In his single The Place Called No Way Out, Trail Hawk goes back to music with a strong and very personal voice. The song is written on the basis of the real life experience, throwing a light into the cruel reality of addictions and providing a message that many people who are in need are anything but alone and that survival is absolutely possible. Having been sober eight years, Trail Hawk uses his experience, and the heartwrenching loss of his son, to make something honest, emotional, and deeply meaningful.
He was inspired by the prayers and unstopping faith of his mother to find the strength to overcome his trials and now, feels a heavy burden of responsibility in paying back. It was a discussion with his wife that made him write again after 30 years of not writing songs and the impact this had on their family. The outcome is a song full of pure emotion, a combination of a heartfelt song with melodies that are just right to the weight of the message they carry.
The song, which was written in Frankfort, Kentucky, mirrors both personal suffering and common sense. The song has tens of thousands of streams already; it is evident that the song is actually resonating with the audiences. In the era when addiction and mental health issues are rampant, The Place Called No Way Out emerges as a powerful message of hope, faith and true understanding.
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Trail Hawk, “The Place Called No Way Out” grips with raw emotion, what’s the core vibe you’re offering listeners facing addiction’s darkness?
That they are not alone, people are going through this terrible situation and how serious a problem it has become. The hope is the awareness and knowing it can be survived.
From your own recovery to losing your son, this track’s backstory is heartbreaking, how did grace and your mom’s prayers inspire its creation?
My Mother prayed and never gave up on me. She reminded me of my roots and her faith in the Good Lord pulled me through my many failures. Now that I’ve been sober 8 years it’s time I give back and share both the triumph and terrible loss.
Returning to songwriting after 30 years to process grief, what sparked the moment you put pen to “The Place Called No Way Out”?
I had written a song called “My Rearview Mirror” my story of addiction. My wife asked me to write an honest song about our sons tragedy, his fight and how it effected our family. I’ve been to the place called to way out and experienced no hope and barely made it out. We both thought by sharing our story we could help people in addiction and the family effected by it.
Recorded in Frankfort, KY, blending charged melodies and honest lyrics, walk us through the creative process step by step.
I wrote the song from my heart ache and life experience. I saw my wife’s pain and remember the pain I put my mother through. After I had those descriptive emotional words the melody and chorus had to match the mood along with the instruments
Dedicated to your son and his mother, how do the words capture both the torment inside addiction and the pain of loved ones watching?
Kentucky cold winter rain to the bone wash away the pain. Begs a cleansing of the soul. Half smiling still hears his voice are memories going through her head both good and bad. She hears his voice Calling for help.
After his death the blaming and guilt of why it happened. Why he couldn’t find a way out of his addiction and all the problems it had caused both personal and legal. Our hope in his last breath he received forgiveness and Redemtion.
Hitting 84,000 streams since February, what surprises you most about how fans are connecting to this lifeline?
There are a lot of people who know a friend or family member in addiction or experienced it themselves. By sharing our pain and describing the Place Called No Way Out people are aware and better equipped to deal with it.
As a recovering alcoholic turning tragedy into hope, how does this single extend solidarity to families in the addiction crisis?
Solidarity to the families is letting them know they are not alone. It effects all walks of life that we can share the pain that there’s nothing to be ashamed of.There is hope in God and in each other.
Any pivotal studio moments or challenges channeling such personal grief into music?
It was hard to relive and hard to talk about. I had to really judge my words to achieve honesty. At times I was in a dark place but the words had to be said.
Transforming loss into a beacon, why does “The Place Called No Way Out” feel urgent right now amid today’s struggles?
We are in an epidemic of addiction and mental health crisis. All over the news and in communities everywhere. We need tenderness, hope, love and faith in God and in each other more than ever.
After this resonant debut single—what’s next: more tracks, live shows, or ways to keep giving back?
Trail Hawk songs My Rearview Mirror, 15k streams Baby Steps-Love TakesTime New Release, Behind The Scenes 27K Streams Little Bit of Love Little Time Country New Release, Outstretched Arms of Jesus 14k streams. All songs about redemption or appreciation of people who do Thankless things. Trail Hawk has 20 songs released with 3 more coming through the end of May.
