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About Separation

Separation is a concept album that explores disconnection in relationships; diving into emotional struggles and how they reflect a loss of connection with our deeper, essential selves. From the fiery beginnings of passion to the transcendent acceptance of pain and growth, Separation takes listeners on a multi-genre journey from anger and conflict (Friction, Show Him the Door) to heartbreak and longing (Someone to Hold On, Lonely), then to self-discovery and healing (Sinking In, Just a Little More Sufferin’). 

The album begins with a lo-fi organ and acoustic guitar playing a carnival-esque theme that sounds like a dirty record machine in need of serious repair. As the playful theme comes to a close the record machine breaks down and the music comes to a grinding halt. 

“Forged in the Fire” arises out of Separation’s broken, uncertain beginnings…

“The Old Souls is a new country band, but ‘Separation,’ the debut album by Petersen and her musical and romantic partner Elliot Killian, is soulful and seasoned work.” – Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Best of all, however, is when Petersen and Killian go full-on country: “Show Him The Door” is a Shania-esque rave-up, and closer “Just A Little More Sufferin’” is a crowd-pleasing bluegrass ditty, complete with fiddle.” – Matt Wild, Milwaukee Record

Forged in the Fire
Lyrics

Verse 1

         In a dark crowded room our unsatisfied atoms attract 

         Can you feel the allure as our bodies are pulled to react

         I will walk in circles surrounding, just to gauge if you’ll gravitate

         It’s exhilarating to imagine what bond we could make, what bond we could make.

Chorus 

Do you thirst with desire

Are you fearless enough to make an approach

Were you forged in the fire 

Can you withstand the heat of my throws

Or am I mistaken

If push came to shove would you walk out that door

Will you be shaken or will I be taking you home

I need to know

 Verse 2

I can sense your rotation into my radius

So if you are certain there’s something that I must confess                      

I will read all your thoughts and feelings 

Peg you down to column and row

This will be unequal sharing, prepare to lose all control

To lose all control

[Chorus]

Bridge

So you’ve heard all the warnings now   

Yet still charged to give up your energy

Don’t confuse my affinity

If you get to close, there’s no going back

[Chorus]

Ending

I need to know, I need to know

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Guitars, Bass, Organ, String Arrangement

Michael James Grassman – Drums

Joni Fuller – Violin, Viola

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Arndt, Matt Smith

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Friction
Lyrics

Verse 1

Look at this conversation would you choose to be me 

Look at this conversation you would not want to be

With all of your hesitations you should run and hide

Now I don’t think someone like you deserves to survive

Hey hey

Chorus 

Clearly there was whiskey involved in this conversation

There was lipstick involved in your hesitation

And all I do is look up to you

And all you do is breathe

Verse 2

Look at this situation that you’ve found yourself in   

Look at this situation you’ve been living in sin  

With all of these complications, don’t know where to begin

Now I don’t think I ever want to see you again

[Chorus]

[Instrumental]

[Verse 1]

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Guitars, Bass, Organ

Michael James Grassman – Drums

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Matt Smith, Kevin Arndt

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Show Him the Door
Lyrics

Verse 1

The trouble is you went back too soon, the trouble is he lives in a saloon

And when he plays you hard like I know he’ll do,                                            

When he plays you hard he’s gonna cheat on you

He’s done it once he’ll do it again, there’s other girls that aren’t just friends                 

He’s making plans thinking it through, and none of them involve you   

You gotta lay it down

Chorus       

You gotta say his name, call him out, in front of everyone let ‘em know about                         

All the shit he’s done to you, scream and shout, let ‘em know the truth

Cuz there’s a woman on his mind, it’s not you this time        

You gotta lay it on the line, and show him the door

Verse 2

He’ll come crawling back again, apologizing head in his hands

He’ll beg for you on his knees, tears in eyes crying please               

Been down this road too many times, why you lettin’ him control your life                               

This ain’t a thing you need to be in, why you giving him this sin

You gotta lay it down

Chorus                        

Bridge

He’s not gonna change his ways for you, being alone is better than being with that fool

Breakdown

Better catch him on the back beat, when he’s all drunk and he can’t see. 

