“We Seek Higher Ground” by Nick De Stefano
Nick De Stefano is a singer/songwriter hailing from New Jersey who performs around North Jersey with his band The Spiders and has performed all over North America. He has also appeared on MTV and signed a publishing deal with Valentino Music. This song was specifically written about the devastation caused by flooding in North Jersey stemming from the Passaic River Basin.
It is a beautifully played fingerpicked acoustic ballad that begins with the poignant chorus: “We seek higher ground, while our memories wash away….”. DeStefano has a strong and suitable voice for the song, giving a powerful, emotional vocal performance. Songs that depict real life events and real suffering always have a greater emotional resonance for people, and this one is no exception.
The verses paint a stark picture of a community trying to cope in the face of tragedy, the first verse running: “The nights are cold, the power’s out, we pack our bags, feel like there’s no way out….”. The imagery of children losing their toys and all sense of their childhood being destroyed is heartbreaking and makes the listener count their blessings. The poignancy of the vocal melody matches the lyrics, and there is some gorgeous guitar work towards the end of the track.
Overall, this is a very fine piece of songwriting that works simply as an acoustic ballad, but is all the more moving when you know the background behind it, especially if you watch the video that accompanies it. Hopefully, this song will reach many and induce compassion for those who suffer through natural disasters.
Listen to “We Seek Higher Ground”
By Alex Faulkner
I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Nick: Google indie song reviews, to get additional press for the release of We Seek Higher Ground
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Nick: I grew up and still live in North Jersey, I was always interested in music and started playing guitar at 13
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Nick: This time I decided to use my own name. I always played in bands and never promoted myself even though I was driving force in every band I ever played in.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Nick: I think it’s great it’s no different than making copies on cassettes like it was done in the 70’s.
For years my music has been available on the Internet, you always want people to hear your music
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Nick: The best advice is to be persistent and keep plugging along no matter how many times people say no
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Nick: I always make mistakes, you just roll with it. Don’t tell the crowd you messed up, they don’t care
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Nick: I haven’t toured in years, I do remember a nasty tour van accident once in Toronto
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Nick: Most of the time a thought will hit me while I’m driving, sometimes I’ll come up with a few vocal lines, other times I will come up with a cool guitar part
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Nick: My website is www.thespidersband.com and you can find me on Facebook under Nicholas DeStefano
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Nick: Old 80’s songs like Turning Japanese and Jenny, Jenny
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Nick: I would buy a real house that’s not in a flood zone and go to an island somewhere and just chill for a month or two.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Nick: Working with ProTools, I would like some new mics, effects and a new amp
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Nick: Facebook works really well, I still put up posters
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Nick: I would love to play Madison Square Garden with Alice Cooper because they are both the best
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Nick: Right now I want “We Seek Higher Ground” to be the most well known flood song in the world.
I am also working on follow up songs that also deal with interesting subjects.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Nick: I would be working at my job which is taking care of plants in New York City office buildings
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Nick: I’m not sure, but it was probably Alice Cooper Killer, that record was a masterpiece
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Nick: It’s not easy especially when you work full time. You do the best you can with the time you have.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Nick: “We Seek Higher Ground” to be featured on TV or on the radio and more new songs and videos
