We recently had the magnificent opportunity to check out the new single, “Still Here” , from  admired composer and songwriter Peter Melnick. You can listen to “Still Here” Here

Written in the aftermath of the devastating 2018 Montecito debris flow, “Still Here” is a deeply moving reflection on loss, resilience, community and gratitude. With a gentle Roots-inspired feel, the song tells the story of a survivor processing the devastation of a natural disaster and finding strength in the extraordinary humanity that emerges in its wake.

“Still Here” from Peter Melnick, is a heartfelt and moving song, you can feel every ounce of Peter Melnick’s heart and soul on “Still Here”, and it’s absolutely brilliant.

The Montecito debris flow occurred during an intense rainstorm in January 2018, when cascading boulders and a 15-foot wall of mud descended from the hills above the community in a matter of minutes, destroying hundreds of homes and taking the lives of 23 people.

Melnick began writing “Still Here” later that year as the approach of another rainy season brought memories of the disaster rushing back.

“Everyone who survived that deadly night was transformed by it, ”Melnick explains.“ If until then you had been lucky enough to live a life untouched by disaster, you just received a crash course in the fragility of human existence.”

Produced by Joseph E-Shine, “Still Here” features an accomplished ensemble of musicians, including Curtis Kelley on drums, Randy Tico on bass, Tommy King on piano, Davy Nathan on organ and keys, Peter Melnick on acoustic guitar, Joseph E-Shine on electric guitars and mandolins, Philip Glenn on accordion and violin, Giovanna Clayton on cello, Drew Taubenfeld on pedal steel and mandolin (Kacey Musgraves, Leon Bridges, Sharon Van-Etten), and Adam Levy on electric guitar (Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman). Melnick also arranged and conducted the horns and strings.

The horn section features Steven Becknell on horn, Alan Kaplan on trombone, and Brad Moller on tuba.

 “Still Here” was recorded at Sunset Sound, Westlake Studios, WAX Studios, Archon Studios, and United Studios, with engineering by Joseph E-Shine, Daniel Anglister, and Noah Hubbell. E-Shine also handled the mix, with mastering by Eyal Katzav.

Melnick’s forthcoming debut album, due in 2027, brings together an accomplished collective of musicians and vocalists, with Joseph E-Shine serving as producer. The project represents the culmination of years of songwriting and creative work, bringing together Melnick’s distinctive musical voice and a deeply personal collection of songs.

You owe it to your music loving heart to check out, “Still Here” from Peter Melnick