The FADER’s transgender charity covers compilation FADER & Friends Volume 1 is out now, available exclusively on Bandcamp until December 1, 2023. 100% of the proceeds go towards the Transgender Law Center, Mermaids, and Rainbow Railroad. Throughout the month of November, we’re speaking to the artists who contributed to the 44-song collection about the songs they covered.
In the pantheon of songs that evoke Big '80s Prom Energy, few match the intensity of Chicago's "Hard To Say I'm Sorry." Long known for evoking a primal reaction in white parents of a certain age, the 1982 hit transcends generations and resonates with anyone with a fondness for unabashed cheese. Enter Nana Lourdes, whose cover of the song doubles down on all of the elements that make it great: wispy synths, yearning vocals, and one killer guitar solo.
Listen to the song below and buy the full album on Bandcamp. Scroll down to read Nana Lourdes on the original song and her cover.
What's your first memory of this song?
I actually had no idea this song existed until last summer. I’m still SHOCKED I’d gone decades without knowing about it
Why did you decide to record it as your cover?
It’s so cheesy and dramatic. Two qualities I want in my own music
What does this song mean to you personally?
I honestly don’t know much about Chicago, all I know is this one song in particular was shouting at me. And the pre gives me literal goosebumps. Killer strings
What's another song you'd love to cover and why?
Carpenters’ "Goodbye to Love" because it’s being slept on and I should’ve done god’s work and spread the word even though I wouldn’t have done it justice?? Or "Bye Bye" by Jo Dee Messina because I love a good "fuck you" song.