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Veteran Prospect

from Vol. IV: Independency by Plaid On Flannel

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*Song Description By Noles*

In early 2016, I was writing some songs that would end up on Independency and I was finishing Rising Above [EP] with the Plaid On Flannel band. Almost all of the songs I played with the band were already previously recorded songs for Plaid On Flannel. So it made it easier for the musicians to learn. After adding Jen Doyon as a keyboardist in 2015, I had quite a few ideas on how we could use the keyboard in our songs. Even as a focal point, or a driving force in the song. Like a rhythm guitar, as I'm used to writing guitar-oriented songs.

When I was a kid, I was really into hip-hop. I didn't start playing guitar until 2002. Mainstream hip-hop is terrible now, but back in the day it was really good. I love the hip-hop production of Dr. Dre. His style is where I would associate keyboard usage in a rock song. To make it sound like a hip-hop beat with spaces between the notes and chords. Giving it depth and rhythm for the lyrical vocals. That's what I always loved about hip-hop. And today's hip-hop producers and rappers sound like they know nothing about music and are just using robots with no feel. Overachieving modern rappers like Drake are complete garbage. I even recorded the hip-hop song "Virgin Lungs" for Independency as a protest against the awful hip-hop artists of today. And as a political statement.

I wrote the music for "Veteran Prospect" on April 24, 2016. When it came to the lyrics, I wanted to tell an underdog story about someone who gets overlooked. An underachiever who becomes a late bloomer. I'm a big Toronto Blue Jays fan, and their 2015 late season run was spectacular! One key player for them was 1st baseman Chris Colabello. A 31 year-old rookie at the time, the man paid his dues in the minor leagues. He had some clutch hitting in the playoffs. They didn't get to the World Series, but the 2016 season started off with excitement around the Jays fan base. Then in the first month of the season, Colabello got suspended for PED use on April 22, 2016. He denied the use and gave an emotional interview while defending himself. He had clawed his way into the Major Leagues for over a decade, so it was a tough one to swallow. On May 16, 2016, I wrote the lyrics for "Veteran Prospect" with Chris Colabello in mind. But the lyrics are from a personal point-of-view as well. I had been in bands with people 10-23 years older than me for the past 7 years at that point. So the "Veteran Prospect" title had a reverse meaning for me being young around the old, rather than old around the young from Colabello's view point. Sadly, he never played in the Major Leagues again.

"Veteran Prospect" is the shortest song in the Plaidalog at 2:57. Starting off with a punchy keyboard playing 5th chords on a drum beat. New elements are added as the song progresses from bass to guitar. The middle section becomes guitar-oriented. Inspired by the "Paperback Writer" riff by the Beatles. The drums are spontaneous during this section. The guitar solo at the end pans back and forth from left to right. I used that trick a lot on Independency.

"Veteran Prospect" is one of the more dynamically unique songs from the album. My intention was to play it with the band with Jen on keyboards, but she ended up quitting POF in mid-2017. However, when I get a Plaid On Flannel band going again, this will be one of the first songs on the to-do list!

lyrics

Words and music by Nolan Randall

He's old inside his soul, been that way from beginning
He dared to go somewhere to keep his planet spinning
Serenading the unborn child
He's gonna hustle into the wild
We haven't got a clue what he's to do for disciplining

Among the old and wise, there's got to be a reason
He had to compromise some of
The things that please him
Looking over the underpass
To try a way that will everlast
You move ahead to simulcast the event of the season

The weight of all that's great will keep him operating
It beats the nosebleed seats the crowd is ventilating
Everyone will investigate
He'll see if he can communicate
We'll get a scout to recruit him
Despite his signs of aging

Among the old and wise, there's got to be a reason
He had to compromise some of
The things that please him
Looking over the underpass
To try a way that will everlast
You move ahead to simulcast the event of the season

Among the old and wise, there's got to be a reason
He had to compromise some of
The things that please him
Looking over the underpass
To try a way that will everlast
You move ahead to simulcast the event of the season

credits

from Vol. IV: Independency, released July 29, 2018

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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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