My new single THRU THE NIGHT is out now! It is available on any streaming platform (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, etc).
I wrote this song during lockdown in NYC. I vividly remember the 24/7 sirens, makeshift morgues and perpetual chaos around every corner. George Floyd had been murdered in Minneapolis. Our leaders left us hanging. It was a sobering reminder how fragile our systems truly are. Now it’s 2023 and we are still living in the aftermath of the pandemic. All while dealing with constant propaganda, hate, daily mass shootings and the deterioration of our social fabric. It’s bleak.
In spite of all that is wrong in the world THRU THE NIGHT offers not just an indictment of the moment, but a prayer for peace. In the darkest moments I’m continually reminded of the human capacity for compassion and kindness.
TRACK PERSONNEL
I co-produced this song with my friend John Horne (Electric Lady Studios, Berklee). It started when I was noodling on my guitar one day and came up with the main riff - John heard it and made me record it immediately. The rest of the song wrote itself. I’ve updated a few of the lyrics as time has passed but otherwise it remains in its original form. John’s vast knowledge and creative spirit continue to inspire and challenge me to explore new musical territory.
Erin Tonkon (David Bowie, Toni Visconti) mixed this song. I was very happy to collaborate with her again as we were able to land on a mix that really brings the song to life.
I recorded the guitars and vocals at Traffic Sound Studios during a visit to North Carolina. Thanks to my dear friend David Rhyne for engineering those sessions (and for letting me play that 1952 Telecaster!).
Y’all know one of my songs wouldn’t be complete without Carey Sims on backup vocals. I can’t thank Carey enough for his continued guidance and friendship.
Dustin Hofsess plays bass on this track. I’m always thrilled to work with Dustin as he’s a brilliant player and lovely person. Dustin played guitar on one of the very first tracks I ever released (Interstates). Always happy to collaborate with hometown heroes.
Spencer Bone provided the spoken word intro to THRU THE NIGHT. The moment I heard Spencer’s voice I knew I had to get him recorded. On a whim with my field recorder, he obliged to contribute. Thank you Spence.
Grammy nominated Mike Tucci mastered the track in LA. I’ve worked with Mike for several of my past releases and he always delivers and makes the process seamless. I’m sure this won’t be our last work together.
The amazing Irie Wata provided art for this project all the way from The Netherlands. I’ve been a fan of hers for quite a while and was thrilled when she signed on to collaborate. She really captured the disorienting vibe I was looking for.
LYRICS
Missisippi’s risin’ California’s burnin
Manhattan’s out at sea
1600 Pennsylvania spreadin’ disinformation
People dyin’ in the streets
Grab your things let’s leave tonight
We can make it before the sunrise
I don’t know what comes next
I just wanna stay alive
It’s gonna rain down thunder and lighting
Hellfire from the sky
Pale horse out my window
You better pray - we make it thru the night.
Police firin’ mamas cryin
Television tellin’ lies
Third world war knockin’ at my door
Fourth reich on the rise
Lockdown livin’ ain’t forgivin
We got more than one disease
Say goodbye to all you know
God save the refugee
There’s nowhere to run
There’s nowhere to hide
Give me one more kiss
For the other side
GUITAR SOLO
CHORUS (2x)
LISTENING LINKS:
SPOTIFY
APPLE MUSIC
TIDAL
DEEZER
AMAZON MUSIC
BANDCAMP
Lastly, but most importantly - thank you for all the support you’ve shown me. I hope you like this new song as much as I enjoyed creating it. Would love to hear what you think of it!
-xo, Rolfe
