1999 brought the demise of Candlebox and the members went their separate ways.
Peter Klett, a founding member of Candlebox and lead guitarist, is back. If youre looking for the hard rock bombast that was Candlebox, youll find it. What youll also find is the more melodic and ethereal, but equally as volatile side of rock n roll. The result is redlightmusic, a Seattle band with a sound clearly its own.
The bands self-titled debut on Digital Musicworks International (DMI) was produced by Klett along with Kelly Gray and Steve Thompson. redlightmusic finds Klett singing in addition to the expected role of guitarist, with many of the songs borne out of his battles with substance abuse. However, rather than dwell on the pain of addiction, the songs instead focus on the life perspective gained by overcoming such an obstacle. What has resulted is a triumphant collection of spiritually intense and life-affirming songs that are uplifting without being preachy. He bears his soul on these songs, and the result is candid, open and honest.
The song, "A Cigarette" puts you right in Kletts shoes and takes you along for the ride, as few songs do these days. The first verse sets the tone for the entire song:
A cigarette between my lips
A dark and smoke-filled room
I sit down and think of my life
And I wonder if Im living it right?
redlightmusic is also full of potential rock anthems, such as the opening track, "Say It Again," as well as "Face the Day" and "Beautiful," among others. The experience of the last few years has afforded Klett the opportunity for musical growth he couldnt possibly have imagined. The perspective I have on life these days has really allowed me to see further into the songwriting than before, says Peter Klett.
These new songs, however, would not exist without the chemistry within the band. The pieces all fell into place and redlightmusic was born when Klett began jamming with Tommy Woo (guitar and backing vocals), Jason T. Phraner (bass) and Keith Ryland (drums) in the summer of 2002. Woo, Phraner and Ryland have a long history playing together and an incredible musical rapport. Prior to redlightmusic, they spent eight years together in the Seattle band Tongue Tied, then another called Zoo on the Moon. Tommy was introduced to Peter through a mutual friend. Shortly thereafter, he brought in his old friends Jason and Keith, and the rest is history in the making. I have to say how amazing it is to have these guys in this band. I havent felt this kind of connection since the very early days in Candlebox, enthuses Peter Klett.
http://www.myspace.com/redlightmusic
Hollywood
Redlightmusic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't you see, perfect dreams turned shattered lives they fall by the wayside
And a tear, sells their fear
And we cry, I'll tell you why
'Cause we feel their spirits breaking and they don't know who they are
Yeah we see their youth is fading, cause the end is not too far
Hollywood
Can't you see, angels stealing just to stay alive
Can't you see, full of bright lit candles burning out they fall by the wayside
Feel their spirits breaking, and they don't know who they are
Yeah we see their youth is fading, cause the end is not too far
Yeah we feel their spirits breaking, and they don't know who they are
Yeah we see their youth is fading, cause the end is not too far
Hollywood
And a tear, sells their fear
And we cry, I'll tell you why
'Cause we feel their spirits breaking and they don't know who they are
Yeah we see their youth is fading, cause the end is not too far
We feel their spirits breaking and they don't know who they are
Yeah we see their youth is fading, cause the end is not too far
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood
The lyrics to Redlightmusic's song Hollywood are a heartbreaking commentary on the often unforgiving and destructive nature of the entertainment industry. The song describes a Hollywood full of broken dreams, where perfect lives quickly turn into shattered ones, and even angels steal just to survive. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "feel their spirits breaking, and they don't know who they are," underscores the profound loss of identity and self-worth that many performers experience in this cutthroat world. The tears that are shed for these victims of fame and fortune are ultimately futile, for the end is always near.
The theme of the song is powerful and resonant, particularly given the many stories of celebrities who have struggled with addiction, depression, and personal crises as a result of their fame. The lyrics implore the listener not to turn a blind eye to the human cost of the entertainment industry, and to acknowledge the pain and suffering that often lurks behind the glitter and glamour of Hollywood.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't you see, streets they laugh with sparkled eyes
The streets of Hollywood are personified as having an air of snide amusement and joy that glimmers with the sparkle in the eyes of the people who occupy it.
Can't you see, perfect dreams turned shattered lives they fall by the wayside
People come to Hollywood with the perfect dreams, only to have them crushed and shattered and left behind as they are unable to move forward and succeed.
And a tear, sells their fear
The sadness and fear of those whose dreams have been shattered are profited on by the industry that created this desperation in the first place.
And we cry, I'll tell you why
The listener is made aware of the reason for the sadness they are feeling.
'Cause we feel their spirits breaking and they don't know who they are
The collective spirit of the people in Hollywood is breaking under the weight of their failures and they have lost their sense of self in the process.
Yeah we see their youth is fading, cause the end is not too far
The youthfulness and optimism that once defined the people of Hollywood is slipping away as they begin to realize the limitations of the industry and the harsh realities of life.
Can't you see, angels stealing just to stay alive
The desperation is so great in Hollywood that even those who are seen as pure and innocent, such as angels, must resort to theft and dishonesty just to survive.
Can't you see, full of bright lit candles burning out they fall by the wayside
The people of Hollywood are compared to candles burning brightly before ultimately being snuffed out and forgotten.
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood
The repetition of Hollywood emphasizes the hold that the industry has over the people and the culture of the city.
Contributed by Adalyn Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.