GIBSON XCVIII on timing, trust and why the right place finally found them
For GIBSON XCVIII, FEELING LUCKY captures the essence of momentum, perspective and joy. Written during a period of creative clarity, the track reflects a brighter turn in the duo’s songwriting, shaped by gratitude and a renewed relationship with process. We interviewed, Dean Gibson and Mark Holwood to talk about how letting go of pressure helped unlock a song rooted in the simple pleasure of making music for the love of it.
The new single was born from a feeling that everything had finally aligned. What helped create that sense of clarity during the writing process?
DG - Honestly, it was the classic 'the right place at the right time' moment. Because everything was locked into place, it was actually really straight forward describing the feeling through the lyrics. It sounds incredibly cliche, and you often hear it from other artists - but it actually happened to us which I suppose is a great thing!
Your music explores connection, loss and hope. How does FEELING LUCKY shift or expand those themes in a new direction?
DG - It certainly expands on the theme of hope, because there was one point in the past that I had "hoped" to be in this position, and all of a sudden in that moment I suddenly find myself there! I suppose it's on the "brighter" side when it comes to the whole idea of the human condition, but in the end it's just a nice touch to celebrate being where you want to be.
The song captures a moment where life felt complete. How do you approach writing about fulfilment without losing emotional tension?
MH - The music itself helps. Using certain chords, instruments and production techniques helps elevate the lyrics. I’m not sure how intentional it was but if you play around with it enough, it’s ends up getting that way.
DG - That's a really good question - quite often it's really easy to write about the highs but then it sounds incredibly cheesy. There isn't really any secret sauce, it's just trying to be as honest as possible and making sure it comes from the heart as opposed to saying something you think someone wants to hear.
You have spoken about the joy in making this track. What changed in the studio environment that allowed that energy to flow?
MH - “We’ve never spent 3 days solely working on a song, 1 on 1 with a producer before. And pretty much finished the track too. It was cool and so different. It’s something you’d see in music docos about your favourite artist and you’d think “I’d love to do that one day”, but also think “yeah right”. Super grateful for the opportunity. I hope to do that process again as it’s really organic.”
DG - We spent three solid days recording everything at his place and it was an incredible change of scenery. In the past we were used to being in square studios, somewhere located in an urban area, almost feeling claustrophobic with the tight spaces - But at CJ's, we were in a rural area, where the entire living room was converted into a studio and room mics were in the kitchen. There wasn't any 'hustle & bustle', and being pretty much in the middle of nowhere made it feel less tense to the point where we didn't feel any pressure during the whole 3 days.
This is your first release with Dean playing drums. How did stepping into that role influence the feel of the song?
MH - “Dean's one of the best drummers I know, it’s about time he did so. Been trying for years! He’s stubborn”
DG - "Ha thanks Mark. I think if you really listen to the percussive parts of the song, you can feel it in the hi hats. Rather than programming the velocity, I honed in on doing it as naturally and groovy as possible."
Your songwriting often reflects everyday Aotearoa life. What details from your own routines or surroundings found their way into this track?
MH - “For myself it’s just about being grateful for what you have. We are so lucky and I don’t think people truly realise that. I’ve been fortunate to travel outside of NZ, and when comparing it with other countries, man we’ve got it good. It made me less ignorant and hopefully this song reflects that new learning”"
You spent this year focusing on your craft. What skills or habits have shaped your process in a meaningful way?
MH - “Not taking things so seriously, it’s music man have fun, who cares. We don’t make it? Whatever. I’m just glad to be doing it”
DG - "second that - I feel like we got so much done when we aren't stressing or taking it too seriously. Most importantly, we had so much fun.
Touring with CROWN brought you into new rooms and audiences. How has the tour influenced your creative direction?
MH - “Crown are awesome, I think they definitely made me want Dean to play the drums live.
Your melodies carry a warm and comforting presence. What guides your choices when building the emotional tone of a track?
DG - " I try not to record a voice note of any melody that comes up in my head - just write down the lyrics or words that I come up with. That way if I can look at the lyrics and remember the melody then there's an indication that it's can be memorable to the normal listener. I think that's the best way to build emotion to whatever song you write. "
With 2026 on the horizon, what ideas or sounds are you eager to chase as you move into your next chapter?
DG - "Continue trying to be as raw and emotive as possible. I think there's a market for popular music that sounds like it came straight out of a garage."
