Hi, all! Well, once again, I have been caught up in some overwhelming situations of life that have kept me from being here as much as I desire to be. But I have been very busy, and have a few new songs that I will be sharing soon. Here's one to start with...

VIDEO - The Other Side Of Nowhere

SOUNDCLOUD - The Other Side Of Nowhere

This song is an ode to writer's block. I have never really had much of a problem with it (my problem would be more along the lines of writer's disruption.) But I think we all can relate. My oldest daughter is a prolific, published writer (won awards for essays.) We were talking recently about the most common way to deal with writer's block: simply get a paper and pen and start writing anything that comes into your head (no matter if it makes sense or not) until something starts coming together that you can work with - then build it from there. So I was talking to someone the other day and asked him where lived. He replied, "I live in the middle of nowhere." (A common phrase in Texas.) That got me to thinking - what's on the other side of nowhere? So I thought "the other side of nowhere" is a pretty good description of where we are when we are in writer's block. Hence, the birth of this song...

I hope you enjoy it. Realtracks listed below make a great band. I played the acoustic piano, organ and percussion parts, as well as the orchestration at the end. This was all tracked and mixed in Luna, UAD's free daw for owners of UAD thunderbolt interfaces. It's an amazing workstation, which I am really coming to love working with.


RealTracks/Drums used...
RealTracks in song: 3123:Bass, Acoustic, Pop8thsSteady Ev 085
RealTracks in song: 3520:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm Americana16thsDelayBrent Ev16 075
RealTracks in song: 3059:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm Muted16thsFintan Ev16 080
RealTracks in song: 3133:Guitar, Resonator, Background FolkCoolEddyDelay Sw16 075
RealTracks in song: 3109:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaFolk16thsLowBrent Ev16 060
RealTracks in song: 3336:Piano, Electric, Rhythm LoungeFunkJeff Ev16 080
RealDrums in song: AmericanaRoots16th^03-a:Kick, Sidestick, b:Toms

----

The Other Side Of Nowhere
(Ode To Writer’s Block)
©2020, Stephen W. Young

I started off without a purpose

And I wandered off from there
And I'm just beneath the surface
Of a life without a care


And sometimes I think I'm special
And at times it's just not fair
Cause after all the dust has settled
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere


In the morning I drink coffee
Helps me open up my eyes
At night I dream that I'm somebody
But it's only my disguise


And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere


And at night I see the lights off in the distance
As they glow with dreams that seem so far away
And I am tempted by the path of least resistance
But the other side of nowhere, is where I am today

And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere

Great song to listen to. Very interesting sound makes the song easy to listen to.

Steve,

A very big WOW from me.

Your songs are always well written. But this one takes it to a whole new level. There is a different kind of "songwriter depth" to this lyric.

"I started off without a purpose

And I wandered off from there
And I'm just beneath the surface
Of a life without a care


And sometimes I think I'm special
And at times it's just not fair
Cause after all the dust has settled
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere"

Knocked me over.

And with...

"
And at night I see the lights off in the distance
As they glow with dreams that seem so far away
And I am tempted by the path of least resistance
But the other side of nowhere, is where I am today"

...you just kept it up.

"And the afternoons are heavy
With the songs I've yet to share
And every time I think I'm ready
I'm just stuck here on the other side of nowhere"

OMG.

Your standard great production (you just can't go wrong with that Muted16thsFintan RT for this style song). Nice orchestration. And your standard great vocals and harmonies. Your standard excellent mix.

Do this more!!!

A great song. I do not say that lightly.

fj

Yep.... not bad for someone struggling with writer's block. I need some blocking like that right there.

Loved it. the dreamy musical background was perfect too along with the minimalist groove.

Oh my word. STUNNING - and that's the least said. Minimalism to die for, as someone above mentioned ... and, let me say something right here ... the LYRICS ... wow. Because the musical side of the song is so well written, here, the lyrics may not be as noticed by some ... but, my word, you know how to write a lyric which strikes a chord with your audience - just as well as you write the music. Love it. Thank you for this, I needed this this afternoon.

