave me, but on Spotify. I was on tour with my band and had a lot of downtime. Track 1: “Theme From Krill.”
From the opening hits, I was hooked. I played the song again and again before listening through the rest of the album.
The song - and their entire discography - exists somewhere between the loud-quiet-loud dynamics + shrill yelps of The Pixies and the looseness of early Modest Mouse. It felt like one big cathartic release. I wanted to jump through my skin.
I listened to Lucky Leaves so many times on tour. I read every article I could find about the band.
My connection to “Theme From Krill” only deepened when I found an interview titled “Being in a Band Sucks, but Krill Does It Anyway.” Their outlook on touring mirrored my own: “Touring is much better as a story than a lived experience.”
During that 6 week tour, “Krill, Krill, Krill forever” became my rallying cry. It comforted me as I grappled with my anxieties and frustrations.
Just as the narrator in the song gets sick of the “bug” that entered his brain and “formed a band,” I was fighting that “bug” in me. Soon it would be my time to ask the bug to leave (I’d leave the band after the next tour).
I still listen to “Theme From Krill” often, focusing on the word “forever.”
Krill, Krill forever
Krill, Krill, forever and ever
Krill, Krill, Krill forever
Krill, Krill forever and ever
That time of my life when I first listened now brings me joy. I think of all the friends that were in my life, and how so full of possibility everything seemed.
I think about Tim and all the creative people in the Hudson County music scene (it was where I met my wife, awwww <3). I think about my bandmates and all the joyous and absurd moments we shared on tour.
Then bug entered my brain
And met my tiny self
Him and me ain't so different …
But we're one twisted bug
◆
About Michael
Michael Sansevere lives in New Jersey with his wife and two cats. He makes music for fun.
Instagram @mikesansevere
Music lover? Subscribe!
If you dig what we’re doing, join our community of music lovers. You’ll get new entries when they come out every week.
p.s. If you like this publication and want to learn more about me and my other projects, check out my personal newsletter, Weirdly Good Newsletter <3
What song changed your life?
You, yes you! If you’d like to participate in This Song Changed My Life, just fill out this simple form for consideration. I’m always looking to hear people’s stories.
Explore
Walking through LAX, late nights in Lisbon, and the 1965 Beatles cover that Joon Song hears everywhere he goes — No. 016 - Esther Phillips' "And I Love Him" changed my life
Seven years ago a lover boy introduced Nina Faure to this bittersweet tune and it's stayed with her ever since — No. 015 - Frightened Rabbit's "The Modern Leper" changed my life
How a dance-inducing song helped awaken the artist in Matthew Miller — No. 014 - WHAM!’s "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" changed my life