An impactful new track with dreamy mystique and commanding lyrical poignancy, “Stand Here” comes via Tether the Star, the Seattle-based trio comprising Maery Lanahan, Brian DeWeese, and Connor Hall. Released alongside a companion painting, “Stand Here” was written following the Alderwood Mall shooting in July 2024, which killed 13-year-old Jayda Woods-Johnson. The tension-filled track plays as an exploration of the disconnect between “safety rules” — echoed in the sarcastic recitations in lines like “run, hide, fight,” and “be trauma-informed” — and the reality of life in the United States, where gun-brought violence is a constant possibility.
Nocturnal keys and emotive vocals — echoing a waiting “to make a change … make it better” — are joined by a pulsing bass line and click-clacking rhythms, with the “shelter-in-place” and “be ready for anything” sarcasm exuding the grim reality of how American society deals with these threats. String-laden “memories are the one that last” further introspections continue to envelop, as does the “ch-change has a name” fervor. “Stand Here” is a consuming, heartrending standout from Tether the Star.
This blog post from the band explores the track’s inspirations and process in-depth — definitely a recommended read.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
