In times of tragedy, music has an unparalleled way of capturing the collective heartbeat of a community, and that’s exactly what Santa Cruz artist Pete Lacey and country singer Alison Steele have achieved with their newest release, “Home.” This evocative single, released on October 18, 2024, doesn’t just tell a story — it honors the courage, strength, and indomitable spirit of Boulder Creek, California, in the wake of the devastating CZU Complex Lightning Fire of 2020. For Lacey and Steele, “Home” is not just another song; it’s a tribute, a heartfelt chronicle of loss and the human capacity for rebuilding.
Known for his ability to blend genres effortlessly, Pete Lacey is a celebrated figure in the Californian music scene. With roots deeply entwined in jazz, rock, pop, and his own unique brand of “Californicana,” Lacey has an exceptional gift for weaving intricate musical landscapes that resonate on a personal and communal level. His past collaborations, spanning legends from The Black Crowes to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Smokey Robinson, only hint at the breadth of his musical vocabulary. In “Home,” he has found a partner who not only complements his artistry but brings her own distinct soulfulness — Alison Steele, a vocal powerhouse with a haunting, old-world country vibe and skillful mastery of the clawhammer banjo.
Steele’s earthy and soulful voice is a bridge to another era, her style steeped in the tradition of American folk and country. This musical alignment of her rich, resonant voice with Lacey’s rhythmic rock piano creates a beautifully raw and layered soundscape that captures the highs and lows of human experience. “Home” radiates with the contrasting yet harmonious sounds of folk-country and rock ‘n’ roll, and it’s this musical dichotomy that makes the song such a compelling journey for the listener.
“Home” begins with a somber, reflective tone, setting the stage for a journey through sorrow, acceptance, and ultimately, hope. Lyrically, it explores the profound connection we feel to the land and the homes we build upon it. Steele’s vocals come in like a balm to the wounds inflicted by disaster, her voice carrying an emotional depth that resonates with anyone who has felt the pain of loss. Meanwhile, Lacey’s piano fills the spaces between, lifting the track into an anthemic celebration of resilience. It’s as if each note is a thread, binding the fractured hearts of Boulder Creek’s residents together in a shared tapestry of remembrance and revival.
The devastation that inspired “Home” was a fire of monumental scale — the CZU Complex Lightning Fire scorched over 85,000 acres and destroyed more than a thousand homes. For many in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the scars left behind are not only physical but deeply personal. This song gives voice to that pain while infusing it with an undeniable sense of hope. The production, handled masterfully by Lacey at The Stustustudio in California and given a final polish at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios by mastering engineer Andy Walter, is stripped of any unnecessary polish. Instead, it leaves room for the raw emotion to emerge, letting the song’s honesty touch listeners at a visceral level.
The beauty of “Home” lies in its ability to speak to everyone. While it is inspired by the people of Boulder Creek and the hardship they endured, its themes of resilience, unity, and healing are universal. The track crescendos with a message of solidarity — an anthem for all who have faced and overcome life’s adversities. Steele’s clawhammer banjo weaves a rustic, grounding texture, while Lacey’s piano drives forward with the undeterred energy of renewal, echoing the growth that emerges after devastation. Their combined talents form an experience that is both grounding and uplifting, reminding listeners that no matter the trials we face, there is a path back to wholeness.
The synergy between Lacey and Steele is palpable in every note of “Home.” For these two artists, the project represents a deep respect for each other’s talents and a shared commitment to telling the story of Boulder Creek’s resilience. Lacey’s admiration for Steele’s unique sound and ability to evoke strong emotions has helped shape “Home” into a song that is both richly textured and deeply moving. It’s clear that this collaboration goes beyond mere partnership; it’s a convergence of two creative spirits bound by a mutual respect for music’s power to heal and inspire.
“Home” by Pete Lacey and Alison Steele is far more than a single release; it’s a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a living tribute to those who have found the strength to rebuild. As the song reverberates through the California music scene and beyond, it’s bound to become an anthem for communities facing hardship and a poignant reminder of the beauty that can arise from ashes. Its heartfelt composition, rich musical layering, and poignant lyrics ensure that “Home” will resonate deeply with listeners long after the final note fades.
In this moving tribute to Boulder Creek, Pete Lacey and Alison Steele have captured something truly rare — a song that speaks to shared human experience, to the strength that emerges from struggle, and to the way music can unite us, uplift us, and remind us that home is more than just a place. It’s a part of who we are, and it lives on, no matter the trials we face.
