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*Song Description By Noles*

"Find A Way" was the final song recorded for the Primitive Normative album in the late fall of 2015. Months before I started recording the tune, I wrote the music for "Find A Way" on September 7, 2015. The beginning guitar riff/chord progression is used throughout all verses and guitar solos for the song. My inspiration for this part came from "Tie Your Mother Down" by Queen. While it has a different kind of vibe, Brian May's guitar riff/chord progression is also used throughout all of the verses in the tune. "Tie Your Mother Down" is probably my favourite Queen song. If you listen to that tune and "Find A Way", you will find the similarities in the way both guitars sound at the beginning.

The lyrics for "Find A Way" were written on December 4, 2015. Like so many of my other songs, the subject matter in "Find A Way" deals with self-help and empowerment. I often write lyrics to help myself as well. Many motivational speakers on YouTube have influenced me in some of the lyrics I write. While "Find A Way" was written from a 2nd person's point of view, you might say I'm trying to help the listener to improve in their own life. Stating the proven facts on what it takes to accomplish goals and develop personal growth. As Primitive Normative is a concept album, I mention other song titles from the album in the lyrics of "Find A Way". Such as "Primal Desire" and "Rule Of Thumb".

I began recording "Find A Way" on November 29, 2015. There's an acoustic guitar that strums throughout the whole tune from when the drum beat starts. That acoustic guitar is countered with an electric guitar playing arpeggios in the style of Peter Buck from R.E.M. Those arpeggios are played through the whole song. While the main electric guitar on "Find A Way" plays power chords, those other 2 guitars really drive the harmony of the tune. And compliment the song's melody in a profound manner. "Find A Way" has 2 guitar solos. One after the first chorus, and another after the bridge. In the 2nd guitar solo, there is an orchestral string section added that continues on for the rest of the song. I've added strings on a bunch of my other tunes as well, and it can really elevate the emotion of the music.

The Primitive Normative album features guitar octave swells on certain songs that I used with my Digitech Whammy pedal. It's a pedal notably utilized by guitarists such as Tom Morello and Jack White. I used my whammy pedal on "Find A Way" for certain passages in the song. Those transitions are before the 2nd chorus, bridge, 3rd chorus, and outro of the tune. A backup vocal harmony is added in "Find A Way" starting in the 2nd verse. That backup vocal is used quite a bit for the rest of the song. "Find A Way" ends on an unresolved chord, and stays there as it fades out. This was inspired by the outro to Oasis' "Lyla". Which was also inspired by the outro to The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man". "Find A Way" is a song I perform as a solo act on acoustic guitar as well. Transposing the tune's key from B to A. Here's an acoustic version of me playing the song... youtu.be/k4I1yCwSkiw I have not played "Find A Way" with a band yet, but I'll be sure to try it out with some personnel in the future.

lyrics

Words and music by Nolan Randall

It's all a dream until we wake up in the light
The things we search for seem so far out of our sight
Out of our sight

Find a way to be your hero
Never settle for what's normal
Stuck in limbo in your bubble
Take a moment, seize the essence
There is no point in pretending
Work your way into your vision
All you have to do is find a way

We want to strive for things that are within our reach
When we do not bother to practice what we preach
What we preach

Find a way to be remembered
What you have can lead to something
Look at those who came before you
See the motion, walk the aisle
Don't you feel like you're not worthy
Everyone has greatness in them
Primal feelings lead you to somewhere to find a way

What is the point in thinking about yesterday?
I never wanted you to let it fall through
Got to find a way, find a way

All of our fantasies are what we can become
Our instincts tell us something
It's a rule of thumb, a rule of thumb

Find a way to be your hero
What you have can lead to something
Look at those who came before you
Take a moment, seize the essence
Don't you feel like you're not worthy
Work your way into your vision
Primal feelings lead you to somewhere to find a way

credits

from Vol. III: Primitive Normative, released December 31, 2015

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Plaid On Flannel Toronto, Ontario

Plaid On Flannel is an alternative indie blues rock act from Toronto, Canada. With 80+ original songs recorded since 2011, singer-songwriter Nolan Randall has remained the sole constant member of the band. POF's music is known for guitar riffs/solos, memorable hooks, catchy melodies/harmonies, evocative lyrics, & superb musicianship. While keeping a focus on originality and songwriting quality. ... more

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