Introducing The Petracca Project, a bold new collaborative effort uniting songwriter C.P. Petracca, producer Ben Pelchat, and vocalist Jeff Smith. Their debut single, “I Still Believe,” is a rallying anthem of freedom and unity, released just in time to inspire unity among listeners.
Initially created for music publishing, “I Still Believe” was intended to be pitched to other artists. However, the production process went so smoothly, and the track’s impact was so profound that the team decided to release it as a final cut, rather than just a demo. The song taps into powerful emotions stemming from the 2022 COVID-19 lockdowns and the Freedom Convoy movement, where Canadian and American truckers protested vaccine mandates that restricted their movement across the U.S.-Canada border.
The song’s inspiration struck when Petracca witnessed the convoy firsthand while driving to Ottawa. “Seeing the roads lined with people, waving flags, and holding signs in solidarity was heartwarming and inspiring,” recalls Petracca. “It was a peaceful yet powerful moment, reminding us of the resilience and unity of everyday people.”
Petracca shared an early demo with vocalist Jeff Smith, who instantly connected with the song’s message. Smith recorded his initial vocal in his basement cold room—a makeshift studio during pandemic restrictions—and the raw, heartfelt performance resonated deeply with the production team. In the end, despite later opportunities to re-record in a professional studio, the team chose to use Smith’s original vocal. The emotion and authenticity captured in that unique moment, while he was literally “locked down” during the lockdown, felt irreplaceable.
With The Petracca Project, “I Still Believe” brings together the efforts of three artists dedicated to crafting a piece that speaks to unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of freedom. This single is more than a song—it’s a testament to the power of music to connect, inspire, and remind us of shared values.
