Dalton Dover. Photo Credit: Jim Wright
Baby acts rule the roost in today’s DISClaimer.
Leading the way is DISCovery Award winner Dasha. Riding alongside her are label mates Matt Schuster and Gabby Barrett, both of whom also turned in outstanding work this week.
Ernest, Luke Dick and Koe Wetzel are ear-tickling, too. So is our Disc of the Day winner, Dalton Dover. Listen and believe.
RICK MONROE & THE HITMEN / “Six Gun Soul”
Writers: Alan Beeler/Rick Monroe; Producer: Malcolm Springer; Label: The Label Group
– The title tune of Monroe’s new LP (yes, it’s on vinyl) is a minor-key outlaw warning. If you knock him down, you better knock him out because he’s a rugged survivor. The band conjures a dark mood, and his tenor voice wails.
GABBY BARRETT / “Dance Like No One’s Watching”
Writers: Emily Weisband/James McNair/Luke Combs; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with terrific male chorus harmony courtesy of Luke Combs. She carries the advice of her father with her as she journeys through life. Hold on for the heart-tugging, wedding-dance third verse. For more on this theme, revisit the 1989 Kathy Mattea No. 1 hit “Come From the Heart,” penned by Susanna Clark & Richard Leigh.
LUKE DICK / “Shirt Off My Back”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris DuBois/Jason Lehning; Producers: Luke Dick/Jason Lehning; Label: Virgin
– This is an autobiographical stomper with hushed verses alternating with shouted choruses. As is always the case with this songwriter, the lyric and the entire approach are both wildly creative. Like the song instructs, “Clap hands.”
DYLAN SCOTT / “What He’ll Never Have”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Logan Robinson/Ricky Rowton/Robbie Gatlin; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Curb Records
– Whatever any new man in her life might have, he won’t have “the love that I have for you,” Scott avers in this somewhat loudly produced country rocker. Notch another surefire hit, buddy.
DASHA / “Austin”
Writers: Adam Wendler/Anna Dasha Novotny/Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger/Kenneth Travis Heidelman; Producer: Travis Heidelman; Label: Warner Records
– What a disc debut. This is insanely catchy with EDM beats and her saucy vocal telling the tale of a gal who gets left high and dry, waiting for him to take her away. She’ll get along without him, but “In 40 years, you’ll still be here, drunk, washed up in Austin.” It comes as no surprise to learn that the feisty toe-tapper has a line dance.
ERNEST & JELLY ROLL / “I Went To College, I Went To Jail”
Writers: Chandler Paul Walters/Ernest Keith Smith/Luke Bryan/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The “Flower Shops” man is back with a 26-track sophomore album titled Nashville, Tennessee. The singer-songwriter teams up with fellow native Nashvillian Jelly Roll on this honky-tonking, rumbling twang fest. They swap lines adroitly, describing their wayward journeys on the way to Music Row. Heartily recommended.
ANGEL WHITE / “Outlaw”
Writers: Dwight A. Baker/Khalil Hall; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Wyatt Road Records
– He’s a fifth-generation Black Texas cowboy. His single is a guitar-vocal performance with a bluesy slow groove. The ballad showcases his expressive voice. It’s quite promising, but next time, I’d hire a band and a producer.
MATT SCHUSTER / “Thought You Were”
Writers: Adam Yaron/Andrew Stoelzing/Emily Falvey/Matt Schuster; Producer: Adam Yaron; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It turns out that she wasn’t the gal for him, after all. The heartache piano ballad is lovely on every level, but most especially in his strikingly soulful vocal performance. There’s something special at work here. I remain a fan.
DALTON DOVER / “Bury Me In This Bar”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Dalton Dover/Dan Isbell/Jamie Davis; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Dover continues his winning ways with this romping, stomping honky tonker with flourishes of steel and galloping rhythm. Thirsty for real country music? Belly up to this bar. You need the song on your playlist, now more than ever.
MAGGIE ROSE / “Fake Flowers”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Big Loud Records
– Rose is a fiery, ferocious singer who is working in a nouveau-soul style in Music City. This torrid, blues-soaked outing blazes with anger and passion. Rock on, sister.
KOE WETZEL / “Damn Near Normal”
Writers: Amy Allen/Sam Harris/Carrie Karpinen/Gabe Simon/Ropyr Wetzel; Producers: Gabe Simon/Carrie Karpinen; Label: Columbia
– He’s living in squalor and knows his lifestyle isn’t healthy. It’s a good song and a good performance, but the electric guitar churning drowns out the lyric about half of the time. Remix this.
