When a song is born from a tragedy, it carries more than the melody; it carries memory. Andrew Scotchie’s upcoming single “Neighbor” clocks in at three minutes and twelve seconds, a sparkling testament to community resilience and the hope that can rise after disaster. Released around the one-year mark of Hurricane Helene, this track looks back at how far the Western North Carolina community has come while reminding us all that spreading love and kindness in times of division can light even the darkest days.
The context of the song is as vital as the chords themselves. “Neighbor” appears on After the Flood Compilation, created by Asheville’s Experience Music, a group that keeps the local music scene alive with practice spaces, programs for kids, and a whole lot of heart.
After the Flood Compilation will feature 12–16 original songs written by local musicians in response to the storm. A special event held around the anniversary of Hurricane Helene will showcase live performances from several of the contributing musicians. Community is the backbone of resilience, and here music sits at its core.
Recorded at the soon-to-close Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, “Neighbor” carries a rare kind of magic. The studio’s open, vintage charm lets Scotchie’s guitar breathe, each strum rich with nuance and soul. The track itself is upbeat and full of energy, with a warmth and playfulness that makes you want to smile and, in the spirit of the song, turn to a stranger and spread a little love.
Lenny P. of Empire Strikes Brass adds piano that has a voice of its own, grounding the song while adding sweet, playful tones that lift it gently. The piano and guitar together create a sense of warmth that feels both intimate, fun, and expansive. Scotchie’s vocals are raw, conversational, and perfectly human. He’s not aiming for polish; he’s aiming for connection, making you feel like you’re hearing a story directly from him. In a time when many songs are glossy to the point of emptiness, that kind of authenticity is refreshing.
Musically, “Neighbor” blends folk storytelling with a touch of Americana grit. The music feels open and uncluttered, letting you step right into the scene Scotchie paints. Every chord feels handcrafted; each note a brushstroke in a portrait of resilience and hope. But the track’s true magic lies in the emotional reach, focusing on not just Hurricane Helene or the town’s recovery but on how we show up for each other in the time of need. Scotchie’s line, “Turn to a stranger, turn a stranger into a neighbor,” drives home the truth that communities are built in moments of need, and the smallest acts of kindness can echo for a lifetime.
With Echo Mountain Recording closing soon, this track also serves as a time capsule of Asheville’s musical history. Spaces may not last forever, but the art created in them can ripple outward for generations.
In the end, “Neighbor” is more than a song. It carries memory, shines a light on a community’s journey, and proves that music rooted in real life can touch the soul. For anyone who believes songs should feel as much as they sound, Scotchie’s latest is worth every listen.
