“It was simple,” says Eric. “Our goal was to get together and make good music that didn’t sound like anything else.”
“It was natural because the feeling, vibe, and friendship were already there,” adds Amp Live. “When you start out like that, everything else falls into place.”
Since 2009, the duo have shared the stage on multiple tours together, and their collaboration traces back to sound checks and late night jams after shows. However, during late summer 2014, Eric invited the Los Angeles-based Amp Live to his San Francisco home in order to formally record together. For the first time, the musicians found themselves in a studio environment with no distractions and a singular focus. That initial session sparked more in Northern California as well as in Santa Barbra and Los Angeles as the album’s 13 tracks solidified over the next year.
“Even after all these years, this was the first chance for us to sit down and create,” explains Amp Live. “That made a big difference. All of the boundaries opened up. I caught the feeling from Eric’s melodies and ran with it.”
“I’m more of a musician and less of a producer,” continues Eric. “I’m a huge fan of everything Amp Live does. His beats are wholly unique, and the way he produced these songs really stood out. We struck a very cool chemistry.”
This union proved so magnetic that it attracted a myriad of collaborators and friends. The first single “Stand Proud” boasts a striking hook from Shana Halligan and thought-provoking verses courtesy of New Kingston’s Tahir Panton and dancehall up-and-comer Keznamdi. Fueled by resounding percussion and horns, its lithe reggae bounce gives way to Eric’s powerful delivery and lyrics.
“As far as the subject matter goes, there’s a lot of injustice in the world,” he sighs. “Social media is so readily accessible that you can see injustice every day that much easier. I wanted to point out the corruption of the prison system in the U.S. It’s something you hear a lot about, but there’s no better way to educate than through music.”
Elsewhere, “Rainy Day In Autumn” struts along on a danceable synth, percussive handclaps, a sing-able guitar solo, and one of Eric’s most spirited choruses.
“It’s meant to make your head bob and get you dancing,” the vocalist grins. “When we were recording, it rained the entire time. It’s hard to believe because of the drought in California, but it was actually a ‘Rainy Day In Autumn.’ We had a groove blasting inside, and it was super inspiring to write.”
The boys also re-interpreted R.E.M.’s classic “Losing My Religion” from a fresh perspective.
“That’s one of my favorite R.E.M. songs,” remarks Amp Live. “I always wanted to remake it. I tried for years, but it never happened. I just thought Eric would sound dope on it. I was glad he was down. Now, ‘Losing My Religion’ adds a different vibe to the record.”
Eric and Amp Live certainly aren’t strangers to “different vibes.” Rebelution ushered reggae into the 21st century with an alternative vision that’s led to chart-topping albums such as 2014’s Count Me In (which bowed at #14 on the Billboard Top 200), countless sold out shows, and festival appearances everywhere from Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo to Glastonbury, Hangout Music Festival, Outside Lands, and more. Along with touring as a solo artist himself, Amp Live has lent his talents not only to producing for Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Goapele, The Grouch & Eligh, and the hip hop group Zion I, but also to doing official remixes for the likes of Radiohead, MGMT, Linkin Park, Beats Antique and many more.
Now, they’re sharing this new road together in Unified Highway.
“We’re two separate cars, but we’re going the same direction,” Amp Live leaves off. “We come from opposite worlds, but this highway—the music—brings us together. Hopefully, it makes everyone feel the way we do.”
“It’s all about that feeling,” Eric concurs. “I hope our music can inspire, motivate, and spread some positivity. This is a brand new project. People don’t know what to expect, and we’re excited to show them something they haven’t heard.
Are You That Somebody
Unified Highway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be scared cuz someone told you
Use your intuition
Fear is a condition
Is it far from what you know is true?
Is it hard to let it go?
Now
You been lied to
12) Are You That Somebody
Girl I've been watching you like a hawk in the sky that flies
You are my prey
Girl I promise you if we keep bumping heads
I know, one of these days
We gon' chop it up
Probably talk on the phone
But see, don't know if that's good
I've been holding back this secret from you
Probably shouldn't tell it but
If I let you know
You can't tell nobody
I'm talking about nobody
Are you responsible
Girl I gotta watch my back
I'm not just anybody
Is it my go
Is it your go
Say yes or say no
Cuz I really need somebody
Tell me you're that somebody
Girl I'll be at my spot at the park right now
Up the block while everyone
Sleep sleep sleep
I'll be waiting there with my coat
And shade my eyes
So I'm low key
If you tell the world
Don't speak
You know that would be weak
Oh girl
See I'm trusting you with my heart, my soul
Probably shouldn't tell it but
If I let you know
You can't tell nobody
I'm talking about nobody
Are you responsible
Girl I gotta watch my back
I'm not ju
st anybody
The song "Are You That Somebody" by Unified Highway is about not letting fear control you and trusting your intuition. The lyrics suggest that fear is a condition that can be overcome if you know the truth and are willing to let go of what you have been told. The song encourages listeners to question what they know and find their own path, rather than following someone else's.