That your coming for a shake down for staying out and messin’ around

There’s a woman on his mind and it’s not you this time, lay it on the line

Chorus

Ending

He’s the trouble

The trouble ain’t you

You better show him the door                                         

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen, Elliot Killian

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Electric, Acoustic, Slide Guitars; Bass, Precussion, Sound Efx

Quinton Kufahl – Drums

Ernest Brusubardis IV – Fiddle

Dave Adler – Organ

Backing Vocals – Annie Buege, Ally Hart

Group Vocals – Annie Buege, Blair Benes, Tanya Balkunas, Ally Hart, Holly Marie, Katie Mack 

 

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Arndt, Vinny Millevolte

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Someone to Hold On
Lyrics

Verse

Finding love and holding on, came with ease when I was young

Just a simple recipe would do

Got away with silly games, it’s always fun to get your way

But then you’re left with things you can’t undo 

And I can’t go back, to who I was cuz

Chorus

I need someone to hold on, I need someone to stay strong       

I can’t even find you, cuz you are too far gone

Stuck on the bottom, of some old whiskey bottle                         

And I can’t even dive in to rescue you 

And I need someone to hold onto, I need someone to hold on too

 Verse 2

All the things you said we’d do, but then you never followed through

I would have stayed if you could tell the truth

There comes a point of no return and when the lessons are not learned

Then there’s really nothing left to choose   

And I can’t go back to who I was cuz

[Chorus]                             

Bridge         

And if I hold my breath, and I if sell my soul          

And if steal your heart, I could regain control         

But if I break the rules, then I will never know       

What true love is, so I must let go

[Chorus]

Ending

And it ain’t you, it ain’t you

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Piano, Organ, Electric & Acoustic Guitars; Bass

Gary Carter – Pedal Steel

Backing Vocals – Kaleigh Warren, Annie Buege, Dave Buege

Drums – Big Fish Audio

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Arndt

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Thieve the Night
Lyrics

Verse 1

It’s time to raise a glass to the city

Let’s take our turn and wrong some rights

It’s not the time to stand looking pretty

Let’s hustle up and thieve the night

Pre-Chorus                 

And I’m not waiting on the sun to set,  

and I’m not waiting for my heart to rest  

Yes I am ready to rock yes I am ready to race with

Chorus                                     

I’m fired up ready to raise some, I’m fired up ready to raise some

Raise some hell

I’m fired up ready to raise some, I’m fired up ready to raise some

Raise some hell

Verse 2

It’s time to unravel and be reckless

Let’s push our limits in plain sight

It’s time to indulge in the excess

Let’s satisfy our souls to tonight

[Pre-Chorus]

[Chorus]

Well then let’s raise, let’s raise some hell

[Instrumental]

[Pre-Chorus]

And I’m not waiting on the sun to set,  

and I’m not waiting for my heart to rest  

[Chorus]

Well then let’s raise, let’s raise some hell

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen, Elliot Killian

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Guitars, Bass

Quinton Kufahl – Drums

Dave Adler – Organ

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Arndt

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Lonely
Lyrics

Verse 1

They will have pride will be satisfied

If I fill up my cup, if I fill it all up

They will know truth will uncover their youth

If I walk a straight line and say that I’m fine

Chorus

But I’m lonely I long for something I’ve never known

And it’s all I can think of, it’s all I’ve ever been yearning for

So I waste my time, waste my time, waste my time

Verse 2

Assuming the blame, but achieving no gain

For taking on debts from ignorant bets

Accepting our fate is hard to validate

When the struggles we face aren’t the struggles we’ve made

Chorus

And I’m lonely, I long for something I’ve never known

And it’s all I can think of it’s all I’ve ever been yearning for

So I waste my time, waste my time, waste my time towing that line

I waste my time, waste my time, waste my time, trying to find

Bridge                      

Am I past the point of no return

where hearts collide and lovers burn oh no 

Is there anything to fill the void

of emptiness that sits inside oh no, oh no

Ending

But I’m lonely I long for something I’ve never known

and it’s all I can think of it’s all I’ve ever been yearning for

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Elliot Killian – Piano, Organ, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Bass, String Arrangement

Michael James Grassman – Drums

Joni Fuller – Violin, Viola, Cello

 

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Arndt

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Sinking In
Lyrics

Verse 1  

Did they tell you you were wrong

Tell you that you don’t belong

Cut you down and bring you to your knees 

Do their words pull you apart  

Tear you up and break your heart

Cast you out and leave you there to bleed

Cast you out and leave you there to bleed

Chorus

Feel the heart, feel the breath, feel the soul, as it rolls on by 

Place your trust and faith in yourself and the world inside 

Gravitate to the things you love and leave the rest behind 

Not settling now, not settling now, I’m sinking in, sinking in

Verse 2

Are you buried in the words

All the voices that you’ve heard

Do they haunt you and steal your sleep at night

In the lonely midnight hour

Do the villains hide ‘n cower 

In the shadows of your psyche that they keep

In the shadows of your psyche that they keep

[Chorus]

