Peter John Whitmore's new single, "Next To You," is a quiet victory of defiance, love, and contemplation. From its opening chords, Whitmore pulls you into a tender world where every connection is sacred, and each passing moment shared with someone you love might just last forever. Grounded in the roots of folk and alt-country, "Next To You" thrives in authenticity, both in its sound and in its emotional resonance. Frontman Justin Whitmore's voice, mellow and textured with lived wisdom, serves as the vessel for a story that feels both timeless and utterly relevant in the present moment.
There's nothing contrived here; there is no overproduction or grand theatrics, only raw emotion, open chords, and a soft ache from a woman who has lived and loved profoundly. And the world is clearly watching. In just two weeks, "Next To You" has garnered over 2,500 streams, with 1,900 of these coming from Spotify, demonstrating notable appeal to listeners over 40. That's no coincidence. This is a song about a generation that understands the importance of holding onto someone dear and the fleeting time they have with them. It's cozy and warm and human, something that's becoming increasingly rare in a music culture that's increasingly privileging the digital first.
Even more so, the song derives its power from the man behind it. Whitmore's story hasn't been simple, hailing from Sheffield in 1969, from a young soldier in the British army to a near-death experience, which left him paralysed. But the music became a mirror, a sanctuary, and, eventually, a means of repair. His songs are responses to personal questions and messages to anyone who has ever asked themselves if they can try again. On "Next To You," Whitmore experiences love, and clicking play assures the listener will too, all through his music and all his words. It's a testament to the power that can be felt simply by being near someone we love. This is not only his most successful track to date, but it's also his most emotionally resonant. With every stream, more people are finding the quiet power of Peter John Whitmore.
Discover Peter John Whitmore on Instagram