DAVID NAIL / “If I Could Call”
Writer: David Nail; Producer: Reed Pittman; Label: One Five Sound
– We all must deal with grief. Nail muses about the loss of his beloved grandfather, wishing he could have one more phone conversation with him. He yearns for the comfort of the man he’s lost, but knows that everything’s really okay because his own son, named for the granddad, is near him. An accompanying string section sighs along softly.
Marcus King Delves Into Some Dark Corners On New ‘Mood Swings’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus King. Photo: JM Collective
Marcus King‘s aptly titled new album Mood Swings, produced by Rick Rubin, is out now via American/Republic Records.
Though it drew on some of King’s darkest moments, the project became a beacon of hope for the young artist as he created it, offering a bit of refuge for anyone going through similar issues in their lives. Despite its often bleak subject matter, which draws on King’s challenges with mental health and times when he was truly on the brink and considering taking his own life, Mood Swings is an album with a message of hope. Rubin helped King find a new personal and sonic approach and inspired him to shift his perspective on the new album.
“He helped me view mental health as a writing partner in a way,” recalls King. “I’ve learned it can give me that creative spark.”
King debuted album track, “Delilah” a piano driven classic rocker, early on The Tonight Show and again this week on The Kelly Clarkson Show. He is being inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame on April 25 at Furman University’s McAlister Auditorium, and kicks off a tour beginning in May 2025. King will also perform at the Grand Ole Opry on April 12.
Mood Swings Track List:
1. Mood Swings
2. F*ck My Life Up Again
3. Soul It Screams
4. Save Me
5. Hero
6. Delilah
7. Inglewood Motel (Halestorm)
8. This Far Gone
9. Bipolar Love
10. Me Or Tennessee
12. Cadillac
Payton Smith Joins The Familie
/by Lorie HollabaughPayton Smith. Photo: Taylor Kelly
Payton Smith has signed with The Familie for management representation.
Smith debuted on the music scene in 2019, garnering over 50 million streams with his first single “Like I Knew You Would.” He crafted each track of his debut project, and was named a 2021 MusicRow Next Big Thing and CMT Listen Up artist. “Like I Knew You Would” reached No. 7 on Spotify’s Hot Country chart for the year.
In late 2022, Smith inked a deal with Combustion Masters, and under the production of Combustion’s Chris Farren, unveiled “Missed The Boat” in early 2023. His debut album, What Colors Your Wild, was released last year and earned coveted spots on playlists such as Apple’s New In Country, Spotify’s New Music Friday Country, Tidal’s Country Waves, Rising: Country and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country, accumulating 3 million streams.
“I am so excited to be working with Payton Smith. I believe Payton is one of the most talented singers, songwriters, and musicians Nashville has to offer and I am fired up to share his talent with the world. 2024 is going to be a big year for Payton Smith,” shares Chase Berlin, artist manager at The Familie.
“I could not be more excited to sign with The Familie as my new management team,” says Payton. “I believe their approach and vision to managing an artist is exactly what I need for my career and I am so excited to get to work. It is fitting that my new EP is called Up From Here. Chase, Royce [Risser], Steve [Astephen], Nano [Tissera] and the whole team… let’s get after it!”
Industry Ink: Cooper Alan, SOURCE, Brandy Clark, Bandit Lites
/by Madison HahnenCooper Alan Earns First No. 1 On SiriusXM The Highway
Photo: Matthew Berinato
Rising country artist Cooper Alan has earned his first No. 1 song on SiriusXM’s The Highway with his track “Take Forever (Hally’s Song).” The tune appears on Alan’s latest EP Take Forever, released last year.
“I’ve jammed to the Highway in my car for years now.” says Alan. “It’s an honor to have my music played on there and I’m so grateful to the fans for giving me my first number one song! It’s a moment I’ll never forget. Excited to release a bunch of new music the rest of this year!”
SOURCE Members Gather For ‘Blurred Lines: Creating Boundaries in a Boundaryless Business’
Pictured (L-R): Ashley Hertzog Embry (SOURCE Programming Co-Chair and Hearts Bluff VP of Acquisitions), Beth Barcus (Porter’s Call Co-Executive Director and Counselor), Sara Knabe (Big Loud Senior VP of A&R), Emily Shackelton. Photo: Courtesy of SOURCE.
Members of SOURCE recently gathered at the CMA building for the panel “Blurred Lines: Creating Boundaries in a Boundaryless Business.” The discussion was moderated by SOURCE Programming Co-Chair Ashley Hertzog Embry and featured Big Loud Senior VP of A&R Sara Knabe, singer-songwriter Emily Shackelton and Porter’s Call Co-Executive Director and Counselor Beth Barcus.
