Lift Me Up

The New Era

This is a song that I had originally written back in 1992. The main theme of this song, is to contrast those who may not have your best interests at heart, with those who do. And why, having good people in one's life (who believe in you) is so important. Especially, in times of trouble, and when you find yourself in a very difficult situation,

This is a song that I had originally written back in 1992. The main theme of this song, is to contrast those who may not have your best interests at heart, with those who do. And why, having good people in one's life (who believe in you) is so important. Especially, in times of trouble, and when you find yourself in a very difficult situation, that is not of your own making... Note: With all these things said however, the lyrics in this song (as with most of the other tracks here) are mostly for the purpose of entertainment. And, more or less, not necessarily personal. Nor, are some of the lyrics to necessarily be taken literally, or verbatim, in many cases. Even though, there may be a certain influence (or inspiration) there, depending on the song, and/or topic. And in some instances, even the particular choice of wording, is to sort of like, make the lyrics flow better, if you will. In certain spots, at least... Which parts are to be taken literally, and which are not? I'm not sayin'. Call it, pretty much an artist thing...

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The Summer Wind (Go On, John)

The New Era

This is a song that pretty much wrote itself. It started with the melody, lyrics, and chord changes to the chorus coming together all at once. And therefore, decided to continue with that particular train of thought and dedicate it to a fellow musician and close friend of mine, by the name of 'John Sullivan', who had pretty much passed-away before

This is a song that pretty much wrote itself. It started with the melody, lyrics, and chord changes to the chorus coming together all at once. And therefore, decided to continue with that particular train of thought and dedicate it to a fellow musician and close friend of mine, by the name of 'John Sullivan', who had pretty much passed-away before his time. It brought back allot of memories of that time in my life, all those years ago; As well as, growing-up, hanging-out, and playing music back on Long Island, when I was a kid, and a young adult...

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Mid-December

The New Era

This track is pretty much based on my own memories (and dreams) of Christmas, and what many believe to be the real meaning behind the season; As, I also wanted to sort of like evoke images, and a musical feeling, if you will, of the holiday season, during the month of December. (Hence, the title). It therefore, also, sort of like, turned-out to be

This track is pretty much based on my own memories (and dreams) of Christmas, and what many believe to be the real meaning behind the season; As, I also wanted to sort of like evoke images, and a musical feeling, if you will, of the holiday season, during the month of December. (Hence, the title). It therefore, also, sort of like, turned-out to be something of a musical collage', with somewhat of an expansion on the traditional: A-B, A-B-C; verse-chorus, verse-chorus-bridge, style of song-writing...

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I'd Be There

Vito Masilotti & The New Era Band Project

This is pretty much a positive, fantasy type song, with allot of impressionistic, lyrical imagery, and musical colors; Partly inspired, by several books from futurist writer: Ray Kurzweil, entitled: "Fantastic Journey", and; "The Singularity Is Near!" It was written in an attempt to create surreal images of taking an imaginary trip thru time and

This is pretty much a positive, fantasy type song, with allot of impressionistic, lyrical imagery, and musical colors; Partly inspired, by several books from futurist writer: Ray Kurzweil, entitled: "Fantastic Journey", and; "The Singularity Is Near!" It was written in an attempt to create surreal images of taking an imaginary trip thru time and connecting it to something of an abstract physical journey on the road to one's destiny. Sort of paving the way, if you will. At the same time, using the experience to invite those close friends who I have met along the way (or may meet) and those who are dear to me, to remember the special memories and dreams we shared...Those very same memories and dreams that help fuel the inspiration and insight to hopefully and eventually, despite all the obstacles (and negative experiences along the way) bring me to my final destination - as the ultimate purpose for one's life... A purpose that one could finally (and quite possibly) share with those individuals who may have always believed in you, did the right thing when you needed them to, and remained your true friends to the very end. Being there for them, as well, if they believed in you enough to want you to be... Is that deep, or what?! Too-Deep for me, that's for sure. In fact, I don't even know what I just said. Ahhh! What does this song really mean, anyway?! You know, sometimes I can sort of like relate to a statement by John Lennon, in one of his Rolling Stone interviews, regarding the story behind the writing of the songs to the Double Fantasy album, from what I remember. (Although, I am in no way comparing myself to Lennon, except as an admirer, and a sometimes source of inspiration), where he said something to the effect, that: "I would be sitting at the piano, or playing the guitar, and trying to write something, but nothing seemed to be coming-out." (Sounds like constipation! The way I'm sort of like paraphrasing it from memory, here. Right?) "When, all of a sudden, it's like, where you sort of become like a 'medium', in a way. And, bam! In a flash of inspiration, it just comes. It started with one song. And then, I was writing one song after another. And before I knew it, I had all the songs that I needed for the album. I don't know, if I can actually say that I really wrote it. But there it is..." For whatever it's worth, I seemed to always be able to relate to that statement myself. As in the case of this particular song, for instance. In fact, I think I may have channled the spirit of Walt Disney on this one. No, only kidding...