Bridge

See the cross you bear, burn it to the ground, you can’t be scared 

Your lessons will be learned and you’ll prevail 

Out of the gray into the light

Chorus

Feel the heart, feel the breath feel the soul, as it rolls on by 

Place your trust and faith in yourself and the world inside 

Gravitate to the things you love and leave the rest behind 

Not settlin down, not settling down, I’m sinking in, I’m sinking in

Credits

Written by Laura Petersen, Elliot Killian

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Electric, Acoustic, & Slide Guitars; Bass

Dave Adler – Organ

Backing Vocals – Annie Buege, Dave Buege, Ally Hart

Drums – Drums on Demand

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Arndt

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

Just a Little More Sufferin'
Lyrics

Chorus

I don’t think you’re right for me,

Just a little more Sufferin’, then I’ll be’able to let you go

I don’t think you’re right for me,

Just a little more Sufferin’, then I’ll be’able to let you go

Verse1   

I don’t know what to make of that one time you brought me joy, 

Turned my life upside down, chasin’ your promises all around

And I’m done tryin’ to make something work that wasn’t meant to be, 

And I don’t think you’re right for me

[Chorus]

Verse2

Every time I’m about to leave you lure me back in

I can’t leave, but I can’t stay, it starts all over again

And if ask myself am I happy, I usually say no           

Then I don’t think you’re right for me

[Chorus]

Verse 3

Chasin’ pleasure, only brings you pain 

I thought this was different, but it turned out just the same  

I’m done tryin’ to make something work that wasn’t meant to be 

And I don’t think you’re right for me

Credits

Written by Elliot Killian

Produced by Elliot Killian

Laura Petersen – Vocals

Elliot Killian – Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin

Ernest Brusubardis IV – Fiddle, Harmony Vocals

Kevin Rowe – Upright Bass

Harmony Vocals – Annie Buege, Kaleigh Warren

 

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Vinny Millevolte

Mixed by Kevin Arndt (TreeHouse Studios)

Mastered by Justin Perkins (Mystery Room Mastering)

The Making of Separation

When Laura Petersen, an emotive singer-songwriter who had previously released a solo album with polished Nashville production, met Elliot Killian, a guitar player who had previously toured and released four albums with the power metal band Lords of the Trident, their connection was immediate, both musically and romantically.

Inspired and enthused by each other, and desiring more creative freedom, they embarked on the ambitious project of self-producing their debut album but soon found themselves in for a rude awakening.

Both had experienced major life turning points and losses prior to meeting. Petersen had suffered a challenging divorce, and Killian had left medical school and the securities of being a doctor; both in a deep search for liberation, truth, freedom, and love.

As the duo revisited the songs, largely conceived by Petersen before meeting, the couple found themselves uncomfortably reliving some of the song’s difficult themes as they struggled to strike a balance between their professional musical ambitions and personal relationship—coming to the stark realization that before they’d get to live their dreams they’d have to heal the past they thought they’d left behind.

The making of Separation took seven years of unforeseen growing pains, both in the studio and in their lives, with each area bleeding into the other. Had they not committed to and believed in the project, their exploration of darkness may never have seen the light of day. However, the prospects of seeing it through to completion and sharing the fruits of the journey left the couple with no choice but to peel away the layers of baggage they’d brought to the relationship. 

For the listeners, Separation speaks to relationship themes of Separation speaks to relationship themes of conflict, denial, heartbreak, doubt, self-worth, and longing. For the couple who created it, it represents the willingness to explore those themes and come out on the other side; to endure, to take ownership, and to commit to the searing flame of love long enough to be transformed.

Track Listing

  1. Separation (Intro) 
  2. Forged in the Fire
  3. Friction
  4. Show Him the Door
  5. Someone to Hold On
  6. Thieve the Night
  7. Lonely
  8. Sinking In
  9. Just a Little More Sufferin’

Credits

Laura Petersen – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Elliot Killian – Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Piano, Organ, Bass

Produced by Elliot Killian

Engineered by Elliot Killian, Kevin Ardnt, Matt Smith, Vinny Millevolte

Mixed by Kevin Ardnt of TreeHouse Studios (2-9), Elliot Killian (1)

Mastered by Justin Perkins of Mystery Room Mastering

 

Backing Vocals – Annie Buege (4,5,8,9), Dave Buege (5,8), Kaleigh Warren (5,9), Ally Hart (4,8), Ernest Brusubardis IV (9) 

Drums – Michael James Grassman (2,3,7), Quinton Kufahl (4,6)

Violin/Fiddle – Ernest Brusubardis IV (4,8), Joni Fuller (2,7) 

Pedal Steel – Gary Carter (5)

Organ – Dave Adler (4,6,8) 

Upright Bass – Kevin Rowe (9)

Group Vocals (4) – Annie Buege, Blair Benes, Tanya Balkunas, Ally Hart, Holly Marie, Katie Mack