The Commuters – You’ll Stay Right Here

By starrymag | February 12, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) In a word: alternative. In a phrase: melodic alternative rock.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) As far as what we listen to, everything from 70’s rock to 90’s indie rock to everything from the past couple of decades to world music and jazz. In general, I’m a big fan of any musician who can write an amazing melody and weave choice words into a compelling story or an emotional journey. Some examples that come to mind (by no means exhaustive): Radiohead, Bob Mould, Smashing Pumpkins, Bon Iver, Peter Gabriel, Florence and the Machine – just to name a few.

Q) Please tell us the message behind your song “You’ll Stay Right Here.”

A) It’s a message of support to someone going through a very tough time. I wrote it when I learned that someone very close to me was diagnosed with cancer. The song was my way of saying, “I’m with you and you’re going to beat this. You’re not going anywhere.” That’s the main message. But in a secondary way, I guess it is also about the bumpy emotional ride experienced not just by the person suffering, but by those who are standing by him or her. There’s a painful helplessness to that situation – I tried to capture it in the line: “You know that I’d gladly take your place/But it isn’t up to me.” As someone offering support, it’s not about you and you don’t want to make it about you. You just wish you could do more.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans are really connecting to?

A) I think it is a few things. First, pretty much everyone I know has encountered cancer either directly or through a friend, family member, loved one, etc. having to battle it. Everyone can relate. Second, more generally, the song is about a pretty universal human emotion of not wanting someone to leave. People just connect with that. Third, it’s probably one of our more stripped down, mellow songs and I think those tend to move people if done right.

Q) The song was originally featured on your album Rescue. What made you decide to remaster it and rerelease it?

A) It was on Rescue, but it was the last song on the album and in this day and age of singles a lot of people (even our fans) didn’t hear it that much. I always felt that it was a song with a strong message so I decided to do a video. It felt like it hadn’t had its time in the sun yet and was a pretty timeless song – it didn’t feel old or irrelevant. So, we remastered it and here you go. It feels like it was the right call.

Q) What is the song writing process like for you? Do you need music before you create the lyrics?

A) It completely varies song by song. Sometimes it starts with a melody. Sometimes it starts with a subject and sometimes it stars with a lyric. Sometimes an emotion inspires. There is no one way. This song actually came to me in a dream (for the most part), which is the first time that has ever happened to me. One night, I woke up in the middle of the night and the piano part was in my head, as were parts of the melody. So, I got out of bed and sat at my piano. I started playing and the words and music just flowed. It was very intense. But usually it takes a lot more work and time, developing the initial ideas or sparks into a proper song.

Q) What can you tease is the feel and vibe for your upcoming EP?

A) It’s a bit of a departure, but not a dramatic one – an evolution I’d say. It’s more synths, less guitar. But still a lot of both! The EP and first single are both titled Before I Was Born. It’s a four song EP starting with “Before I Was Born” and ending with “You’ll Stay Right Here.” It sounds a little grand, but it’s really about the cycle of life.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) The entire hand! Uri [Djemal] and I have produced all of our music so far in his studio. Someday we may think about working with another producer, but for now it seems to be working

Q) What can fans expect from a live The Commuters performance?

A) Clowns. And lots of monkeys. Seriously, we just like to do our best to give our fans a great experience and a great escape for the hour that they’re with us. It’s such a big commitment and investment to take time out, go down to a club, pay and watch a band that we want to make it totally worth it.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I can think of lots of artists. But here’s one: M83. I would just love to see how they work in the studio to turn out the magic that they do.

Q) What can fans do to help raise awareness for LLS?

A) You can go to their website to learn more and donate: LLS.org. Also, you can take part in their Light The Night walks.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s direct. There is nothing as powerful as a direct connection to a fan and this is the best way to do it. It’s great when our fans hear us on the radio, watch us on YouTube or TV, etc. But talking to them cements the bond we want to have with them.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) You guys are the reason that we do all of this. Thanks for sticking with us.

 

 

*ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY LEAD SINGER ZEESHAN ZAIDI*