the story of “we can still sing”

“We Can Still Sing” was written in March of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the answers to your questions about the song.

What inspired you to write “We Can Still Sing”?

On March 12th, 2020 I was in Nashville, TN ready to start my spring tour the next day. That night at around 9:30PM it was canceled. I was feeling sad, scared, angry, and confused, as were so many people around the world. To cope, I sat down with my guitar and started ‘venting’ about how I was feeling - this became the first verse of “We Can Still Sing”. After a while, I put my guitar down and started scrolling on Instagram when I saw one of the viral videos of people singing from their balconies in Europe. For the first time in days I felt a sense of unity and purpose and was able to focus on what actually matters: love, hope, kindness, and family. I had this in mind as I picked up my guitar again, and “We Can Still Sing” spilled out.

Who is the Spanish voice in the song?

My friend, Noah Chichester. Noah lives in Spain and had been performing concerts out of his window throughout the lockdown, just like the folks in the viral video that inspired me in the first place. The ‘samples’ that you hear in the song are actually direct recordings from his concerts. I’ve included the original footage in the Official “We Can Still Sing” Music Video at 2:50. That’s also him on the album cover!

How did you create this song while in quarantine?

After my tour was canceled, I drove back to NY to quarantine with my immediate family. I recorded this song with all of them. I wrote the music and lyrics, my dad (Jon Altschiller) and I came up with the arrangement, he produced and mixed the song, I sang the lead vocal, recorded the guitar, piano, and bass parts, and my whole family did percussion. My siblings and Noah Chichester sang the background vocals! Full credits.

I want to know more! Do you have any behind-the-scenes footage?

Yes! Here is a 15-minute behind-the-scenes video that shows you how “We Can Still Sing” was created from start to finish. Including fun facts, studio footage, and more! Available on Patreon!

behind the scenes video