Ross Thorn – “Far Away” (feat. the Spine Stealers)
Americana Highways brings you this premiere of Ross Thorn’s song “Far Away” from his forthcoming album Fitting In, which is set for release on August 8. The album was produced by Clark Singleton and Ross Thorn and engineered by Nick Tveitbakk at Pachyderm Studios. It was mixed by Clark Singleton and mastered by Jesse Mangum.
“Far Away” is Ross Thorn on background vocals and banjo; Clark Singleton on bass; Jacob Mahon on acoustic guitar; Kate Ruland on background vocals; and Emma O’Shea on lead vocals.
Putting yourself in another person’s shoes and creating character narratives is the hallmark of a seasoned songwriter, and Ross Thorn flexes that skill here in spades. It’s is a down-home tale of a coal miner’s daughter with big dreams from long ago, and the Spine Stealers’ harmonies are incorporeal and gossamer, lifting the listener far and away. Rolling out with thoughtfully plucked banjo, the rustic elements place it in a historical setting. It’s a tale of obstacles and nostalgia and longing to be far away to dream.
Ross tells us: “I wanted to write a narrative song about a completely different perspective than my own, much like John Prine’s ‘Angel From Montgomery.’ It’s a practice in empathy to be able to put yourself in the shoes of a character you’re writing. ‘Far Away’ is from the point-of-view of a young woman from a bygone age. In line with the overall concept of the upcoming album Fitting In, the song is about the disconnect between expectations and desires. The promises of a life according to the script of mainstream culture are gilded and hollow. I wrote the song knowing that The Spine Stealers (Emma O’Shea & Kate Ruland) would be singing it. Emma fit the role perfectly and her voice has that ethereal longing and the delicateness of Kate’s harmonies really fill out the story.”
Find more information here: https://rossthornmusic.com
