WinterWonderGrass founder Scotty Stoughton on Bonfire Dub’s New “Stars” Song
Bonfire Dub is on fire itself. Blending folk, reggae, rock, and Americana, the band, led by Steamboat local and WinterWonderGrass founder Scotty Stoughton, has a new album out this winter, featuring three new tracks. We caught up with Stoughton for a little more insight into one of its hottest songs, “Stars” (available on Spotify), whose catchy, face-paced guitar lick evokes that feeling of freedom you get skiing an untracked powder field or floating a desert canyon. (Consider such lyrics as “An unknown distance to go…”; “Breathe in the canyon, she’s in control,” and “…so we can fined each other’s hearts in river time.”)
S&C: What inspired you to write it?
Stoughton: It was the summer of COVID and we launched RiverWonderGrass. With all the artists out of work and the world shutting down, RWG became a beacon of hope, adventure and sanity. In the van with Trout Steak Revival, I was reflecting on the immense level of gratitude I felt being able to experience these river trips, thus the “Stars Align.”
S&C: What came first, the melody or lyrics?
Stoughton: The lyrics on this one. Like many of my songs, it developed over a long time. I penned a few lyrics quickly, then marinated on the words and finally added music, and the “Whoa!” It just felt right.
S&C: What’s it about?
Stoughton: Initially, it was about the deep feeling I had of being in the flow, the stars were aligning. Amid chaos and uncertainty, all of that fear dissolved along the river. As it developed, I wanted to turn that into inspiration and send a clear message that we can and we must “lift each other up.” If we don’t, no one will. No government, no corporation, only us, our community and our family.
S&C: What was the hardest part about putting it together?
Stoughton: Songwriting is the revealing of your soul. It’s so important internally and can be so harshly brushed aside by others. I’m very vulnerable when I write; even as I sit and type this, I’m tasked with writing lyrics for some upcoming music. Here in Baja I feel very inspired in the natural desert space, things flow out of me with less barriers. Still, it’s an exercise that takes focus and concentration, and at the same time, being open and becoming a portal to the universe.
S&C: What do you hope people take away from it?
Stoughton: I want people to feel good about themselves. To be inspired to assist our fellow humans and understand that we all fall and fail, and that is okay. It’s all part of the process.
