The Ian Abel Band beg you not to go in their emotional and earnest new bilingual single Stay Here — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
A Southern rock love song that combines English and Portuguese, this track blends the raw power of classic rock with the soul of Americana, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Known for his passionate guitar playing and compelling lyrics, Abel has once again demonstrated his ability to touch hearts and minds with his music.
Stay Here was inspired by a brief but impactful romance between Abel and a Brazilian woman who had to return to her country. “Coitadinho de mim, afogando a saudade,” which loosely translates to “Poor me, I’m drowning in the sorrow of missing you,” is just a sample of how Abel’s lyrics reflect the deep sense of longing and heartache that comes with such separations. The song’s blend of rock and samba elements highlights Abel’s diverse musical influences and his commitment to honoring different musical traditions.
“Stay Here is a love song of unorthodox beginnings,” reveals Abel. “It started out with a short relationship I had with a Brazilian woman who had to go back to Brazil because her student visa expired. It was fairly recent when I went to my friend and co-writer Westray Tackett’s house to hang out and work on a completely different song. He showed me a brief snippet of an idea he had (which is the acoustic guitar and vocal part in the intro), and something about the somber nature of that struck me. I asked for the chords, went home, and the song practically wrote itself.”
Mixed by Evan Redwine from Nashville and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Alan Douches (Sufjan Stevens, Angel Olsen) of West West Side Music, the track offers a polished yet deeply emotional listening experience.
Abel’s musical journey began at age 15 with a Christmas gift of a guitar, inspired by the movie School of Rock. Since then, he has honed his craft, drawing influences from a diverse array of artists, including David Gilmour, Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton. Abel has previously toured as lead guitarist with Grand Ole Opry member T. Graham Brown and headlined iconic venues such as the Troubadour, Whisky A Go Go and Viper Room. His music has received praise from radio stations and notable publications.
Check out Stay Here above, hear more from Ian Abel Band below, and visit them on their website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter.
