Highway 95 Leave A Light On

Crossroads and Comfort: Highway 95’s ‘Leave A Light On’ Shines on the Road to Redemption

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

Highway 95’s “Leave A Light On” is less a blazing anthem and more a tender, unwavering promise delivered over dusty acoustic chords. Hailing from the rugged Pilbara region of Western Australia, the duo—comprising traditional owner Bob Derschow (guitar) and powerhouse vocalist Nicole Bylund—brings a raw, deeply Australian sensibility to the country-rock format. While they are known for their modern, energized country sound (as heard on tracks like “Ain’t Giving Up On You”), “Leave A Light On” showcases their ability to pull back, offering a mature, vulnerable moment of hope.

The Artists: Highway 95

Formed in January 2023, Highway 95 quickly established themselves as a significant voice in the Australian country music scene, blending acoustic foundation with rock intensity. Bob Derschow and Nicole Bylund share decades of experience in various bands, bringing a wealth of musical maturity to their original work. Derschow’s songwriting domain, rooted in life experiences and strong narratives, pairs perfectly with Bylund’s emotive, honest vocal delivery. Their focus is on authenticity and heart, successfully navigating the blend of traditional storytelling with contemporary country production, earning them a nomination for Best Band/Duo at the Australian Country Music People’s Choice awards.

The Review: ‘Leave A Light On’

While the track is part of their growing catalogue, “Leave A Light On” stands out for its clarity of message and emotional resonance. The core theme is one of steadfast loyalty—the assurance that no matter how far someone strays or how dark their path becomes, a place of safety and welcome remains. This is not a song about fixing someone, but simply waiting for them.

The production is subtle and effective. It strips back the heavier rock elements often present in their work, focusing instead on the interplay between Derschow’s acoustic rhythms and a clean, spacious soundscape. The percussion, if present, is restrained, allowing the vocals to command the emotional center. Nicole Bylund’s performance is the track’s anchor; her voice carries both a soft vulnerability and an underlying strength, preventing the ballad from devolving into sentimentality. She sings with the conviction of someone who has lived the pain and made the choice to hold the line, regardless of the cost.

The song resonates by avoiding cliché rockstar melodrama, instead opting for a universal depiction of enduring love and perseverance. It feels tailored for those long, lonely drives down a remote highway—the kind of road trip where reflection is unavoidable—and the knowledge that somewhere, a light is burning just for you. “Leave A Light On” is a testament to Highway 95’s depth, proving that their storytelling is just as compelling when they whisper as when they roar. It is a heartfelt, deeply committed piece of modern country music.