One Track Mind features a Washtenaw County-associated artist discussing a single song.

Standout Track: “Down With It," a standalone single from Hannah Baiardi, an Ann Arbor artist, songwriter, pianist, and producer. The song explores people’s frustrations with modern dating and addresses their fears of rejection. “‘Down With It’ became my response to that,” wrote Baiardi in an email interview. “I wanted to capture what so many of us are thinking, but don’t always say out loud: ‘If you’re interested, be interested. If you care, say so.’”

While the song offers a cathartic outlet for listeners, it also encourages them to be authentic when meeting new people. “This song is about choosing courage over caution and honesty over games,” Baiardi wrote. “That’s why it became an anthem for taking risks in relationships, not because it’s fearless, but because it’s about acting despite the fear. … Whether it’s sending a text, asking someone out, or admitting you’re interested, there’s a kind of freedom that comes from taking the risk instead of staying stuck in uncertainty.” 

Musical Motivation: “Down With It” reflects several genres, including quiet storm, R&B, and hip-hop, and draws inspiration from actor-singer Zane Carter and British pop-R&B singer Qendresa. The song opens with a sample of Carter encouraging men to “carry the bar” in relationships. “I discovered him right as I was writing the song, so it fit together perfectly—uncanny timing,” Baiardi said. “It articulated what I was trying to say, but through a man’s voice, which was a new lens for me to try on. Gender aside, the moral of the song is a call for us to be vulnerable in public, take more social risks, and risk looking ridiculous.”

As for Qendresa, Baiardi resonated with her lyrics, which explore themes of heartbreak, grief, solace, and grit. She also became inspired to record the song as a live rap in a British accent. “So I started experimenting with singing from a natural place in my register, not trying to push or prove anything, and singing the way I channel: often in a British accent,” Baiardi wrote. “The rap was captured in one take as I sang it.”

Down With DIY: Baiardi wrote, recorded, and produced “Down With It” and now works as a producer and songwriting coach with other artists. “With every song I compose, record, and mix, I feel a resounding yes in my bones, because it means I’m growing more comfortable owning my work and celebrating my autonomy,” she wrote. “When you handle it all, there is no explaining needed; you hear your vision, and then you make it happen. There is true power in that and representing women in music just by doing your thing. … I now get to do that for other artists. I still have to pinch myself because I never feel ready, yet here I am, living the artist life, fully."

Lori Stratton is a library technician, writer for Pulp, and writer and editor of strattonsetlist.com.