SINGLE REVIEW : ERLEND GUNSTVEIT - 16TH AVENUE

Fresh from his recent appearance at Buckle & Boots 2026, comes Erlend Gunstveit with a new song, that tells the story behind how he came to appreciate Country music and also the realities of life in Nashville.

An acoustic guitar opening seems to be accompanied by a wind blowing through in the background, such is the sound made by the instrumentation. At B&B Erlend had talked of growing up with records by George Jones and Buck Owens, the opening verse explains how that came to be.

"Grandma showed me records when I was eight years old

She gave me this guitar that was too big for me to hold

I rode into this town to see if all she said was true

Well, it didn′t take too long 'til I got lost on 16th Avenue"

The realities of what hits folk heading to the bright lights of Nashville is covered in the second verse where the gentlest of bass and percussion help fill out the sound.

"Broadway lights and cover bands put a twenty in the jar

They said I got a good voice but boy you won′t get far

I wanted to believe them 'cause they were red and white and blue

Somewhere along the way I got lost on 16th Avenue"

It is undoubtedly a beguiling city, with everyone chasing the next big break, and it is easy to see how chasing it can become an addiction.

"Music Row turned records into cash and broken hearts

I don't know where I′ll end up but I sure know where to start

They said it′s gone and nowhere to be seen

Oh, but I just can't let go of this big old dream"

The final verse neatly brings everything together, his Grandmother who had ignited the spark wonders when he'll be coming home, while possibly his route to the next level is a song detailing how it was her who has put him on this path.

"Every now and then I call her on the phone

She picks it up and asks me, "Is it time to come back home?"

I said, "I picked up your guitar and wrote this song for me and you

Cos I know the cost of getting lost on 16th Avenue"

The final notes seem to see Erlend hover indefinitely over them in true country style, and if you were fortunate enough to Erlend at B&B, you'll want to check this out.