A Song I Waited to Release

Why an older version of a song written for my best friend became the right version to share as his wedding approaches.

A little celebration for Nic & Danielle — the two people at the heart of By My Side. ❤️

Early last year, I wrote By My Side for my best friend and his wife-to-be. I made several versions of the song, and this particular version became one of his favourites.

At the time, though, I was not completely confident in it. It was not quite the sound I felt most comfortable with, and I was still learning what I wanted my own vocal identity to be.

When I recorded this version, I was not yet using some of the vocal processing and plug-ins that have since become part of my regular workflow. Today I often use tools that add a little more dirt, texture and character to my vocal, helping bring out the rap edge and tone I like in my voice. My approach to EQ, compression, effects, vocal balance and delivery has evolved too.

That does not make the older recording wrong. It simply captures where I was creatively at that moment.

Not every song needs to represent where you are today. Sometimes it represents exactly where you were when you created it.

For a long time I held onto the song. But with my best friend getting married next month, I realised that waiting any longer would miss the reason the song existed in the first place.

By My Side was never just another release. It was written for two people I care about, at the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

I could remake it today and probably make a hundred different production decisions. I could change the vocal chain, alter the mix and bring it closer to the sound I use now.

I could remake it today — but then it would not be that moment anymore. This is the version he loved.

And that is why this is the version I chose to release.

Growth as an artist does not mean pretending your earlier work never happened. You practise. You experiment. Your ears change. Your techniques change. Your confidence grows. Every recording becomes another snapshot of that journey.

So By My Side is out now — not as a demonstration of where my sound ends, but as a reminder of where part of the journey began.

Most importantly, it is a gift to my best friend and his beautiful wife-to-be. Congratulations to you both. This one will always belong to you. ❤️