Mark Lightcap & The Canyon Caterwaulers’ New Single, “Choose Love”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Unifying Voice of Butte Creek Canyon
Mark Lightcap & The Canyon Caterwaulers have delivered a powerful and timely message with their debut single, “Choose Love.” Released on August 1, 2025, this track is more than just an upbeat Americana tune; it is a musical rallying cry for unity, directly inspired by the community spirit of Butte Creek Canyon, California.
Song Review – “Choose Love”
A Glimmer of Hope in a Fractured World
Genre: Americana / Bluegrass / Country Americana Mood: Upbeat, Hopeful, Positive, Happy Runtime: 2:42
“Choose Love” is a vibrant, short, and punchy single that immediately stands out for its earnestness and infectious optimism. The song sits comfortably within the Americana genre, blending elements of Bluegrass and traditional Country. Its sound profile is reminiscent of influences cited by the band, drawing parallels to the storytelling sensibilities of John Prine and the roots-rock feel of artists like Steve Earle and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
The track is anchored by a spirited arrangement:
- Robert Lightcap’s lead vocal is clear and heartfelt, delivering the simple, yet profound, message with conviction.
- James Atkinson’s fiddle and lead guitar work provide a bright, driving energy, characteristic of Bluegrass flair.
- The rhythmic backbone is solid, featuring Mark Lightcap’s acoustic guitar, Les Bibbit’s bass, and Vinnie Carini’s drums, which together propel the track forward at a steady, upbeat tempo (95 bpm).
- Taylor Hacket’s banjo adds an essential layer of traditional texture, grounding the song firmly in its roots influences.
The songwriting, credited to Mark R. Lightcap, is direct and accessible. The core message—the choice between love and hate—is not presented as a complex philosophical dilemma but as a practical, daily decision. This simplicity is the song’s greatest strength, making its message universally appealing and instantly digestible.
The most poignant and unique element of the recording is the inclusion of 22 Butte Creek Canyon residents on backing vocals. This “Canyon Community” chorus, as it is essentially, is what elevates the song from a standard Americana single to a communal anthem. While not strictly polished, the collective voice gives the track an authentic, grassroots feel—the sound of a real community choosing harmony over discord. The result is a song that is genuinely “Hopeful, Positive, Happy,” offering a brief but powerful dose of musical therapy for a divisive time.
Verdict: “Choose Love” is a refreshing and impactful debut. It’s a well-executed piece of Americana that succeeds not only musically but as a powerful statement on the necessity of community and shared humanity.