Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase unveils his most expansive and heartfelt project yet with Somewhere Out There, released through Fort Lowell Records. Known for merging shimmering synth layers with warm indie pop foundations, Blase has evolved from his early days as a Chicago drummer into a solo artist who transforms fleeting feelings into vivid musical worlds. Inspired by a transformative journey traveling across the entire United States, the album captures the essence of wide-open landscapes and the quiet revelations found on the road. With Somewhere Out There, he invites listeners on a journey that feels both personal and universal — an exploration of solitude, connection, and the unexpected places where we find meaning. The record balances quiet vulnerability with uplifting energy, making it his most immersive and captivating work to date.
The opening track, "Middle of Nowhere," embodies the heart of the album, born during a reflective moment in Joshua Tree National Park. It celebrates the idea of finding true presence and belonging far from the noise and chaos of everyday life. "Under the Same Stars" leans into the bittersweet ache of distance, capturing the tension between holding on and letting go, and the comforting thought that loved ones are never entirely out of reach. These songs speak to the tension between isolation and connection, suggesting that meaning often emerges in the spaces between what we leave behind and what we hold close. Rather than focusing on external escape alone, they examine the internal journey of coming home to oneself through shared experiences.
"Finding Myself in You" offers a tender exploration of love as a mirror, revealing unexpected depths and a sense of renewal. It channels the excitement and vulnerability of discovering new parts of one’s identity within a relationship. In contrast, "Dirt Into Gold" reflects on resilience and transformation, celebrating the quiet strength it takes to turn life's uncertainties into moments of growth and hope. Written and recorded after returning home from his cross-country travels, these songs capture the album’s essence: turning wandering into understanding, and distance into deeper connection. Each track invites listeners to step inside Blase’s world of subtle revelations and emotional landscapes, encouraging them to see their own journeys with fresh eyes.
With Somewhere Out There, Blase has created an album that feels like a trusted companion during quiet drives or moonlit evenings, a soundtrack for those seeking moments of peace beyond the familiar. This record confirms his place as a musician capable of blending heartfelt storytelling with lush, genre-spanning arrangements. It reminds us that even in life’s most remote and uncertain moments, beauty and connection are always within reach. In this new chapter, Blase invites us to wander alongside him — and perhaps discover new parts of ourselves along the way.
