Video Picks
Powered by CircleSquareLA
Friday, 26 May 2023

HIGHWAY 61, STRANGER

I recently had a change to catch up with Frank Meyer and preview an acoustic version of "Stranger" off Highway 61's debut album, Driving South.  After giving this one an initial spin, I was intrigued.  After a few more spins, I was hooked and wanted more.  It's just what the doctored ordered in a world full of copy cat releases that are typically dull and uninspired.  I think these cats are on to something, and look forward to digging in more to their amazing sound & music!

Read more below from Frank on the songs origins as it provides some killer insight into how "Stranger" came to be, enjoy!  - Matthew Belter

 

“Stranger” is the first single off our Highway 61 debut album, Driving South. Highway 61 started when I was in high school in the late ‘89s. Most of the material was written back in the day, but the band broke up in the ‘90s and we all went on to other adventures. Since then, I’ve been playing in the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs and with musicians like James Williamson of Iggy and the Stooges, Eddie Spaghetti of the Supersuckers, and my hard rock band Trading Aces. But a few years back, during the pandemic, our guitarist Andy Medway got leukemia. He had his surgeries and transfusions during Covid, so he had to sequester himself in a hotel room while he was recuperating since his immune system was essentially nonexistent. I suggested he pick up the ol’ guitar and start writing some songs to keep himself entertained. Eventually, he wrote some new material that inspired the band get back together and go to the studio. We picked the best of the old material, plus the new stuff, and made our long-awaited album, over 30 years after we started. The whole process was so fun and easy, and the record came out so great, that we shopped it around and got a deal with Rum Bar Records. But the really amazing part is in this last year since all that happened, Andy completely beat the cancer, is doing great, and playing guitar like a beast again! Music really does save lives.

Originally I wrote “Stranger” on an acoustic guitar originally and I played it live in my solo acoustic act many times, so one day when I was bored, I decided to record a version. My wife, Sarah, filmed it, and I  sang it to our dog Mojo. As you can see, Mojo is only mildly amused by my musical antics. But regardless, the song works great on acoustic guitar, and I like showing that side of the band’s songwriting off. The way I see it is there any good song should work as an acoustic number. If it doesn’t, it’s probably because it’s not that strong of a song.

 

Written by  Matthew Belter
Last modified on Friday, 26 May 2023
  • HIGHWAY 61, STRANGER
    HIGHWAY 61, STRANGER I recently had a change to catch up with Frank Meyer and preview an acoustic version of "Stranger" off Highway 61's debut album, Driving South. After giving this one an initial spin, I was intrigued. After a few more spins, I was hooked and wanted more. It's just what the… Read more
    Posted Friday, 26 May 2023
  • X-RAIDED & KING ISO, LEGENDARY
    X-RAIDED & KING ISO, LEGENDARY Check out the latest video from X-Raided and King Iso, Legendary. These are two of the best and brightest in the industry, and this video highlights why they are so beloved and respected all over the world! Stay Strange - Matthew Belter Excerpts from todays press release below: (April 21,… Read more
    Posted Friday, 21 April 2023
  • DIAMOND BLACK, THROUGH THE MISERY
    DIAMOND BLACK, THROUGH THE MISERY Just when you felt 2023 could get any better musically, another surprise hits you up side the head in the very best of ways. Released on Feb 15, 2023, "Through the Misery" is the latest release by Diamond Black and one that hits on all cylinders from the very first… Read more
    Posted Wednesday, 12 April 2023
  • YUNG PINCH, TAKE IT BACK
    YUNG PINCH, TAKE IT BACK Since Yung Pinch dropped “Rock With Us’ back in 2016, I’ve been fascinated with his unique and colorful vibe. When the rap scene was devolving to drugs, guns, repetitive monotonous flows, and drill culture, Yung Pinch separated him from the pack with a colorful lighthearted melodic California beach vibe. Since… Read more
    Posted Monday, 03 April 2023
  • FISHBONE, ALL WE HAVE IS NOW
    FISHBONE, ALL WE HAVE IS NOW LA’s crossover legends Fishbone are back, releasing a brand new single, their first since 2007’s “Party With Sadaam”. The new track - “All We Have Is Now” - is accompanied by a brand new music video with superb direction by Chris Graue and crew. Fishbone’s amalgamation of styles has long… Read more
    Posted Thursday, 30 March 2023