In a series of blogs titled 'Postcards From Shibuya', Nicolay explains what the inspiration was for his new album and how its songs came together.
I recorded an instrumental demo, titled "Universe", towards the end of the sessions for '
Leave It All Behind', as I was getting ready to put together the 'Shibuya' album. Much like most ideas that I put down, I sent it to
Phonte for some feedback. Over the years, this practice has become somewhat of a litmus test for me. Fortunately, he took to the track. I personally hadn't necessarily considered "Universe" for inclusion on 'Shibuya', but a few months later, when Phonte sent me the song he wrote to it, titled "Lose Your Way", everything literally fell into place. We had been brainstorming on conceptual ideas for the album, and the song brought all of the different elements together, inviting the listener to take a trip to the city, with the voice of
Carlitta Durand as a guide.
Once I had all of the vocals, I went back to work on the track, re-doing the main melodic theme, that opens the song and continues throughout, with the Rhodes, adding the piano and guitar intro, and lastly, adding the train station sounds and ambience. With that, the album's opening song was finished.
Thanks for listening,
Nicolay
You can still download ''
Lose Your Way feat. Carlitta Durand", as well as
the album sampler, free of charge through this website. The digital version of '
City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya' is available NOW through
Amazon,
eMusic,
Rhapsody, and most other digital music retailers. The CD version drops Tuesday September 15.
Lose Your Way
There is a spirit in the city tonight
Feel it in the air we breathe
So let's go outside
See the people in the city tonight
Searching for a place to be
Struggling shuffling trying to find their own way
So take my hand and don't let go, babe
We'll take a walk through the city tonight
So many sights we've never seen
Our eyes open wide
So as we breathe in the city tonight
A maiden journey so wild and free
Stay by my side for the night until the day breaks
So take my hand and don't let go, babe
Even when the streets are dirty and the sun is shining
Everybody's got a story to tell
Welcome to my city life
Even when the nights are quiet and the moon is rising
Every face has some glory to sell
See me smiling in the city lights
Lose your way
Baby I won't let you lose your way
And the lights in the city start to fade away
Music: Nicolay
Lyrics and vocal arrangement: Phonte Coleman
All lead and background vocals: Carlitta Durand