UPDATE/ADDENDUM

Ya' know, it's funny, but there is a line in this song that unintentionally turned-out to be some kind of prophecy in my life, much to my own astonishment, several years later; in relation to the events that transpired around the end of Oct. 2012, during the time when Hurricane Sandy struck the area, and during another very 'significant' (and difficult) event in my life that was happening at the same time. You see, the storm hit the area (and the whole eastern seaboard for that matter), when I was also in the process of moving from Walkersville, MD! It was pretty scary, in more ways then one...

Not sure what it means at this time in my life, if anything, or if it was just some kind of an incredible coincidence. But, it's regarding that line in the song that goes: "a storm rages around me, the wind everywhere. A door closes behind me..." Wow, can't believe it. Sometimes, for obvious reasons, I do think about it though. I mean, it's some coincidence, that's for sure, if nothing else... There does seem to be allot of that kind of stuff in my life though. But, I'm sure there are others who can probably relate in some way as well...

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Oh No!

Vito Masilotti & The New Era Band Project

This is obviously a lyrically unique song, based on a very bizarre (and negative) situation, that I am not going to get into here, except to say that, it is one of the songs from: "The Walkersville Sessions" album, that has a direct bearing on it being somewhat of a 'Theme' album, and all. A song that I sort of like wrote "tongue in cheek", as the

This is obviously a lyrically unique song, based on a very bizarre (and negative) situation, that I am not going to get into here, except to say that, it is one of the songs from: "The Walkersville Sessions" album, that has a direct bearing on it being somewhat of a 'Theme' album, and all. A song that I sort of like wrote "tongue in cheek", as the saying goes. In somewhat of a parody on lyrics. And turned it into something that one might possibly hear in a Stephen King movie, for example... Note: The lyrics in this song, as a songwriter often does, is to create lyrical imagery through one's music. And, as an outlet, if you will. (And in this particular case, to maybe even get at the truth in someway. Or, sort of like, "get it off your chest"). The choice of lyrics used here, is definitely not indicative of my feelings toward people, in general. It was kinda' more or less written in the spirit of Billy Joel's scathing song: "No Man's Land". O.k. on steroids!

And lyrically, more like a combination of: No Man's Land - Part 2 and The Eagles - 'Hotel California'... Basically, it's just one of those type of songs (as was the case with more then several of the tracks on the album), where I already had the music, (such as the chord changes and melody) already written, but just needed some material to write about; Although, the song was originally written some time ago already, but with just a bunch of throw-away type lyrics that I sang, so that we could play the tune live, and sort of like, jam with it... Actually, I wanted it to sound allot raunchier then it came out sounding in this particular take. (To sort of like, match the lyrics). Like a "Helter Skelter" kind of track, from The Beatles White album, for instance. But, just ended-up leaving it the way it was. And, to be honest, kind of felt a little awkward putting it on the album, and making it public. As was the case with some of the other tracks, as well. But, left it anyway. And decided to take a chance, and attempt to create some type of unique kind of "Theme" album concept, that nobody had ever done before. As, sort of like a musical experience (and experiment), if you will. (Somewhat like a "Concept" album, but different). That's how one learns, really. Where, you sort of like take a chance, and see what happens. (If anything). And then, take it from there... Basically, I just love to write music, and really enjoy recording; To sort of like, watch the songs develop and take shape, and come alive, if you will. I really get a big kick out of it... "It's alive I tell you. It's ALIVE!" Woyahahahaaa...

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It Wasn't Time

Vito Masilotti & The New Era Band Project

This tune was more or less influenced by a horoscope reading from the Long Island Voice magazine (that I still have till this day), and much to my amazement, as the saying goes, sort of like "hit the nail on the head." And completely "blew me away"; As I tried to make sense of it all. And which, eventually led me to leave the place where I grew up

This tune was more or less influenced by a horoscope reading from the Long Island Voice magazine (that I still have till this day), and much to my amazement, as the saying goes, sort of like "hit the nail on the head." And completely "blew me away"; As I tried to make sense of it all. And which, eventually led me to leave the place where I grew up and spent most of my life, regarding a situation that I am not going to get into here. But, maybe you can relate. The following, is a quote from that same horoscope article...