Hi Steve,

I love this song!

The mix of rhythm tracks had me hooked from the start.
The muted 16s and the funky EP - a fabulous combination.

And what a great idea for a song. Lyrics beautifully enhanced by
the video, which was entertaining in itself.

Plus of course, your amazing vocals which I've always admired.

One of your best, even though they're all really good!

Cheers,
ROG.

Nice backstory for the lyrics, although you give one meaning, I can find many other levels. Very clever writing.
Beautiful chord progression, simple but has enough hooks to enjoy.
Your voice carries the melody gently, especially in the bridge part which is that elevation I was really waiting for - soaring flight above the landscape of the passing day.
Arrangement is lush and still has lots of floating air between the instruments, the mix is crystal clear. Too bad that the strings are there only for a moment, they sound beautifully ethereal. Professional in every way.

Janne

Hi Steve
Wow indeed. Lyrics, arrangement and instrumentation are top notch. Your vocal is terrific, so warm and true. A great song on every level. (And yes, the path of least resistance has beckoned me too many times).
Regards,
Leon

So good! Lovely sounds, love the reverb, and the strings come in at the end to lift it away.

Amazing production. Great singing. The instruments mesh together wonderfully.

As always, a real treat to listen to!

Hi Steve ...
I*, too, have been redirected to a part of my personal life that leaves very limited time for music creation and/or listening. But I have a few minutes to listen to a few songs tonight. And oh my gosh ... what a fabulous way to start it off!

Your music is always such a pleasure to my ears and my brain. But this somewhat different direction from you just notches everything up a whole bunch of increments. This is simply wonderful in every possible way.

The track selection, the arrangement, mix, the tones, the blends, the simply mind-blowing lyric, and ... that simply wonderful vocal. Not sure what else i can add ... other than Di says you're stud-muffin-ess is almost as pretty as a plugged-in neon peacock. Uh ... that' a really top evaluation in her evaluation scheme.And I thought it was fantastic, my friend!

Your, mix, arrangement and vocal delivery reminded me somewhat of our own Greg Johnson. And I, for one, would give 3 months income to be able to sing even half as wonderfully as either of you.

Thank you for this wonderful listening treat ... it was so soothing!

Wishing you the vert best. Please be safe!

Alan

I love your voice, Steve. Excellent production. Everything works great together. Really enjoyed your video too. Top notch all the way! Cheers, Todd

Such a pro, radio-ready production, and a terrific lyrical theme as well. This is easily my favorite from you. Listening over and over.

I was finishing up listening to another forum user's some, and this song played next. It captured me immediately.

This is pro all the way: writing, singing, production. You've got a winner here.

Allllllll very, very good but the vocal and melody make the song live.

Thanks, Jim! Glad you enjoyed this one.



Floyd, you just made my day! I have immense respect for your talents and writing abilities. So glad to see your very kind words about this one! Thanks so much!



Herb, always great to hear from you! Really appreciate you taking the time to listen to this one and post your kind words. Glad you like it.

===

Steve

Hi Steve.
Everything about this song is first class!
the Production
the lyrics
the voice.
Who needs the crappy radio when you can hear such quality right here ?

Steve,
Different from other tunes I have heard by you (in a good way ). Interesting idea concept. Very well composed and singed. Enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

What a great sound, Steve. SO wonderfully mixed; a very pleasing production. Love the lyrics and the vocals. Great instrumentation.

Steve

Another stunning write, just lovely. Fantastic vocal, lyric and tune,beautifully produced.

Superb.

Peter

Hi Steve great production very memorable song love your choice of instruments and the lyrics were awesome love your stuff you produce Eric

WOW

Steve, this is your best to date! There are so many good things I could say about this song but unfortunately most has been said already. All I can add is that if I heard this in a record shop I would have bought it right then and there.

