Peace Somehow
#32 by Avi Kaplan
Y’all, the Jukebox is on full blast! Last week’s song prompt, A Bar In Amsterdam, by Katzenjammer turned out some fantastic stories! Thanks again to Steve McKennon for guest Headlining. And I can’t wait to see what Chris B. Writes has in store for us this week!
How would you like to pick our prompt? Find out how to join our revolving list of Headliners here.
Week #31 Feature🏆
This week’s Feature Award goes to Jennifer Haddock for her flash fiction story titled, A Bar In Amsterdam.
There was just so much to love about this piece! The story was fantastic, she nailed the theme. And the voiceover was such a great addition — it pulled me right in!
Mary? She sits, ethereal, on her mattress in the corner, ready to play the triangle in a way that’d make Pythagoras forget he ever theorized. That is to say, she’s a soon-to-be loser like us, immaculate heart notwithstanding. Winning and losing come down to who’s heard, and no one’s listened for Tinkerbell since Peter Pan lost his youth…
Here’s this week’s prompt, Peace Somehow, by Avi Kaplan!
“Peace Somehow” is a song by Avi Kaplan. It was released in 2025, as a single (his first new song of that year), and appeared on his album Move Our Souls.
Avi Kaplan, best known as the former bass vocalist of Pentatonix — his solo releases have a calm, introspective folk vibe with his signature deep, resonant voice.
“Peace Somehow” has a soothing, nature-inspired feel — think mountains, rivers, breezes, and finding inner calm amid life’s struggles. It’s often described as healing or meditative, with fans saying it brings a sense of peace (some compare it to the calming effect of chanting or temple sounds).
The official music video (directed and produced in a simple, atmospheric style) has been very popular — it surpassed 1 million views by late 2025. And it’s become a fan favorite for moments when you need grounding or emotional reset — people often mention playing it when feeling worn out or just wanting to breathe and recenter. (Grok helped me with this summary)
Here’s a great look at Avi Kaplan. Skip to the 4 minute mark for just the interview.
Calling all Poets, Fiction, or Non-Fiction writers that love music — Share your prose of 1500 words or less, using the prompt, Peace Somehow.
Remember:
Each Tuesday I’ll publish a newsletter with that week’s song prompt — along with a featured writer’s submission from the previous week.
Anyone is then free to run with it! Just add the link to your story or prose in the comments of this newsletter.
Subscribers to Stories from the Jukebox, also have a chance to be featured in the following week’s newsletter. And I’ll do my best to give feedback and restack each submission.
There’s always rules:
All forms of prose are welcome, just keep it under 1500 words.
Submissions must be published by midnight on Monday.
Submissions must include a tag/link to this week’s Song Prompt Newsletter embedded within the post.
While anyone is welcome to add their post in the comments at any time — all rules must be followed for a post to be eligible to be featured or shared.
Our prompt this week was chosen by Chris B. Writes. A great poet and storyteller, I’ve only recently discovered Chris and his beautiful family. But I instantly knew he’d be perfect to Headline a week of the Jukebox! Chris is such an inspiration to me 🙏 and I’m sure that you too will find he and his family’s story of resilience and gratitude inspiring as well.
Here’s this week’s Headliner, On Fresh Shoulders, by Chris B. Writes!
The song I selected, Peace Somehow by Avi Kaplan, is just one of those instant classics that stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it. I look forward to reading everyone else’s entries after they hear Avi’s incredibly distinct voice combined with a down-to-earth vibe that simply helps us all breathe easier.
Do you know a reader or writer that’d be perfect for this prompt? Share it with them!
Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Oh and if you’re an email reader, just hit reply — I want to hear from you too!
Don’t like commitments, but still want to support my writing? You can make a one-time contribution here.
Here's my contribution gang! https://storiesfromthejukebox.substack.com/p/try-to-get-it-right
I am honored to headline this week’s entry MJ! Peace Somehow is a song that will change your mood — and possibly your life — from the very first soothing note!