Route 19
Available on all major streaming services…
Route 19 is a cinematic reflection on memory and the roads that lead us back to the people who shaped us. The song recalls late-night drives Ray took after long days at work, heading down Route 19 to visit his grandfather—always arriving to find the porch light on and a warm meal and homemade wine waiting at the kitchen table.
Written and originally recorded during the COVID lockdown, the song carries the weight of distance and reflection, where those quiet moments of being welcomed home felt more meaningful than ever. It lives in that space where love, loss, and gratitude meet along the road.
When we later re-recorded the song for release, the new version felt too polished, missing the honesty of the original performance. What you’re hearing is that first lockdown demo, preserved as it was—full of warmth, nostalgia, and emotion.
What people are saying…
“There is a specific kind of magic found in the “perfectly imperfect.” For songwriting duo Friend / Monell, their latest single “Route 19” is a masterclass in capturing that lightning in a bottle.”
“As the track begins to find its home on digital platforms and independent radio stations, the buzz around Friend and Monell continues to grow. They represent a developing brand of songwriters who are less concerned with trends and more focused on the enduring power of a good story. Route 19 is a record that rewards the listener for their attention”
“There’s a still, cinematic quality in the storytelling that makes you feel like you are watching moments pass during a late-night drive. The guitar sits quietly in the background, supporting the mood of “Route 19” without taking over.”
“A song with an endlessly endearing charm, ‘Route 19’ is one of those songs that plays in the back of your mind during your happy moments. All in all, a quietly brilliant song with honest lyricism and a sweet composition!”