Finding themselves in the soundscape of a modern Simon and Garfunkel with influences from the likes of Ben Howard, Kings of Convenience and Kodaline, Amistat are definitely best enjoyed live. A safe place to be, to feel, to heal and to inspire. Their vocal harmonies create an unique synergy which stems from their contrasting personalities and musical styles blending together. Their authentic lyrics speak of what they have learned to be true in life and love, sharing their stories and songs about these lessons most of which they wrote while on the road.
Born with the closeness and understanding that only twins could share, Josef and Jan produce a unique synergy through the use of tight knit harmonies, shaped by an honest, storytelling vocal tone. Amistat is able to communicate their inspirations, drawn from a life on the road, infusing their sentiments, hopes and ambitions to develop a unique and honest message to their audiences.
Since 2012, Amistat have released five EP’s, It’s Not Words, Somewhere Sometime, Nostalgia, Love and Light, Still Alive and their debut album Parley which saw them embark on a number of Australian and European tours including performances at some of Australia's finest Festivals such as Woodford Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Fairbridge and Nannup. The duo further won the Marton Guitar Emerging Artist of the Year 2018 Award at the Port Fairy Folk Festival 2018.
Following a two month tour with Australian band "Sons of the East" in 2019, playing 49 shows in 15 countries, Amistat followed up with their own headline tour through Europe and the UK in autumn 2019 before heading to their second home Australia for a national tour start of 2020.
Celebrating the release of their latest EP Still Alive the duo have just come of off their European tour which will be commencing in May 2022.
Still Alive
Amistat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hand in hand we rolled the dice
I lost control on that hill barely made it out alive
The walls in my head they broke
I listened but no one spoke
I was guided on the path by moon light into the unknown
As the sky grew dark
A I lit the spark
Hey I′m still alive
Hey I'm still alive
I told you to wait inside
There′s something that I need to find
Hidden out among the pines in the back of my mind
There's no echo or anything
I felt like an ancient king
Headed to the top of the hill to know how low I had been
As the sky grew dark
A I lit the spark
Hey I'm still alive
Hey I′m still alive
Hey I′m still alive
Hey I'm still alive
A light soul in the dark, equilibrium in the heart
And I knew the moment I arrived
Hey I′m still alive
And I knew the moment I arrived
Hey I'm still alive
Hey I′m still alive
Hey I'm still alive
Hey I′m still alive
The song “Still Alive” by Amistat is an introspective piece that speaks to the themes of self-reflection, perseverance and hope amidst hardship. The lyrics explore the journey of the singer and their companion as they cross a border, take risks and face obstacles. The opening lines, “We crossed the border twice / Hand in hand we rolled the dice / I lost control on that hill barely made it out alive” signify taking a risk and almost facing the consequences of it. The line “The walls in my head they broke / I listened but no one spoke” could be interpreted as being receptive to new ideas, but not necessarily having anyone to talk to about them. Despite facing doubt and uncertainty, the singer seems to find solace in the unknown as “I was guided on the path by moon light into the unknown.”
The second verse, “I told you to wait inside / There’s something that I need to find / Hidden out among the pines in the back of my mind,” suggests that the singer is searching for something within themselves that is not completely clear. The lyric “There’s no echo or anything / I felt like an ancient king / Headed to the top of the hill to know how low I had been” suggests that the singer is looking for a deeper sense of self-awareness and that the process of reaching that awareness can be lonely and grueling. The chorus emphasizes the theme of perseverance and self-affirmation with the repetition of “Hey I’m still alive.”
Line by Line Meaning
We crossed the border twice
We embarked on a journey of uncertainty, taking risks and making difficult decisions.
Hand in hand we rolled the dice
We took a chance together, knowing that the outcome was unpredictable and we could end up with unexpected results.
I lost control on that hill barely made it out alive
I experienced a moment of vulnerability and fear, where I almost lost my life due to a loss of control.
The walls in my head they broke
I was liberated from my own mental barriers that were holding me back from exploring new possibilities.
I listened but no one spoke
I was open and receptive to new experiences, but there was no guidance that could prepare me for the unknown journey ahead.
I was guided on the path by moon light into the unknown
I followed my intuition and allowed myself to be guided by an inner light towards uncharted territories.
As the sky grew dark
As uncertainty and darkness surrounded me,
A I lit the spark
I found the courage within me to ignite hope and light to guide my way forward.
Hey I′m still alive
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I have survived and continue to persevere.
I told you to wait inside
I had to take a moment alone to reflect on something important I needed to discover.
There′s something that I need to find
I had an inner yearning to uncover something that was hidden, perhaps within my own psyche.
Hidden out among the pines in the back of my mind
I discovered something significant that was previously concealed, perhaps even forgotten, within the depth of my own subconscious.
There's no echo or anything
This discovery felt silent and deeply personal, without any external validation or response.
I felt like an ancient king
This discovery brought a sense of regal inner strength and resilience, like that of an ancient ruler who had overcome great adversity and emerged victorious.
Headed to the top of the hill to know how low I had been
I climbed to the highest point to gain perspective on the depth of my struggles and how far I had come.
A light soul in the dark, equilibrium in the heart
In the midst of uncertainty, I found a sense of inner peace and balance, which energized my spirit and reassured my soul.
And I knew the moment I arrived
I felt a profound sense of clarity and understanding as soon as I reached my destination.
Hey I′m still alive
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I have survived and continue to persevere.
Writer(s): Ryan O'reilly, Jan Prasil, Josef Prasil
Contributed by Brooklyn Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@uniqueblue4540
Dear Amistat brothers! I saw you at Frankfurt concert yesterday. I accompanied my friend to Jeremy Loops whose songs I barely knew. And what can I say- YOU TWO sung yourself right into my heart and soul. It was as if my very personal dual soul ☯️ spoke right through your lyrics. You energy and aura was shining through the room. Your voices warm and soothing. Thank you for this wonderful surprise of meeting your music last night! ✨
@ArranJonesMusic
I heard this randomly on a suggested video and I am hooked! This is amazing! Thank you for the amazing song it really helped!
@amistatmusic
Thank you🙏🏼Glad you like it;)
@halfnerdhalfgeek3364
I met you before the Tash Sultana concert in Turkey. You were too good also on live! Thank you for feeling alive with your musics.
@user-ky6hn6fg2i
So beautiful 😍
@amistatmusic
thank you 🙏🏻
@MichaKern
WOW wunderwunderschön!!! Ich bin sehr berührt. Hammer Song. Vielen Dank.
@amistatmusic
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
@user-rx8cf3cx5x
Amazing masterpiece, it should be with millions of views!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@amistatmusic
thank you🙏🏻 ! one day it will 😉😉😇😇