"Are you familiar with the sudden, shocking realization that you are dealing with a moron? A willfully ignorant twit? A person who has deliberately wrapped their brain in insulating layers of stupidity; rendering it impervious to even the most rudimentary forms of logic? Well, if you're not versed in this situation now, by the end of the week you'll have enough material for a doctoral thesis."
Wow! It's always the way. I somewhat reluctantly mention this rather personal matter, as it is not my intention (or personality) to want to come across as a necessarily cynical person, in the wrong way. For in reality, I am someone who prefers to maintain a good attitude towards people and things, (in general), regardless. I think I am wise enough to know, to at least try not to let certain negative things that may have happened in one's life affect one's dealings with other people, in a negative way. You know? Like deliberately letting it give you a chip on your shoulder, (or a bad attitude) and all? (I do consider myself to be an excellent judge of character, in the first place. So, I do usually know who I can trust, or not trust, to begin with). But, the reading did kind of leave an impression on me, I have to say; and made me think. For that was exactly what was going through my mind, when certain events started to take place, and nobody else seemed to get it. Or, want to get it! Or, even want to understand. Or, quite possibly, couldn't even see it! And the time-frame, much to my astonishment, seemed to turn-out to be allot longer then just "by the end of the week." For sure. And, I definately saw the prediction validated more and more, as time went by. And even knew exactly what it was referring to, right then and there. And as I was reading it! I mean, "what are you gonna' do?" (As the saying goes). It did strike me as pretty incredible, though. And treated it, as kind of like a learning experience, if nothing else. I will have to leave it at that, for now. And yet, even though it somewhat influenced the lyrics to this song, I really never told anybody about it. Because, I sort of knew how sensitive certain people can be, and take it in the wrong way. Even, if true! And, even if it applied to them. (Rather, then take it as constructive criticism, or somethin'). And, how even, some (not so very nice) people could also deliberately twist it in the wrong way. (Whether, you mention it or not, anyway). If they pick up on it. (And sort of like, "jump on the bandwagon", if you will). So, I pretty-much kept it to myself. And, sort of like, mention it here, for the first time. (In a way). But, as I said before, I knew exactly what the prediction and/or reading was referring to. Once again, "what are ya' gonna do?" Oh, well. Such is life. (Sometimes, at least). It's definately a big "ouch" when it happens to you, though. For sure... True friends are those who will be there for you, when the chips are down. (If they can be, themselves). And that, was part of the learning experience, for me. And, in a real serious way, for that matter; that few people will ever really know, or have the displeasure of having to endure themselves. It also deeply increased my own compassion and understanding for others, who may be going thru similarly unusual circumstances, as well. (Without going into any more detail about it then that). Because, I firsthand, know what it is like. And just "walked a mile in their shoes." Or, maybe even fifty miles! (If, you know what I mean?) The whole experience, being a real "eye-opener", for sure. And in more ways then one... Just another somewhat personal revelation, in the creation of a rather personal album, and the reason why I took a chance and chose some of the material, like this song, for instance, to be on this particular album. (Normally, being way more personal then I would ever want to get, in the first place. But took a chance and put it out there, for several reasons). Hence, 'The Walkersville Sessions' CD. For, all these things also kind of led me to a place, (and a situation) that was sort of like inevitable, in a way. Much to my own astonishment, once again... Way too serious here. Really hate to get this serious. Not what I am usually about. But, once again, took a chance on putting it out there. As it also turned into a real challenge, that I had to sort of like work out. Once again, way too personal to get into. But maybe, some (really sincere) people will be able to relate, in their own way. As vague as I tried to make this, to prevent getting too personal. Or, leaving myself open to be easily mis-interpreted. (Or, tipping-off the wrong people). Which, of course, can still happen. And, there is really nothing I can do about that. But, I mean it, in relation to minimizing those chances as much as possible, in regards to: "sincere" people, who really want to know the truth... Basically, as many artists are wont to do, I just tried to create sort of like a story in the form of a "Theme" album. Hence, some of the unique lyrics, and linear notes, in reference to some of the other tracks, as well. And my reason; Or, my reason in my attempt at trying to explain it. To prevent any mis-understanding. For, as one should be able to tell by the style of music. One thing is for sure. It definately is not (hard-core) Heavy Metal. Nor, should it have a dark feel to it, therefore. Because, that is not how I am as a person. And in my own heart and soul. There is light in there. Not darkness. (Or, "evil". In the true sense of the word). The release of the album was an attempt at an indirect revelation and message (of "light") in some of the songs, that I wanted only some (sincerely good) people to get, in somewhat of a veiled manner, if you will. Without, hopefully leaving myself (or them) too wide open, and vulnerable, to "the dark fringe", as some say. (Pretty-much, the only way that I can sort of describe what I mean, right now). O.M.G. Too late, the album's released!

