“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.
The Truth
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
So do you know the truth?
Is it far from what you know is true?
Is it hard to let it go?
Now
The above lyrics from the song The Truth by Unified Highway communicate a powerful message about the importance of breaking free from the grip of fear and taking control of one's mind and intuition. The lyrics urge the listener not to let others control them or make them scared with false information and propaganda. Instead, the listener is encouraged to use their intuition, and not let fear dictate their decisions. The song asks the listener to question their beliefs and examine whether they align with the truth they know rather than what they have been told. These lyrics speak to the current times where misinformation and manipulation continue to spread rapidly through mainstream media and social media, creating confusion and controlling public opinions.
The song encourages listeners to take control of their own lives and seek out the truth independently, drawing strength from their intuition and inner knowledge. This empowering message is delivered through the lyrics and the upbeat, soulful reggae sound that characterizes Unified Highway's music. The song is an inspiration to those seeking clarity in a confusing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let them control you
It’s not good to allow anyone to control you.
Don't be scared cuz someone told you
You don’t have to be scared just because someone told you to be.
Use your intuition
Instincts are your best guide.
Fear is a condition
Fear is a state of mind.
So do you know the truth?
Do you have an accurate understanding of the situation?
Is it far from what you know is true?
Is it distant from what you believe is true?
Is it hard to let it go?
Is it difficult to detach from it?
Now
At this moment.
You been lied to
You were deceived.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Eric Rachmany, Anthony Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chakachakalive
You've been lied to
Don't let them control you
Don't be scared cuz someone told you
Use your intuition
Fear is a condition
So do you know the truth?
Is it far from what you know is true?
Is it hard to let it go now?
You've been lied to
Use your intuition
Don't let them control you
Don't let them control you
Don't let them control you
Use your intuition
@dcousler1
Glad to see bands like this speaking facts. Wake up sheeple! Don't let them control you!
@gtrman1973
I've been a Rebelution fan for a long time and just came across Unified Highway. This song is a vibe 🔥
@wago231
WOW same her i just think thats Rebelution wow so DOPE !!!!! PEACE FROM GERMANY
@jasontaylor7415
Eric is part of this band
@scout9937
Brother just sent this to me and said bump this in your system, this shit hits hard and is dope. I am about it.
@jf4620
I knew I hear some Rebelution in this track. Awesome track.
@derekmannino9109
woooooahhhh dank, I got some Expendables vibes during that solo. There was even some sweep picking!!
@kellenpicou9315
This smash in my Honda Pilot 🤯💪💯
@shawnmercer3124
Just got the notification!! Worldwide international! One love!!
@gqsy3561
When I got the notification, I was like OMG YES FINALLY