How Moving to Nashville and Leaving Home Behind Inspired Paige Davis’s ‘The Stars & You’
Indie country singer-songwriter Paige Davis may not be a household name just yet, but she's definitely one to watch in 2024.
Today, Paige released her latest single, "The Stars & You," and it's the perfect track to get absolutely hooked on the artist. With a fresh and nostalgic country-pop sound backing Paige's dreamy, optimistic vocals, it actually started as a breakup track before becoming a tale of self-discovery, understanding and accepting what must be left behind in order to go down the path that's meant for you. It's a track she hopes will serve as a moment of reassurance for fans, even when they can't see the stars that always used to guide them, and we got the chance to chat with Paige all about it in the interview below.
The Story Behind 'The Stars & You'
Paige Davis: "The Stars & You" was a title that came to me when I was driving home from a show a few weeks after I moved to Nashville. I grew up in extremely rural Massachusetts, with cows, tractors and dirt roads. Nashville is the first city I've ever lived in, and also my first experience not being able to see millions of stars every night. Growing up, most of my deepest contemplating and decision-making were done under the night sky. I always found comfort in knowing that even if everything felt chaotic or unknown, the stars could change my perspective and keep me grounded.
Imagine my momentary panic when I looked up for some answers 1000 miles away from home, expecting to see a galaxy and only being able to see the moon and, like, Venus. Nothing could make me leave Nashville, but a month in, I couldn't help but think of the people I left behind to pursue my dream. With all the uncertainty I knew was ahead, I was looking for some familiarity in the constellations. I didn't find it, and thank God I didn't because I never would've had the idea for this song. You know what they say: the magic happens outside of your comfort zone. I then brought the idea to two of my best friends, Stephanie Ryann and Jodi Goodman, and here we are! Just like magic!
What 'The Stars & You' Means
PD: I think it can mean different things to different people, depending on what they're going through when they hear it. For me, it was kind of an apology to the people I left behind to follow this career path, as well as just a confession that even though I'm loving everything about this life, I still wish that I could have it all: the dream, the love story and the night sky. Pursuing a dream can come with a lot of guilt, so my hope for listeners is that they might find a little bit of comfort in knowing that even though it's difficult, they're not alone in the experience. Maybe this song can even become their "stars" when they feel lonely or uncertain, and it can be some form of reassurance that they're not alone.
(Photo credit: Phil Silverberg)
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Paige's Favorite Lyric
PD: My favorite lyric is the bridge: "I know what I'd be missing, I just know it ain't enough to make a difference." I love it because I feel like it really encapsulates the whole premise of the song: that I know what I'm leaving behind, but if I don't take this next step for myself, I'd regret it for the rest of my life.
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What's Next
PD: I am so unbelievably excited for the rest of this year. I'm planning to release four or five more singles and cannot wait to share this new music with everyone. I'm so looking forward to the connections that these songs will bring.
Final Thoughts
PD: There are a lot of things that make this song really special to me. The fact that I wrote it with two of my dearest friends in town, Stephanie and Jodi, and that it was our first write together is so meaningful to me. Also, my dad came down to Nashville to sing background vocals on the track. It means so much to me that he's on this song. Nothing like some blood harmonies!
(Photo credit: Phil Silverberg)
For more on our favorite new music out this week, click HERE to read our interview with Brooke Alexx on her new single, "Hot Like You."