Taking a chance, and putting the album and the songs out there, was also sort of like an experiment, in a way. (As well as, being somewhat therapeutic). But, like most anything else, we're still a work in progress. (I guess). Even, in the sense, sometimes, of seeing what works, and what may not work. Musically, and/or otherwise... And not to beat a dead horse or anything, but being that much of this album was sort of like written in the style of the Beatles music, and all, I attempted to write some of the lyrics the way John Lennon wrote some of his songs. Which, many of his fans know, can sometimes sound somewhat sharp and admonishing. (Depending on the particular subject he happened to be writing about). But, even though he may have had that side to him, he was also known to be one of the nicest, and most caring people anyone could ever meet. (Even though, he may not have shown it openly). And that, was also reflected in many of his songs, as well. Like: "All You Need Is Love". In contrast to: "Gimme Some Truth", for instance; (during that period in his life when he sort of like had to deal with some type of conspiracy against him that seemed to originate from within the Nixon Administration). For whatever it's worth... In other words: "You live, and you learn"; as the saying goes. And, I guess, more or less, that is what this particular song is sort of about. While, also trying to put a positive, self-encouraging, spin of hope, on some very dark experiences. And, when I say "dark". I mean, in the sense, of when things may really look "dark" in one's life. And it seems like all hope is gone. I mean, what else does one have to hold on to? Except, "hope"? And so, this is also sort of like a song of "hope", (in a sort of "sharp", and "admonishing" kind of way), that I hope, (no pun intended), that maybe some other people (who really need it) will also be able to sort of relate to, as well... And NO ONE has a right to cross that line, and attempt to steal that away from anybody. It shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure-out the crimes (and psychology) leading up to, and quite often associated with, those who have deliberately attempted to do such things to other people. And what those crimes are usually called. But, I am not going to get into that here. If you want to have "hope" in your heart. (And not "despair"). This song is sort of like, for you. And me...

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The Way I'm Feeling You

Vito Masilotti & The New Era Band Project

The main melody and lyrics to this song, were sort of like given to me in this very surreal dream; Which, also (at the same time) while I was having the dream, evoked all kinds of intense memories, and deep feelings. In the dream, I was walking around in the empty house of a very close friend of mine, by the name of Steve; who I had grown up with,

The main melody and lyrics to this song, were sort of like given to me in this very surreal dream; Which, also (at the same time) while I was having the dream, evoked all kinds of intense memories, and deep feelings. In the dream, I was walking around in the empty house of a very close friend of mine, by the name of Steve; who I had grown up with, and who was one of the first original members of: 'The New Era' Band, back in Lindenhurst, Long Island, all those years ago. The dream was so real, and so intense, that it was like some kind of astral projection, or something, is the best that I can even begin to describe it... The rest of the song pretty much wrote itself. In fact, Steve had called me around the time that I had, had the dream. Which kind of "blew my mind", in itself! First of all, because we hadn't seen or spoken to each other in quite some time. And, second of all, of course, because of the dream. I didn't even mention it to him, at first. But, after I had hung-up with him, I thought about it for a moment, and then called him right-back, to tell him about the dream. Well, to make a long story short, at that point, he had sadly informed me that his mother (the last remaining parent and family member who had resided in the house) had just recently passed away! So, it would be an understatement, to say the least, that what I had told him, and therefore, what he had told me in return, pretty much blew us both away! (As the saying goes). And, gave me goosebumps all over. Leaving me with this very eerie feeling; as I thought about it allot, for at least the first week after I had spoken with my friend Steve. It also caused me to wonder, as to why I would have such a dream, in the first place...

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Elderberry Wine

Vito Masilotti & The New Era Band Project

This track is also sort of like a musical collage. In other words, its about several different things, woven together into something of a lyrical and musical mosaic...

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Open The Door

Vito Masilotti & The New Era Band Project

This song is also written using somewhat surreal lyrical imagery - about the obstacles and frustrations that one may encounter when attempting to achieve your dreams, goals, and aspirations, while struggling to maintain a positive attitude in the face of incredibly dire circumstances and very unusual difficulties. And coming to terms with the

This song is also written using somewhat surreal lyrical imagery - about the obstacles and frustrations that one may encounter when attempting to achieve your dreams, goals, and aspirations, while struggling to maintain a positive attitude in the face of incredibly dire circumstances and very unusual difficulties. And coming to terms with the realization, (as strong as you may be), that you are not going to be able to make it (or do it) alone... And that, help in the face of such unusual odds, would not only be welcomed and appreciated, but a source of great relief; to know that someone actually cares enough to get it!

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