The conversation centered around each woman’s journey in the music industry and setting boundaries, struggles to say “no” and finding work-life balance. “If it’s a ‘maybe’ it’s a ‘no’,” Knabe shared during the panel. “That’s helped me … and being okay with that allows me to set up boundaries for my personal time and work.”
Brandy Clark Completes Americana NYU Artist-In-Residence
Brandy Clark. Photo: Courtesy of The Americana Music Foundation.
Grammy-winning artist Brandy Clark completed her NYU Americana Artist-In-Residence program at New York University, in partnership with the Americana Music Foundation. In her residency, she mentored university students, providing insights and sharing her experience as an artist and songwriter.
Recently Clark gave a performance of “Songs That Made Me Want To Write Songs” at the university. Phil Galdston, Director of Songwriting at NYU, also hosted a Q&A with Clark in front of students.
Bandit Lites Ups Craig Richter To Project Manager & Designer
Craig Richter. Photo: Courtesy of Bandit Lites.
Full-service design, management and production company Bandit Lites has promoted Craig Richter to Project Manager & Designer. In his new role, Richter will plan, direct and coordinate with Bandit’s clients to ensure the goals and objectives are accomplished within defined budget and time frames.
“One of the best things I have always liked about working at Bandit is the stability and ability to grow through the company,” says Richter. “When I was touring, I liked having the stability of knowing I always had work once a tour was coming to an end and a place to ‘go home to.’ I had always heard Michael Strickland talk about wanting his employees to have a career at Bandit not just look at it like a job, so once I felt that it was time to come off the road, I approached Bandit about taking the next step in my career here, they were extremely helpful and excited about taking this next step with me.”
Dustin Lynch Launches ‘Killed The Cowboy Tour’ With Sold-Out Ryman Show
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch during his headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jack Owens
Dustin Lynch launched his 18-date “Killed The Cowboy Tour” by selling out his headlining debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday night (April 2) alongside opener Skeez.
Dustin Lynch during his headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jack Owens
The Tullahoma native added the biggest production he’s ever brought on the road to the historic stage with a setlist curated from Killed The Cowboy, including his current single and collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Chevrolet,” as well as selections from his batch of nine No. 1s like “Stars Like Confetti,” “Small Town Boy” and “Good Girl,” during which he gave a special shoutout to his mom who was in the audience, as it’s her favorite song.
“We’ve been saying this for weeks. Literally, a bunch of times every day we’ve looked at each other on the bus and we’re like, ‘We’re headlining the Ryman!’ Not only that, you guys SOLD OUT the Ryman for us! That’s awesome,” shared Lynch from the stage. “Thank you for spending your hard-earned money to be here with us tonight. That does not go unnoticed. A lot of our families are here tonight, and we get to support our families because you support our songs, our music and our concerts–and we love you for it. Thank you very much for that.”
Keeping the celebration going post-show, Lynch hosted an official after-party at PBR Nashville, where he tried his hand at guest bartending, popped up behind the DJ booth and even had a line dance dedicated by the bar staff to album track “Honky Tonk Heartbreaker.”
The trek will make stops in Charlotte, Minneapolis, Boston, St. Louis and more before it wraps next month.
Additionally, Lynch is up for Performance of the Year for the CMT Campfire Sessions‘ performance of “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place this Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Texas.
Kenny Chesney’s ‘Take Her Home’ Reaches No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeKenny Chesney‘s smooth ballad “Take Her Home” has reached the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, climbing from No. 2 to No. 1.
The track appears on Chesney’s Born album and was written by Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy and Zach Abend.
Chesney is gearing up to hit the road on his upcoming “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour.” Joined by Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker, the tour will kick off at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on April 20.
“Take Her Home” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Colt Ford In ICU Following A Heart Attack
/by LB CantrellColt Ford: Photo: Goldy
Country-rap maverick Colt Ford had a heart attack after a show in Gilbert, Arizona on Thursday (April 4). He is now in the Intensive Care Unit at the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, and his condition is stable but critical.
A multi-Platinum singer-songwriter from Athens, Georgia, Ford has notched several No. 1 hits. He co-wrote and originally recorded Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” which has garnered over 927 million worldwide streams. Ford also recently notched another chart-topper as a co-writer on George Birge‘s “Mind On You.”
[Updated on Monday, April 8, 2024]: Ford remains in the ICU, with his condition steadily improving in a positive direction. At this time, his family is requesting privacy and appreciates continued thoughts and prayers.
