Award-winning musician and producer Brent Maher chatted about his new song and music video for “Forever Home,” which was released today.
The song’s subject matter is relevant and relatable especially since it coincides with its November release as part of National Orphan Awareness Month.
Background on Brent Maher
Brent Maher is credited for discovering the Country Music Hall of Fame duo The Judds; he wrote and produced many of their hit singles, and his latest project is the book “Night of the Orphan Train: A Musical Novel.”
With seven Grammy-winning records to his credit, Maher has become one of Nashville’s acclaimed songwriters, engineers, and producers. His diverse accomplishments include over 20 No. 1 singles and a wide array of platinum and multi-platinum albums.
His credits read as a “Who’s Who” of recording artists including The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, Kathy Mattea, Wynonna, Jo Dee Messina, Dottie West, Bobby Darin, and Ike & Tina Turner, among others.
From his first song (“Proud Mary”) recorded by Tina Turner to his most recent critically-acclaimed singles, Maher continues to work across musical genres.
‘Forever Home’
“Forever Home” features electric bass by Glenn Worf, drums by Nir Z, acoustic guitar by Joe Robinson, acoustic guitar from Brent Maher, accordion by Tim Lauer, tuba by Kevin Dailey, as well as background vocals from Charlie, Liv and Elin Yingling.
“The story of ‘Night of the Orphan Train” reminds us how life can be so unfair and yet somehow doors can appear open if we have the courage and faith to walk through them,” he said.
“I think the reason the songs play such an emotional role in the storytelling of “Night of the Orphan Train’ is because the original idea of the musical novel came from writing the one song ‘Orphan Train’,” Maher elaborated.
“That one song gave birth to Caroline, Jacob, and Billy, the main characters. From that point on the songs and storytelling took care of themselves,” he noted.
Maher on the song’s music video
On the song’s music video, Maher said, “In the story, the main characters, Caroline, Billy and Jacob, were settling in for the night when they started asking each other if they could have anything in the world, what would they ask for? Caroline answers this in the song, ‘a forever home’.”
“I love how this song turned out. Brooke Spencer’s vocals are amazing as are the vocals of the French Family Band and the Yingling girls,” he noted.
“The tuba part on the chorus was the last instrument added, and for me puts a smile on my face every time I hear it,” he added.
Working with director Roger Pistole
On working with director Roger Pistole, Maher said, “My absolute favorite music videos of songs I’ve produced were directed and filmed by Roger Pistole.”
“What a treat it has been to watch Roger bring these songs to life—blending vintage photos and historical textures to beautifully bridge past and present for the Orphan Train videos,” he explained.
Brooke Spencer allows her crisp, crystalline vocals to shine on the Brent Maher-penned “Forever Home,” which is filled with raw emotions, and listeners can recall a young Emmylou Harris.
“Forever Home” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
