For Your Consideration in Grammy® “The Silence” for Best American Roots Song by Michelle Howard featuring E J Ouellette

**For Your Consideration "The Silence" by Michelle Howard for Best American Roots Song**
. Produced by E.J. Ouellette for Whole Music Records™

"The Silence" stands as a quintessential Nor'east folk song that resonates deeply with the richness of American Roots Music. Michelle Howard's poignant lyrics capture the essence of longing and reflection, weaving a narrative that speaks to the heart of the listener.

Continued: The imagery of the quiet landscapes and introspective moments creates an emotional landscape that evokes both nostalgia and contemplation.

E.J. Ouellette's production craftsmanship shines through, as he masterfully blends traditional folk elements with modern sensibilities. The instrumentation features intricate guitar work, mandolin, Michelle’s soulful harmonies, and subtle layers that enhance the storytelling without overshadowing Howard's evocative voice. Dave Mattacks drums are classic Maestro Mattacks.

This song invites listeners to explore the profound silence that often follows life’s tumultuous moments. It teaches us that within the quiet lies a depth of understanding and connection to both ourselves and the world around us. By marrying heartfelt storytelling with folk traditions, "The Silence" embodies the spirit of American Folk Songs, making it a deserving contender for Best American Roots Song.

In a genre that thrives on authenticity, Michelle Howard's "The Silence" not only pays homage to its roots but also pushes the boundaries of what contemporary folk music can express. It is a song that lingers long after the last note has been played, inviting reflection and conversation—hallmarks of the best in American Roots Music.

Michelle is also a published author of the “The Silence” which was also submitted to the Grammy® 65 for Best Spoken Word

• Michelle Howard: All Vocals, acoustic guitar

• E J Ouellette: Acoustic guitar, mandolin & Bass Guitar

• Dave Mattack: Drums, keyboard

Arranged, Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by E J Ouellette at Whole Music Studios for Whole Music Records™

2nd Recording Engineer Aidan Blasi and Michelle Howard

Executive Producers: E J Ouellette & Michelle Howard

Photo and Cover Art by Whole Music Creative Director Lisa O’ Donnell.

The Silence

Home feels hollow as I wander around it

Rooms are vacant/ no laughter no sound

It’s hard to breathe/ the air harshly still

Forcing me to face what I can’t but I will

Close my eyes tight/ the throbbing still sears

As your beautiful image drowns in my tears

I need the strength I found in your arms

Helping me through this gut wrenching calm

For since you’ve been gone this silence is strong

This quiet that’s soundlessly sneaking along

Piercing my heart/ assailing my soul

Quiet that’s building/ soon to expose

The gaping hole in my heart

Moments away from falling apart

Can’t go on like this now that you aren’t

Living here by my side.

Days are pointless no fight left in me

Almost peaceful beneath the debris

A shade’s been drawn/ no light getting in

I smother the pain held deep within

For since you’ve been gone the silence is strong

This quiet that’s soundlessly sneaking along

Piercing my heart/ assailing my soul

Quiet that’s building/ soon to expose

The gaping hole in my heart

Moments away from falling apart

Can’t go on like this now that you aren’t

Living here by my side.

Can’t go on like this now that you aren’t

Living here by my side.