Topanga Canyon Archives - The Bluegrass Situation

Artist: Pete Muller
Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey
Song: “Gone”
Album: Spaces
Release Date: May 20, 2022
Label: Two Truths Records/Santa Barbara Records

In Their Words: “My bandmates have told me that ‘Gone’ is the song on the album Spaces that moves them the most. It’s a song about getting over anger, and moving toward acceptance. The fabulous Gus Black directed the video, and we shot it in a gorgeous geodesic dome house high up in Topanga Canyon. Mélodie Casta was originally cast for a bit part, but once I met her I felt she needed to play a more prominent role. She really nailed the emotional expression we were going for! The last part of the video was filmed as the sun was setting in Santa Barbara’s Mesa, and my two German Shepherds, Chase and Hunter, played cameos.” — Pete Muller

Photo Credit: Gus Black

Artist: Colin Hay
Hometown: Topanga Canyon, California
Song: “Wichita Lineman”
Album: I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
Release Date: August 6, 2021
Label: Compass Records

In Their Words: “‘Wichita Lineman’ was the first song where I realized the importance of the written song, in and of itself. Before that, I had always put artists and songs together, like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, and many others, who all primarily wrote and performed their own songs. ‘Wichita Lineman’ spoke of things I could only wonder at. The geographical vastness of the land, the hopes and dreams of the man working the line, and indeed of all people who inhabit this country. And, a love story contained within achingly beautiful music and melody. I can’t think of a better song.” — Colin Hay

Photo credit: Paul Mobley

Tag: Topanga Canyon

WATCH: Pete Muller, “Gone”

LISTEN: Colin Hay, “Wichita Lineman”