Tin Pan South Night Two Features Ashley Gorley, Casey Beathard, Ingrid Andress, More
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Billy Montana, Randy Montana, Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard. Photo: Luke Lander
Tin Pan South continued Wednesday night (April 3) at bars and listening rooms across Nashville.
Ashley Cooke, Blake Pendergrass, Lily Rose and a special guest took on the early show at Anzie Blue, while Trannie Anderson, Jon Nite, Cole Swindell and Cole Taylor played at 3rd & Lindsley. Tony Arata, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Larry Gatlin played Station Inn. Casey Beathard, Tucker Beathard, Billy Montana and Randy Montana took on the Analog at Hutton Hotel.
Pictured (L-R): Tony Arata, Lance Carpenter, Brennley Brown, Larry Gatlin. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI.
Siedah Garrett, Josh Kear, Phil Vassar and Matthew West played the 6 p.m. show at The Listening Room before Ingrid Andress, Benjy Davis, Scotty McCreery and Chase McGill took over at 9 p.m.
Pictured (L-R): Benjy Davis, Scotty McCreery, Chase McGill, Ingrid Andress. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI.
LoCash, Willie Morrison, CJ Solar and Matt Willis took the stage at Hard Rock Cafe for the late show; while Ashley Gorley, Hardy and Josh Osborne played at 3rd & Lindsley.
Pictured (L-R): Locash, Matt Willis, CJ Solar. Photo: Luke Lander
Ethan Hulse, Morgan Myles, Jason Sever and Brian White closed out The Lounge at City Winery with some music; as did Micah Carpenter, Billy Dawson, Jacob Hackworth, Zach John King and Daniel Ross at Anzie Blue.
Pictured (L-R): Jason Sever, Morgan Myles, Brian White. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI.
Among the songwriters who will be featured at tonight’s rounds (April 4) are Tiera Kennedy, Karley Scott Collins, Adam Hambrick, Stephony Smith, Jerry Flowers, Terri Jo Box, Jim Collins, Brett James, Megan Conner, Casey Brown and many more. See the full schedule here.
Warner Chappell Music Unveils ‘Straight To The Heart’ Project
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Jeff Stevens, Marv Green, Steve Bogard, Warner Chappell’s Alexa Morris and Kayce Russell. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music.
Warner Chappell Music has unveiled its Straight To The Heart project, which aims to establish a new framework that makes it easier to release more demos from publishers’ catalogs.
The first five-track EP features demos behind hits recorded by George Strait and Kenny Chesney, including Strait’s “Carrying Your Love With Me,” written by Jeff Stevens and Steve Bogard, and “It Just Comes Natural,” penned by Marv Green and Jim Collins.
This project hopes to enhance distribution and revenue opportunities for songwriters in addition to how demos are released. Songwriters, publishers, distributors, artists and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) have collaborated on the release of each demo.
“Straight To The Heart celebrates the creative journey behind each song but also opens up new opportunities for songwriters, publishers and fans to enjoy the original demo versions of their favorite songs,” shares Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “We’ve collaborated with songwriters and partners to make these original versions available for the world to enjoy.”
Eclipse Music Group Acquires Dean Dillon’s Stake In ‘Tennessee Whiskey’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Anna Thiel, Kurt Locher, Dean Dillon and Penny Gattis
Eclipse Music Group has acquired hit songwriter Dean Dillon’s stake in the classic tune “Tennessee Whiskey.”
First recorded by David Allan Coe in 1971, “Tennessee Whiskey” landed at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart when George Jones released his rendition in 1983. Over three decades later, Chris Stapleton‘s version took the song to greater heights when it appeared on his debut album, Traveller, and became a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond-certified single.
“Dean is an icon, and the journey of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ to the top is remarkable,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “This acquisition underscores the enduring value of great songwriting and exceptional songs. Thank you, Dean, for entrusting us with a share of this special song. We are thrilled to add ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ to the Eclipse Music Group catalog.”
Matt Cottingham of Lewis Brisbois handled the transaction on behalf of Eclipse Music Group, and Matthew Beckett of Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC handled the transaction on behalf of Dillon.
The acquisition follows Eclipse Music Group’s recent deals including Jamie Moore’s JMZL song catalog and Cory Batten’s catalog interest.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dalton Dover Delivers ‘Romping, Stomping Honky Tonker’
/by Robert K OermannDalton Dover. Photo Credit: Jim Wright
Baby acts rule the roost in today’s DISClaimer.
Leading the way is DISCovery Award winner Dasha. Riding alongside her are label mates Matt Schuster and Gabby Barrett, both of whom also turned in outstanding work this week.
