Zach Bailey’s ode to the timeless home of musicians, “The Dive Bar”
Zach Bailey and Rachel Baldwin, the dynamic duo behind Lazy River Presents, had co-hosted their weekly songwriters’ open mic at The Silverlake Lounge for a year and a half. One night, while Rachel was busy managing the show, Zach invited a man he found intriguing. Zach Bailey and his guest stepped out to the back patio for a conversation, quickly getting immersed and enjoying each other’s company. This sparked “The Dive Bar,” a song about the magical connections one has in these wonderful and often mystical places so frequently described in music and film.
While the romantic spark he’d hoped for fizzled, the song’s meaning deepened. It became a celebration of the countless connections forged at the open mic, best expressed through a folksy, resonant guitar ballad capturing the magic of these gathering places.
Thematically, “The Dive Bar” opens with a sense of eagerness and intimacy, as Zach expresses gratitude for the other person’s presence. Phrases like “I’d like to talk for hours outside” emphasize a desire for deep, meaningful conversation, suggesting that the relationship is built on genuine connection rather than superficial interactions. The song’s structure reinforces its themes, with repeated references to the dive bar and the experiences shared there. This cyclical nature mirrors the ongoing journey of the relationship, suggesting that the dive bar is not just a physical place but a metaphor for the foundation of their connection.
Zach Bailey wrote and performed the song, with production by Gal Petel and mastering by Felix Davis. The cover art includes photos from the venue’s photo booth, reflecting the essence of their shared experiences. Zach Bailey expresses gratitude to The Silverlake Lounge for hosting their event and acknowledges Rachel Baldwin for her vital role in bringing the open mic to life.
Be advised: A music video for this track, filmed by Jackie Lee Domi during one of the open mics, is coming soon. Stay tuned!