New Single Interview: Steve Mahabir Releases Away!
- Tara Lakatos
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
IWhat inspired the creation of this single?
While waking up on a quiet winter’s morning, my mind drifted to the people I’ve
encountered and the stories they’ve lived. I started thinking about all the unfortunate
souls who have lost their lives to substance abuse, and how many more will lose their
lives, loved ones, and everything they’ve built. .
What inspired the creation of this single?
While waking up on a quiet winter’s morning, my mind drifted to the people I’ve
encountered and the stories they’ve lived. I started thinking about all the unfortunate
souls who have lost their lives to substance abuse, and how many more will lose their
lives, loved ones, and everything they’ve built.
What story or message does the song convey?
'Away' is a powerful song about love and addiction, built around the haunting refrain: “I
can’t live without you, I can’t live with you.” The track captures the tension between
escape and desire — between saving yourself and holding on to what you’ve built.
Can you tell us about the creative process?
Me, my guitar, and a cup of coffee.
How does this song differ from your previous releases?
It’s a ballad. Although it deals with many of the same themes as my other songs, this
track cuts a little closer to the bone.
What challenges did you face while writing or recording?
There’s a big note at the end. A long-sustained note that was a little intimidating for a
veteran rocker like me. But then right before hitting record, the late, great Peter J. Moore (producer)
said to me, “Give me a good one, Steve, this one’s for Elvis”.
Did you experiment with any new instruments, techniques, or styles?
Not on this song, but other tracks on the album feature some new instruments and
sounds.
Is there a personal connection or story tied to the lyrics?:\
Not tied to me directly, but I have several friends and acquaintances that have lost their
lives to substance abuse. I try to not think about how we lost them, but instead about the
positive memories of who they were.
Have you performed it live yet, and what was the audience’s reaction?
We haven’t played this particular song live yet, mostly due to scheduling conflicts with
the rest of the band. But I’m really looking forward to performing this whole record.
Playing these songs live gives them new life — they become something else entirely.
Maybe that’s what keeps us doing it after all these years.
Is this single part of a larger project, like an album or EP?
Yes, there’s a full record coming out titled Peace Love War and Hate. It’s a reflection of
our times. This was the last album recorded, engineered, and produced by Grammy and
Genie Award winner Peter J. Moore (Bob Dylan, Joe Strummer), who passed away in
2023, at his Concord Sound Studio (The ‘E’ Room). Further recording and engineering were done by George Guerra, with additional production from Terry Brown — the
legendary producer (Rush, The Who, Donovan).
Anything Else You'd Like Your Fans to Know.
It can be a crazy world out there. Be nice to each other.
Links to Away
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