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

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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.

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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