“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.
Never the Same
Unified Highway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Whenever we're together, whenever, well if ever
What if we turned to what we need, fulfill our loving needs?
Yeah I'm waiting patiently, so come in gracefully
You're on my mind and in my dreams, telling me you're all mine
You're in my thoughts or so it seems, telling me you're all mine
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Baby when we're together, no sign of getting better
And I couldn't believe, you're so far out of reach
Well I have contemplated, hoping that we can save it
But now you're chasing me, this time I can't be weak
You're on my mind and in my dreams, telling me you're all mine
You're in my thoughts or so it seems, telling me you're all mine
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you
Never the same, never the same without you...
Never the same, never the same without you...
The song "Never the Same" by Unified Highway talks about how being with someone you love can change everything and make life better, but when they're not around, things aren't the same. The constant repetition of the phrase "Never the same without you" emphasizes this point and conveys a sense of longing for the person they are singing about. The lyrics suggest that the singer is hopeful that they can be reunited with this person, but also acknowledges the challenges and struggles they may face in trying to rekindle their relationship.
The second verse talks about how the singer feels like they are being chased by this person, but this time, they cannot be weak. This could suggest that they may have had a tumultuous relationship in the past and are now trying to work things out. The overall message of the song seems to be that love can be difficult and complicated, but it is worth it to fight for the person you love.
Line by Line Meaning
Never the same, never the same without you
The singer is expressing that life is not the same without their loved one.
Whenever we're together, whenever, well if ever
The singer is questioning if they will ever be with their loved one again and hoping to fulfill their love needs if they are.
What if we turned to what we need, fulfill our loving needs?
The singer is suggesting that they should turn to fulfilling their needs for love and companionship instead of dwelling on the past.
I've been her contemplating, thinking a lot, intubating
The artist has been introspective and thinking a lot about their situation with their loved one.
Yeah I'm waiting patiently, so come in gracefully
The artist is willing to wait for their loved one to come back into their life in a graceful manner.
You're on my mind and in my dreams, telling me you're all mine
The singer is dreaming about and thinking about their loved one and hoping to have them back in their life.
Baby when we're together, no sign of getting better
The singer feels that being with their loved one does not make things better between them.
And I couldn't believe, you're so far out of reach
The artist feels that their loved one is unattainable and out of their reach.
Well I have contemplated, hoping that we can save it
The artist has considered the possibility of saving their relationship with their loved one.
But now you're chasing me, this time I can't be weak
The artist feels that their loved one is pursuing them, but this time they cannot be weak and must stand their ground.
Never the same, never the same without you...
The singer reiterates the idea that their life is not the same without their loved one.
Writer(s): Anthony Anderson, Eric Rachmany, Sophia Scott
Contributed by Matthew E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Casey Owen
How does this have only 800+ likes. This is an adorable song! I love it
Colette Pangelinan
Best song on the album!!!!!!!
jacob rajaniemi
+Colette Pangelinan
this and "my only"
Jorge Ortega
1 of my favorites of the album!! i hope i see em live
alessii
I still remember standing at the end of that road, I think it was 2017 or 2018, looking toward the farm that seemed to never end and hearing this song playing softly from the house beside me. It was such a magical moment for me during a year that was so horrible, and I always wondered who was playing it. I didn't know the name of the song; all I could remember was the hook: ''never the same; never the same without you.'' That's all I needed to finally find it in 2021 and I come back to this video whenever I need that comforting familiarity. Thank you for making this.
Lisa Marie J
I feel bad for not hearing this until now!! 😭 my absolute fave.. love you ERIC! 😍❤
msempyrial
Nothing like his voice and hers is so beautiful as well ❤💛💚
Nick Richter
eric is in so many amazing songs
Gabriella
Omg I love this song so fucking much. I've had it stuck in my head for months. it gets better every time I listen to it
Paul Jimenez
Just discovered this album couple weeks ago. I’m hooked