This is a very professional sounding song that I just love.

Love your vocals. This is a very special song . Well done

Steve, the writing here is very thought provoking. Your vocals are always so expressive and spot on. Your production quality is something I always aspire to since the very first time I heard your music. This is so very good in every way and a joy to listen to multiple times, Tom

Hi Steve,

I have missed this song of yours, although I try to do my best listening to songs from a lot of people on the forum and especially those that have made beutiful songs before, like you did then and now again! A really fantastic song. older people in the Netherlands nomally don't use expressions like 'Wow' that easely. But here you earned it (but Mario did it already, two post away from me).
A very strong song with nice sensitive lyrics! Love it! and your vocals are so well for these kind of songs. Very, very good and I'm glad I saw it on the forum just now.

Hans

Hi Steve, welcome back. Interesting lyrics and great vocals and production all around.

Regards

Mike B.

Wow! That was awesome in so many ways, Steve! The lyrics grabbed me right out of the gate with the line
[quote]I started off without a purpose
And I wandered off from there [/quote}

Your vocals have always been smooth as any I've ever heard anywhere... I'm so envious... the song is a laid-back kind of wispy thang that lets your voice lie totally relaxed in the hammock of your chords... in the shade, with sweet tea and everything.

just... man... you do this so well!

[I totally enjoyed this.] <- (should be a rubber stamp for all of your songs)

Steve,

Every one of your songs touches the heart... This one is no exception.

Beautiful as always with outstanding production.

Bob

Pure Class !! Why aren't you famous???

"And at night I see the lights off in the distance
As they glow with dreams that seem so far away
And I am tempted by the path of least resistance
But the other side of nowhere, is where I am today"

Our favorite lines from a lyric that is jam packed with great ones.

We could take quite a while parsing out all the goodness here but this is one of those songs where we just like to listen to the entirety of it all the way through and then again. It is a remarkable write with equally remarkable vocals and an amazingly effective arrangement.

Janice mentioned that she especially likes the interplay of the piano and dobro.

Your mixes are always "open" and "sparkling" and this is assuredly no exception. A soundstage for us all to aspire to.

OUTSTANDING!

J&B

Hey Steve I really liked this. Very very well done.
Now I have to ask...
I think I saw you post your "method" somewhere in the forums in the past.
I seem to recall something about "output levels (from BIAB) all at 111 because it is the easiest to type in?"

I've got to look that up to see how you do your vocals.
Wonderful treatment and a treat for my ears.

Hi Steve,

What an absolutely stunning performance! Your vocal is shining... the song is so incredible well-written.. the mix is outstanding... I would like to join a masterclass with you as the teacher...

This song deserves a lot of listeners!

Will

What everybody else said Steve!
This is just great: the song, the vocals, the production, the band - what a treat.
Top drawer!!!
Cheers,
Mike

What a beautiful song! Those lyrics are fantastic and so is the entire production. Especially like your vocal - so smooth and right where it belongs. Be proud of this one.

Sorry I have not been able to get back here sooner! With the virus count jumping up, my work load has increased significantly. And then some of my grandkids came and spent a few days with me (That is always a good thing!)



Thanks so much! So glad to hear from you. Your very kind comment are so appreciated!



Always good to hear from you, ROG! I am flattered and honored by your very generous comments. I always enjoy your songs, as well!



Thanks, Janne! I like songs that have the ability to touch multiple areas of people's lives. I am intrigued by songs that take very personal topics and make them just "non personal" enough so that the listener can apply the song to their own personal situations. I appreciate your observations about this one.

===

Steve

This is a really good song Steve! Your vocal is super as always! This one just carries the listener away to another place (enhanced greatly by that resonator! Great harmony again! Thanks,T

Steve,

I always love your songs. This is something we can all relate to. Creativity can be a fickle thing, but your daughter is right, you just have to power through.

Take care