Photo: Shervin Lainez

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road,” Jack Kerouac, On the Road. 

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Peter More has unveiled his new song “Freedom of the Mind” and its official visualizer. The track was composed for the new documentary Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, and doubles as the first single to arrive from the Texas artist’s forthcoming John Forté produced EP. Like the great American story told by Kerouac, More’s song demonstrates a similar search for independence and the moments that make us most human and true to ourselves. Supported by guest artists drummer Jon Theodore (Queens of the Stone Age) and Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan), More presents his own road song–a compliment to any trek. 

The video opens to the sound and visuals of lapping water, gently bubbling from a hidden pump through a manufactured fountain. The raw clips of nature–the rustle of branches and birdsong–meet guitar strings at the video’s 30-second marker, and burst into a seductive groove, bolstered by a slow dance of instrumentals from Garnier’s borrowed bass line set to Theodore’s count. These elements lift More’s talents, thoughtfully strung lyrics that pluck the heartstrings and speak to the shared pursuit of individual content, finding oneself through a willingness to be uncomfortable in the moment.

The video hovers on the human factor, moments of contemplation in public settings, presented as lost glances steeped in introspection. “Freedom of the mind/ Always serves you,” More sings to the listener, evoking the edge of personal exploration as the catalyst for a fulfilled life. The track momentarily fizzles around 2:40, but, like a flame receiving oxygen, it rekindles and ignites a secondary fire that mocks the actors’ return to consciousness. “Writing ‘Freedom of the Mind’ for Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation was a unique experience,” says More of the undertaking. 

“John Forté, who I’ve been working with on a new EP, scored the film and invited me to compose an original song for the movie. I revisited On the Road and reflected on my own time touring and roadtripping with my dad through the years–traveling the country and experiencing new landscapes, friendships, and the inimitable reality of the unknown ahead. I wrote and recorded the song back in Austin and we brought in some amazing musicians, including Jon Theodore, drummer of Queens of the Stone Age and Tony Garnier of Bob Dylan’s band to help bring it to life. It was never meant to mirror the book literally, but to echo its spirit.

“That it ended up in a scene honoring Kerouac’s legacy and influence on various artists and musicians was incredibly special. I’m really excited with how the video for ‘Freedom of the Mind’ turned out. Director Barbara FG brilliantly captured the essence of the song–woven through visualization of nature and surroundings, and candid moments of self-reflection and experience,” the musician concludes. 

Forté tells Relix, “Working on Peter’s new EP has been a rewarding exercise of going with the flow state. Organically, the body of work has taken shape and dare I say, it has instructed us as musicians, singers, producers and facilitators to tell the story that requires telling. ‘Freedom of the Mind’ is emblematic of the aforementioned. We had an outline of the sentiment. Ultimately, Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation informed us of the direction. The film abstractly inspired Peter’s lyrics. We were blessed and honored to have an all-star cast of contributors, including Jon Theodore on drums.” 

“Peter’s music comes from a very deep place of authenticity. He’s a rare spirit–clear and open like a simple truth with that great generosity and humility that always makes the room feel lighter. His songs are raw and honest and have a really strong sense of sonic place, so I kept it simple and locked into the vibe so the music could breathe,” Theodore says.

Watch the new visualizer and listen to the track, “Freedom of the Mind,” from Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, below. 

To learn about Peter More, visit his website.