The Commuters are:

Zeeshan Zaidi – Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Uri Djem… Read Full Bio ↴The Commuters are:

Zeeshan Zaidi – Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Uri Djemal – Guitar
Ben Zwerin – Bass
Paul Amorese – Drums

The Commuters might hail from New York, but their kinetic, personally revealing anthems capture an alt-rock essence that aspires toward worldwide appeal. Right from the outset of their debut LP, Rescue (mastered by White Stripes/Ryan Adams collaborator Fred Kevorkian), its signature attributes are front and center. Album opener and lead single, “As I Make My Way,” has it all: an unforgettable hook, huge guitars that ring and echo and a grounded rhythm section that anchors the track’s precise tension. Elsewhere on Rescue, you can hear the New York foursome’s density of influence on tracks like “Hope to Be,” which teems with traces of Peter Gabriel’s work with Daniel Lanois, while the delicate bite of Automatic/Monster-era R.E.M. is evident in the title track’s feedback thrust and circa-Bends Radiohead gets channeled via the poised, melodic moodiness of album standout “Fallen from Grace.” And what ties all this together are the Commuters’ poignant lyrics, which eschew cryptic sermonizing, focusing instead on transparently human experiences and emotions.

Such richness and diversity on an inaugural release is no happenstance. As their name suggests, the Commuters have traveled through a lifetime of musical influences, but it’s their own personal global journeys that have guided the foursome to something universal but prevailingly intimate. Before forming the Commuters in 2010, Canadian-born, Philippines-raised frontman Zeeshan Zaidi (whose parents were born in Pakistan and India) spent many years in the music industry. His early accomplishments included producing Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Leslie’s first demo, and he subsequently worked in the marketing departments of major labels in New York helping to develop the careers of other versatile artists, including OutKast and Cee Lo Green. During this time, Zaidi was also honing his craft as a singer, songwriter and musician, performing around New York’s open mic circuit. When the time arrived to put his own abilities as a performer front and center, he immediately shared a dozen demos of his songs with childhood friend, New York-based producer and soon-to-be Commuters guitarist Uri Djemal, who was also raised in the Philippines (by parents of Israeli and American descent). The two got to work co-producing the album at Djemal’s Madpan Studios in Manhattan, where he had produced many well-known artists in New York’s indie-rock scene. Says Zaidi: “Uri’s studio was a few blocks from my apartment and he was telling me for years to come work on my songs there. One day — when I knew it was time — I just walked over and we started.”

Soon, they were joined by Djemal’s previous collaborator, French-raised Ben Zwerin on bass and Italian-American upstate New York native Paul Amorese behind the drums, solidifying the current lineup. Zwerin, the son of an American rock critic and Jazz trombonist based in Paris, had previously played and toured extensively with many renowned world and jazz musicians. Amorese had been playing professionally since the age of 14, performing in numerous bands throughout New York City and state. The material that would become Rescue had firmly connected with its improbable shepherds.

Having established themselves at noted hometown venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn, including Arlene’s Grocery, Fontana’s and Spike Hill, and received blog acclaim in the U.S. and abroad, the Commuters are eager to build their US presence and also extend their experiences outward to an international audience. As Zaidi explains, the already-dynamic tracks on Rescue “sound energetic and alive” on stage. “We love creating songs in the studio but performing them for live audiences is even more exciting,” he continues. “A lot of our online fans in different countries ask when we’re going to play in their hometowns – and we want to make it to all those places.”

And while every band aims to last, the Commuters’ unique combination of its members’ personal histories and creative backgrounds leading up to this moment foreshadows a longer and brighter future than most. “Our hope and our goal is to be around for as long as possible,” says Zaidi. We want to build this over time — the first album is just the start.”

Hope To Be
The Commuters Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You know I've never heard you say a word about yourself
Always thinking, always worried about someone else
Every cut and every blow gets tucked away
But now it's time for everyone to hear your name

Heading for the western sky
You're gonna soar you're gonna conquer life
You just wait and see

I'm pulling for you from below
You're gonna make it big I swear I know
Cause you're better than I'll ever hope to be

Than I'll ever hope to be
Than I'll ever hope to be
Than I'll ever hope to be

A little disappointment never finished anyone
A little bump along the way, there's no real damage done
A little time can change a lot, I know your day has come
You're creating your own path, and the past will be undone

Heading for the western sky
You're gonna soar you're gonna conquer life
You just wait and see

I'm pulling for you from below
You're gonna make it there I swear I know
Cause you're better than I'll ever hope to be

Than I'll ever hope to be
Than I'll ever hope to be
You're better than I'll ever hope to be

You're better than I'll ever hope to be
Than I'll ever hope to be

Overall Meaning

The Commuters' song, Hope To Be, is an encouraging ballad that speaks about a person's journey towards personal growth and success. The song celebrates the resilience and determination of an individual who, despite all the challenges and setbacks, never gives up and continues to reach for their dreams. The lyrics highlight the humility and selflessness of this person, who always puts others first but is now ready to make a name for themselves. The song goes on to inspire this individual on their journey, assuring them that they have what it takes to succeed and that they are better than the person singing.

The chorus has a powerful message, expressing confidence in the person's abilities and potential. The line, "Heading for the western sky, You're gonna soar you're gonna conquer life," suggests that the person is heading towards a brighter future where they will achieve incredible success. The song recognizes that there may be bumps along the way but assures the person that "a little disappointment never finished anyone" and that "a little time can change a lot." Ultimately, the message of the song is one of encouragement and support, reminding the person that they are on the right path and that they have the potential to surpass anyone's expectations, even the person singing the song.

Line by Line Meaning

You know I've never heard you say a word about yourself
I have noticed that you are always more interested in hearing about others than talking about yourself.

Always thinking, always worried about someone else
You are always busy with concerns for others and their welfare.

Every cut and every blow gets tucked away
You tend to keep your struggles and hardships to yourself.

But now it's time for everyone to hear your name
It is time for you to shine and be recognized for your own talents and achievements.

Heading for the western sky
You are moving forward and aiming for your goals, with the wide open horizon as your limit.

You're gonna soar you're gonna conquer life
You have the potential to achieve great things and overcome any obstacles that come your way.

You just wait and see
Believe in yourself and have confidence that you'll succeed, even if others doubt you.

I'm pulling for you from below
I am supporting you and cheering you on from behind the scenes, willing you to succeed.

You're gonna make it big I swear I know
I have complete faith in your ability to achieve great success and fulfill your dreams.

Cause you're better than I'll ever hope to be
You possess unique qualities and skills that make you a special and talented person that I cannot match.

A little disappointment never finished anyone
There will be setbacks and disappointments, but they won't define your future success or happiness.

A little bump along the way, there's no real damage done
Minor setbacks or obstacles won't hinder your progress or ultimate success in life.

A little time can change a lot, I know your day has come
Although it may take some time, your hard work and dedication will pay off and lead to great success.

You're creating your own path, and the past will be undone
You are forging your own way in life and not letting past mistakes or setbacks impede your progress or happiness.

You're better than I'll ever hope to be
You possess unique qualities and skills that make you a special and talented person that I cannot match.

Than I'll ever hope to be
I recognize and acknowledge your greatness and potential, and know that you will achieve great things in life.

Than I'll ever hope to be
I am in awe of you and all that you represent, and know that you will continue to amaze and inspire others.

You're better than I'll ever hope to be
You possess unique qualities and skills that make you a special and talented person that I cannot match.

Than I'll ever hope to be
I am humbled by your greatness and excited to see what amazing things you will achieve in the future.

Contributed by Liliana J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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