The first stanza of the song begins by urging listeners not to let others control them and not to be fearful because of what someone else says. The song then goes on to suggest that using your intuition can help overcome fear. The refrain asks if the listener knows the truth and if it is hard to let go of what they thought was true. The second stanza of the song speaks directly to someone who has been lied to and tells them that they need to trust their intuition to find the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let them control you
Don't allow others to have power over your thoughts or actions.
Don't be scared cuz someone told you
Do not make decisions based on fear instilled in you by someone else.
Use your intuition
Trust and use your gut feelings and instincts to make decisions.
Fear is a condition
Fear is a state of mind and can be overcome.
So do you know the truth?
Question the truth that is presented to you; seek the truth for yourself.
Is it far from what you know is true?
Does the truth you have discovered differ from what you have believed to be true?
Is it hard to let it go?
Is it difficult to release long-held beliefs or notions?
You been lied to
You have been deceived or given false information.
Girl I've been watching you like a hawk in the sky that flies
I have been observing you closely, like a bird of prey soaring high.
You are my prey
You are the target of my attention or affection.
Girl I promise you if we keep bumping heads
If we continue to interact, clash, or disagree with each other.
I know, one of these days
I am confident that eventually.
We gon' chop it up
We will have a conversation or spend time together.
Probably talk on the phone
Possibly communicate with each other over the phone.
But see, don't know if that's good
However, I am unsure if that is beneficial for us.
I've been holding back this secret from you
I have been keeping this information hidden from you.
Probably shouldn't tell it but
It is likely not advisable for me to reveal it, but.
If I let you know
If I disclose this information to you.
You can't tell nobody
You must keep this information confidential and not share it with anyone.
I'm talking about nobody
No one must know or become aware of this information.
Are you responsible
Are you trustworthy and capable of keeping this information private?
Girl I gotta watch my back
I have to be cautious and protect myself.
I'm not just anybody
I am not an ordinary person or someone who can easily be trusted.
Is it my go
Is it my turn or my opportunity?
Is it your go
Is it your turn or your opportunity?
Say yes or say no
Indicate your answer as either yes or no.
Cuz I really need somebody
Because I truly desire somebody's presence or companionship.
Tell me you're that somebody
Declare that you are the person I am seeking or needing.
Girl I'll be at my spot at the park right now
I will be at my designated location in the park at this moment.
Up the block while everyone
Several blocks away from everyone else.
Sleep sleep sleep
Who is sleeping, deeply and soundly.
I'll be waiting there with my coat
I will be waiting there with my coat on.
And shade my eyes
Shielding my eyes from the sun.
So I'm low key
So I am keeping a low profile and not wanting to draw attention to myself.
If you tell the world
If you decide to reveal or let others know about us.
Don't speak
Do not tell anyone or talk about us.
You know that would be weak
You understand that it would be wrong or inappropriate to do so.
Oh girl
My dear or beloved woman.
See I'm trusting you with my heart, my soul
I am confiding in you and entrusting you with my most intimate feelings and emotions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Ellis Garrett, Timothy Z. Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@maigibbons1485
Love this remake so much! ❤️💛💚
@HeyYoNickie
Why would anyone thumbs down this banger.?
@chrisdarbo2073
The cover we never knew we needed!
@billionairemindsentertainm5804
Eric killin it again
@beatlightstepper5657
Thought to share that a portion of this song cover was played at the California Roots Reggae Festival '22, I was so excited when I heard it!
@lizduffy9825
😮😯😲😳🥰
@alfredschnozzenstein1657
I hate when this happens (I'm sure a lot of you will understand where I'm coming from); when I JUST NOW get hip to music that was done years ago. I love this song! It has been on repeat! This song makes me feel good; like a high if you will.
@sshahheydari
Well damn. Took me a minute to realize why this song sounded so damn familiar... Fuckin' awesome.
@w3rdup91
Aint going to lie... I just heard this today and this is fire.
@goldchainz7174
Officially my favorite Aaliyah cover!!😇👑💎