For Ernest relive the magic moment when they truly felt Found And Seen in their new single and lyric video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The latest release from the St. Catharines acoustic folk duo of singer-guitarist Michael Saracino and singer-keyboardist Tara Lynn Stanclik, Found And Seen resulted from a happy accident. While rehearsing a more somber song about a relationship at its end, “a slip-up on one of the chords suddenly allowed a more hopeful progression to emerge, and a new melody followed,” Saracino explains. “It was as though the song was always there, and we just had to be aware enough to get out of its way.”
The lyrics for the new song came just as quickly as the chord slip, echoing that drastic breakthrough in transformation from despair to hope:
“Now the fog is rolling out
And breaks in the clouds are easing my doubt
Heart is wide, my eyes are clear
And they are locked on the one who has melted my fear
And now I’m…
Whole and hopeful, found and seen
You’re a fire in my winter and the first breath of spring.”
Michael and Tara admit that the words were written in under an hour and are taken from their own experience in meeting eight years ago and feeling truly seen for the first time, after failed relationships and a period of reflection. “It came from a song about endings, yet had the energy of fresh beginnings, so we decided it would become a closely connected follow up, a sequel of sorts, about a new hope blossoming after some time spent alone.”
Once the lyrics were set, the duo called upon Niagara banjo player Dave Matthews to put the final touches on the recording. “He added a rolling banjo line to float over top of the entire song and reinforce the wave of calm and joy. Once he recorded his parts in our little barn studio, the song felt complete.”
For Ernest are named for Saracino’s grandfather Ernest Orlando, who helped establish the Toronto Jazz Society with lifelong friend, pianist and composer Norm Amadio. The society helped bring touring jazz musicians to the city and gave them a place to perform. “If you want to play music forever, that’s great,” Ernest had told Michael as a boy. “Just make sure you have a plan.” When Ernest passed, Saracino’s desire to make music a lifelong pursuit was solidified. Today, after a decade of writing and performing across three continents, he and Stanclik have their musical plan. Following the success of their 2023 debut EP Buildings, the duo are already finishing up their second EP, Additions.
Watch the lyric video for Found And Seen above, check out more from For Ernest below, and get more on their website and Instagram.
