Paint in the Dark

I wrote Paint in the Dark because I needed the reminder that relationships can be playful and colorful instead of defining them by their mistakes. Over the past few years, this song has become a guide back to my emotional center in both my relationships to those around me, as well as in the relationship I have with myself. It has also reminded me how to believe in the joy of relationships again, and I hope that it can be there for anyone who needs that reminder too. 

I cowrote "Paint in the Dark" with one of my best friends on the planet, Dean Woodson, in his bedroom in North Hollywood in late 2019. There was something really special in the air that day. We got together to finish a completely different song, and in the process of recording a guitar part for that song, the guitar part for PITD popped right out. It was as though lightning struck and we could feel it; the static in the room drew the lyrics and melodies out of us effortlessly in a matter of minutes. All of a sudden, the song was done and we celebrated with a burrito from Cilantro Mexican Grill (our favorite local spot at the time).

As the pandemic slowly closed the world, Dean flew back to Paris and we decided in late 2020 to begin producing Paint in the Dark long-distance. We spent countless nights staying up late producing with one another over zoom and facetime, and we were constantly sending texts and voice memos of ideas back and forth while the other slept. It was a beautiful way to continue our friendship and keep ourselves inspired during a moment when the earth felt like it was at its darkest. When we had a good picture of the final song, we brought it to our mentor, Rob Cavallo, to help us over the finish line. 

"Paint in the Dark" released in late 2021 along with an amazing music video shot by one of my best friends Vinsint (@vinsint). I hope you enjoy listening, and as always, thank you for collecting <3

Written by Nicolas De Luca-Verley (Nico Franc) and Dean Woodson
Produced by Rob Cavallo, Dean Woodson, and Nicolas De Luca-Verley (Nico Franc)
Mixed and Mastered by Ben Zelico
Music Video by Vinsint
Cover Art by Vinsint and Nicolas De Luca-Verley (Nico Franc)