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*Song Description By Noles*

The music for "Potential" was written sometime in the spring of 2011. I was the lead guitarist and backing vocalist in Peterborough's High Waters Band at the time. We performed 3-set shows every weekend. Playing about 70% classic rock covers and 30% blues rock originals written by frontman Mike Kidd. He influenced me as a songwriter as I was preparing Plaid On Flannel's debut album. Being in High Waters Band was a crucial component to my development as an artist and performer. And when I wrote the music for "Potential", it was inspired by the blues rock style of High Waters Band.

Plaid On Flannel officially launched on September 3, 2011 when I began producing POF's debut album Fairbairn Meadows. Following the completion of 7 songs produced for the album, I started recording "Potential" on February 19, 2012. But I hadn't written any lyrics for the tune at that point. Starting songs without lyrics happened a lot during the recording process of the first 2 Plaid On Flannel albums. As I would also rewrite a lot of lyrics in those days. I finally wrote the lyrics for "Potential" on February 21, 2012. The tune is about a beautiful, elusive woman. As the song is written in 2nd person (you), it addresses a guy who goes to great lengths to make a gorgeous woman notice him. And realizing his "potential" in doing so.

The Fairbairn Meadows rendition of "Potential" uses off-time piano in the verses to give it a ska-like feel. There are lots of backup vocals harmonies throughout the entire song. I finished recording this version of "Potential" on March 1, 2012, and the entire Fairbairn Meadows album was released on July 1, 2012. "Potential" was played with High Waters Band and it was the only tune I wrote that we performed live. On May 20, 2013, Plaid On Flannel's sophomore album Mission Of Mercy was released. After moving to Toronto from Peterborough in September of 2013, the Plaid On Flannel band started on February 15, 2014 as a 3-piece. "Potential" was part of the first batch of my original songs that I brought to the band. The tune became a concert staple for Plaid On Flannel. Often played as part of a "double-shot" before "Heroes & Villains". As both songs have a capo on the 1st fret of the guitar.

Keyboardist Jen Doyon joined Plaid On Flannel the next year on February 22, 2015, and "Potential" was the first tune she auditioned with. The organ sound she brought to "Potential" really blew me away. Because it added a whole new characteristic to the song. This is where I came up with the term "Carnival Rock". Jen's keyboard sound on "Potential" made it feel like music you would hear at a carnival or a circus. With blues on top of that, it's "Carnival Rock" to me. Here's a live version of us performing "Potential" at the Velvet Underground in Toronto on July 18, 2015... youtu.be/dr-3aAIMHuU

When it came time to record our Get On! EP on February 4, 2017, we made sure to include "Potential" on the record. Five years after I recorded the tune for Fairbairn Meadows. The carnival rock theme was displayed on the album's artwork, and the Get On! EP was released on August 28, 2017. I've pretty much retired from performing "Potential" with a band. But it just might find it's way back into Plaid On Flannel's live repertoire of songs in the future.

lyrics

Words and music by Nolan Randall

She’s so fine, she knows everybody around
It’s a sign, they follow her like a blood hound
No escaping your feelings
You’ve got to make her aware
Complicating your actions
Tell her she’s got to beware

You don’t even realize your potential
People start to criticize why you’re mental

On your mind, you know she wants to ignore you
So unkind, she treats you just like the guy before you
Never a day where she wants you to call all the shots
Maybe if she can’t get you
It might change her thoughts

You don’t even realize your potential
People start to criticize why you’re mental
Then she starts to penalize your credentials
You don’t even realize your potential

Your potential is an honest truth
That’s never gonna change
People are just animals
That’s why they act like you’re strange

No way out, you’ve got to play the man’s game
Walk about as if everybody’s the same
You’ve tried every angle
You’ve even changed your appearance
Finding a way to capture without interference

You don’t even realize your potential
People start to criticize why you’re mental
Then she starts to penalize your credentials
You don’t even realize your potential

credits

from Vol. I: Fairbairn Meadows, released June 29, 2012

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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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