Perhaps with a title like “Keep On Trying” is may be obvious that Clark Stiles’ song has themes of perseverance and commitment. But with the beautifully saturated synth layers and electronic horns over a subtle, shuffling beat there is a gentle momentum that the song sustains. And the lyrics go further than merely pushing ahead but also to challenging oneself to pursue new inspirations and to be open to new things that spark one’s imagination and curiosity. Without getting out there you only have your immediate experiences and stimuli to draw upon. Stiles also incorporates ideas of how people can enrich their commitment to each other through these adventures into new realms of experience and the tenderness with which he delivers lines like “It’s why I get out of bed/To help each other” and when he sings “I’m pushing back/I’m pushing back/For whatever sparks my interest” we get the sense that he is driving away the psychic forces that keep him in penned in to the familiar and complacent. It’s a gentle song about growing and the bonds that sustain us while doing so. Listen to “Keep On Trying” on Spotify and follow Clark Stiles at the links provided.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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