Ernest, Luke Dick and Koe Wetzel are ear-tickling, too. So is our Disc of the Day winner, Dalton Dover. Listen and believe.
RICK MONROE & THE HITMEN / “Six Gun Soul”
Writers: Alan Beeler/Rick Monroe; Producer: Malcolm Springer; Label: The Label Group
– The title tune of Monroe’s new LP (yes, it’s on vinyl) is a minor-key outlaw warning. If you knock him down, you better knock him out because he’s a rugged survivor. The band conjures a dark mood, and his tenor voice wails.
GABBY BARRETT / “Dance Like No One’s Watching”
Writers: Emily Weisband/James McNair/Luke Combs; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with terrific male chorus harmony courtesy of Luke Combs. She carries the advice of her father with her as she journeys through life. Hold on for the heart-tugging, wedding-dance third verse. For more on this theme, revisit the 1989 Kathy Mattea No. 1 hit “Come From the Heart,” penned by Susanna Clark & Richard Leigh.
LUKE DICK / “Shirt Off My Back”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris DuBois/Jason Lehning; Producers: Luke Dick/Jason Lehning; Label: Virgin
– This is an autobiographical stomper with hushed verses alternating with shouted choruses. As is always the case with this songwriter, the lyric and the entire approach are both wildly creative. Like the song instructs, “Clap hands.”
DYLAN SCOTT / “What He’ll Never Have”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Logan Robinson/Ricky Rowton/Robbie Gatlin; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Curb Records
– Whatever any new man in her life might have, he won’t have “the love that I have for you,” Scott avers in this somewhat loudly produced country rocker. Notch another surefire hit, buddy.
DASHA / “Austin”
Writers: Adam Wendler/Anna Dasha Novotny/Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger/Kenneth Travis Heidelman; Producer: Travis Heidelman; Label: Warner Records
– What a disc debut. This is insanely catchy with EDM beats and her saucy vocal telling the tale of a gal who gets left high and dry, waiting for him to take her away. She’ll get along without him, but “In 40 years, you’ll still be here, drunk, washed up in Austin.” It comes as no surprise to learn that the feisty toe-tapper has a line dance.
ERNEST & JELLY ROLL / “I Went To College, I Went To Jail”
Writers: Chandler Paul Walters/Ernest Keith Smith/Luke Bryan/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The “Flower Shops” man is back with a 26-track sophomore album titled Nashville, Tennessee. The singer-songwriter teams up with fellow native Nashvillian Jelly Roll on this honky-tonking, rumbling twang fest. They swap lines adroitly, describing their wayward journeys on the way to Music Row. Heartily recommended.
ANGEL WHITE / “Outlaw”
Writers: Dwight A. Baker/Khalil Hall; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Wyatt Road Records
– He’s a fifth-generation Black Texas cowboy. His single is a guitar-vocal performance with a bluesy slow groove. The ballad showcases his expressive voice. It’s quite promising, but next time, I’d hire a band and a producer.
MATT SCHUSTER / “Thought You Were”
Writers: Adam Yaron/Andrew Stoelzing/Emily Falvey/Matt Schuster; Producer: Adam Yaron; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It turns out that she wasn’t the gal for him, after all. The heartache piano ballad is lovely on every level, but most especially in his strikingly soulful vocal performance. There’s something special at work here. I remain a fan.
DALTON DOVER / “Bury Me In This Bar”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Dalton Dover/Dan Isbell/Jamie Davis; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Dover continues his winning ways with this romping, stomping honky tonker with flourishes of steel and galloping rhythm. Thirsty for real country music? Belly up to this bar. You need the song on your playlist, now more than ever.
MAGGIE ROSE / “Fake Flowers”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Big Loud Records
– Rose is a fiery, ferocious singer who is working in a nouveau-soul style in Music City. This torrid, blues-soaked outing blazes with anger and passion. Rock on, sister.
KOE WETZEL / “Damn Near Normal”
Writers: Amy Allen/Sam Harris/Carrie Karpinen/Gabe Simon/Ropyr Wetzel; Producers: Gabe Simon/Carrie Karpinen; Label: Columbia
– He’s living in squalor and knows his lifestyle isn’t healthy. It’s a good song and a good performance, but the electric guitar churning drowns out the lyric about half of the time. Remix this.
DAVID NAIL / “If I Could Call”
Writer: David Nail; Producer: Reed Pittman; Label: One Five Sound
– We all must deal with grief. Nail muses about the loss of his beloved grandfather, wishing he could have one more phone conversation with him. He yearns for the comfort of the man he’s lost, but knows that everything’s really okay because his own son, named for the granddad, is near him. An accompanying string section sighs along softly.