"I don't want to write a sad song," repeated in Kurt Foster's head over and over. Mission Spotlight had just lost a great friend and fan in Grant Smith. They knew they wanted to write a song for him and that it would mean the world to him to have the band create music in his honor. But it took some time and some grieving before "Miss You (For Grant)" emerged.

It was a struggle to play the song live at first because of the intense emotions it brought. But every time they played the song it brought some healing.

When it was time to record what they'd written, the band headed to Jackpot! Recording Studio to work with dear friend Larry Crane (Tape Op, Elliott Smith, M. Ward). Larry caught the vibe and tones perfectly to suit the tune.

The band called on friend Paul Brainard (Richmond Fontaine/The Sadies) to bring his haunting pedal steel skills to the mix, as well as a sparse trumpet that punctuates the mood. The drums boom and ring and the band disappears leaving Kurt to repeat once again, "I don't even know where to start." It's a journey through the band's hurt that will live on while the memories of their friend will always bring smiles.

"Grant was an amazing person who brought joy to a lot of people," says bassist Jeremy Dietz. "We miss him every day."

“Miss You (For Grant)” is paired with a cover of Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You." After the pandemic darkness of the last couple years the band wanted to reminisce a bit with a throwback tune from simpler days gone by. They worked with Cole Halverson (Marisa Anderson & William Tyler) to capture the song at Tucker Martine's world famous Flora Recording and Playback (My Morning Jacket, R.E.M.) in Portland. Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart, Grandaddy, The Breeders) mixed the Chapman tune at his studio The Ship in Los Angeles.

"Absolutely LOVED mixing ‘Baby Can I Hold You Tonight’," Espinoza says. "There are multiple covers of this song originally written by Tracy Chapman. Neil Diamond does a fine job! Even Pavarotti...but I really love Mission Spotlight's version. I know I am biased, but I'm just obsessed with how they infuse their collective R.E.M.-ness into this tune--an inspiration that Mission Spotlight wears proudly on their sleeves. The big wash-y guitar, big drums, haunting oooooh's in the background, all held down by the fundamental weight that is Kurt Foster's voice. His voice just makes you feel safe. It's strong yet shows signs of wear and tear...a wisdom of sorts. A life well traveled. It's not phony, it's something you can believe in. Sincerity is probably Kurt and Mission Spotlight's biggest gift."