‘When the Music Plays Again’, by Alan Chapell (better known simply as Chapell), is unquestionably one of the most beautiful tunes I’ve heard all year. Penned during his time in Sausalito, California in 2021, it’s a song that mourns the loss of the close-knit musical community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It retains faith, however, that such harmony will be restored.
“As a songwriter, all you want is for people to hear your music,” says Chapell. “And when the ability to perform goes away for a while, you learn to live on the fumes of hope”.
Beginning with a charming piano and haunting violin, Chapell’s heartfelt vocals soon take centre stage. It’s not long before the listener is thrust into a rich and expertly layered soundscape that swells with emotion, weaving together themes of loss, hope, and the enduring power of music. Real, pure, and deeply evocative, ‘When the Music Plays Again’ beautifully captures a time when live music was a distant memory, but the dream of it returning never died.
Having toured with heavyweights like Gin Blossoms, Everclear, and Little River Band, Alan Chapell is a seasoned veteran. His latest single will form part of his upcoming seventh album ‘The Underground Music Show’, a record we just cannot wait to hear in full!
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘When the Music Plays Again’ on Spotify now:
